

- #Data generator tool how to#
- #Data generator tool manual#
- #Data generator tool full#
- #Data generator tool software#
"RandomDate ( 1940 1990 )" // random date between 19 Whether existing data should be left alone or replaced with new test dataįor example, the script parameter might look like this: # ( "fieldsAndCalcs".Whether the fields should be set for just the current record or the entire found set.which custom function to use for each field)
#Data generator tool how to#
Instructions on how to populate those fields (i.e.A list of fields to populate with test data.This script takes in a parameter to specify the following:

Instead you can use the “Use Test Values” script that’s included in the module. But then you would still have to create a script that uses those functions to set the appropriate fields. It would be easy enough to simply copy the custom functions to your solution, and you’re welcome to do just that. I built the demo file following the modular approach prescribed at. Click on the “Create More Test Records” button to create new, blank records, and then click on the “Use Test Values” button to fill them with test data. Take a look at the demo file I’ve put together. You can use the Test Data Generator to quickly and easily populate your solution with realistic data. This can be a challenge when you are demoing new functionality that you’ve created or when a subset of users are testing the solution during the user acceptance testing (UAT) phase of a project. Users have a hard time relating to an empty system (a solution without any data in it). For this purpose I created a “Create More Test Records” script that prompts the user for the number of new records to create. Using Test Data To Stress Test A SolutionĪnother situation where this technique can be useful is when you need to stress test your solution, for example by creating tens or hundreds of thousands of records, to see how it performs under such large record volumes. Tax Rate – RandomValueFromValueList ( “Tax Rate” ).Quantity – RandomNumber ( 1 5 0 ) // random number between 1 and 5.Terms – RandomValueFromValueList ( “Terms” ).Type – RandomValueFromValueList ( “Invoice Type” ).For example, if you wanted to do this for creating invoice records, you could set it up like this:

The demo file tracks contacts data, but these custom functions can be used for any type of data. Type Of Data Supported (Not Just Contacts) Setting up the script takes a few minutes, but it’s well worth it, because it then becomes quick and easy to create realistic test data.
#Data generator tool full#
I place a button to call the script on the layouts where I need it for testing, and I use the FileMaker 13 “Hide object when” feature to hide the button when the user is not a full access user. The script fills in all of the fields using the custom functions. Now I’ve gotten in the habit of creating a script for each entity (table) that I have to create test data for. There’s also a custom function in there that selects a random value from a value list that you specify.
#Data generator tool manual#
The net effect of this manual entry is it discourages effective testing. If there’s data validation in place, then I’m in real trouble. Pretty soon, I’m just typing in “xxx” or “asdf”. If I also need to enter in address data, I’m hopeless. If the fields requiring a value include a name field, I’m good to go for about 5-6 records, until I exhaust the ‘first name’ supply that I seem to keep handy in my brain.
#Data generator tool software#
When testing the functionality of a solution, software developers frequently have to create test records, which requires them to enter in test data. Manual Entry of Test Data Discourages Testing
