One of the recurring “challenges” for developers and web developers is having access to test data that closely resembles production data. This allows for the creation of prototypes and the execution of tests with data that is as realistic as possible. I remember about twenty years ago, I struggled to find good data for testing and had to write scripts every time to generate it… but the generated data wasn’t great.
In this article, we’re going to explore some cool online tools, which are free (or at least offer a free version), to easily generate data 🙂
Reasons to use a data generator
To test and create prototypes, we need high-quality datasets, and preferably, the data should be quite realistic. At first glance, when we think of realistic data, tools like ChatGPT and its counterparts may come to mind. The data these tools generate is often of very good quality, and with just a few prompts, you can obtain truly interesting data. However, when it comes to analyzing vast datasets, it’s crucial to implement efficient tools and techniques that can handle and process large-scale information while ensuring the reliability and accuracy of insights derived from the data.
The main issue with these generative AIs is that data generation is really slow. It takes about ten seconds to generate a JSON with around fifty elements! When you need volume, it’s a no-go!
That’s why we’ll explore some online tools that can generate (tens of) thousands of elements in just a few seconds.
Online data generators
Mockaroo
Mockaroo is a web-based data generation tool designed to create realistic, structured, and randomized datasets for testing and development purposes. It allows users to generate custom datasets with fields like names, addresses, dates, numbers, emails, and more. The platform supports a wide range of data types!
Key features include:
- Customizable fields: You can define field names and types to mimic real-world data structures.
- Format variety: Data can be exported in formats like CSV, JSON, SQL, and Excel.
- Data realism: The tool incorporates realistic data patterns to ensure datasets appear authentic for testing software.
However, the free version limits you to generating a maximum of 1,000 rows per dataset :(. For larger datasets or more advanced features, a paid subscription is required.
ExtendsClass
The CSV Generator by ExtendsClass is a web-based, open-source tool designed for generating customized datasets for testing, development, and simulation purposes.
Key features include:
- Customizable fields: Users can define the data type for each field, including names, numbers, dates, regex, js function, and custom strings.
- Multiple data options: It provides a wide range of options such as random names, addresses, dates, numeric values, and more.
- Format variety: Data can be exported in formats like CSV, JSON, SQL, and Excel.
- Open-source: As an open-source tool, it offers flexibility for developers who want to extend or modify its functionality.
Unlike many other tools, the CSV Generator by ExtendsClass does not impose any row limits, making it a flexible and scalable solution for generating large datasets without restrictions.
Generatedata.com
Generatedata.com is an open-source, web-based tool designed to create customizable, randomized datasets for testing and development.
Key features include:
- Customizable data fields: You can define the structure and data type for each field.
- Multiple export formats: Data can be exported in formats such as CSV, JSON, Excel, SQL, and XML. But also to JS, Typescript, Perl, Python … !
- Open-source: Users can self-host the tool and modify it for specific needs, making it flexible for a variety of applications.
Generatedata.com limits dataset generation to a maximum of 500 rows. To generate more rows and access additional features, you need to create a free account.
Conclusion
So, we’ve explored some really interesting and easy-to-use tools, and now you can easily generate your data. In the introduction, I was a bit critical of generative AI, but if one day it becomes 100x faster than it is today, it will then become indispensable. Stay tuned!
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