Validate a data model by manipulating and querying virtual test data
August 15th, 2020,
To validate the coherence and correctness of an Entity/Relationship data model, ERBuilder provides a way to validate the model using sample data by manipulating and querying these data in a database sandbox.
This feature is called “Virtual Data” on ERBuilder. The virtual data are data that are not persistent in a database. These data are stored only in memory and are used to validate a data model and populate a database with test data.
In this post, you will learn how to validate a data model using the virtual data feature by ERBuilder.
1- First open you model in ERBuilder then select “Tools | Virtual Data”:

2- Secondly, to start fill in virtual data you have the choice to fill in manually, or you can populate the grid automatically using the data generators.
To assign data generators, open the table's form you want to populate with virtual test data and select the "data generation" tab as shown in the screenshot below.
Assign for each column of your table a data generator template from the generators available, for example: assign "Sequence" template to a primary key column.

3- Now, we can populate the virtual data grid automatically. To do so, open the virtual data window again, and on the “Data” tab select the column that you want to fill in with virtual data. You need to set the number of rows that you want to populate in the grid. Finally, click the populate button.

Querying the virtual test data generated
You can manipulate the virtual data by using the query editor, accessed by clicking the “Query” tab on the Virtual data window.

ERBuilder is a GUI data modeling tool that allows you to visualize, design and model databases by using entity relationship diagrams and automatically generates the most popular SQL databases. Generate and share the data Model documentation with your team. Optimize your data model by using advanced features such as test data generation, schema compare and schema synchronization. Try now ERBuilder for 15 days FREE
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