generating large random test data for a MySQL database

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Sven Baumer - 25 Feb 2005 08:53 GMT

Hi all,

What's the easiest way to generate large test tables of random (best within
specified parameters) data to be used in a MySQL db?

EMS Data Generator seemed *perfect*, but doens't on my system (Win XP, but
not all admin rights).

Thanks a bunch :-)

Sven.

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poster - 25 Feb 2005 10:15 GMT

Hi Sven

I haven't tried it but how about

http://www.sqledit.com/dg/

cheers

Dave

> Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Sven.

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Jerry Gitomer - 25 Feb 2005 15:36 GMT

> Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Sven.

If you rely on nothing but random data you have no assurance
that all conditions will be tested.

As a result, IMHO, you are better off testing with carefully
built data that can be structured to test for specific conditions.

As you correct your code to handle new problems discovered by
your users add the data that caused the problem to surface to
your test suite.

Use your original test data and that added as a result of
finding problems for regression tests whenever your code is
changed.

HTH
Jerry

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Igor Shekalev - 25 Feb 2005 19:32 GMT

Jerry,

All modern data generators seems a little more intelligent against random
data generatiors.
Usually you can create data by mask, using predefined data libraries, etc.
Also, it supports foreign keys and CHECK constraints.

JG> If you rely on nothing but random data you have no assurance that
JG> all conditions will be tested.

Igor Shekalev, http://www.sqledit.com, powerful database tools

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rloef@interfold.com - 26 Feb 2005 16:37 GMT

> Hi all,
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Sven.

This thread reeks of product shilling, but if you really _do_ need
large amounts of data you might do a google search for something like
'ocean temperature datasets'. There are some large (50MB-100MB)
datasets of, well, ocean temperatures that are downloadable by the
masses. Most of it meant absolutely nothing to me but it was a great
learning tool; mostly about learning to always remember to use a WHERE
clause when fooling around with a UPDATE...SET command...

r

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