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Asked: 2026-05-11T07:22:42+00:00

I’m looking for recommendations of a good, free tool for generating sample data for

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I’m looking for recommendations of a good, free tool for generating sample data for the purpose of loading into test databases. By analogy, something that produces ‘lorem ipsum‘ text for any RDBMS. Features I’m looking for include:

  • Flexibility to generate data for an existing table definition.
  • Ability to generate small and large data sets (> 1 million rows or more).
  • Generate in SQL script format (INSERT statements) or else in a flat file format suitable for bulk import (which is usually faster).
  • A command-line interface for easy scripting.
  • Extensible, open source, written in a dynamic language (these are nice-to-haves, not strong requirements).

PS: I did search for a duplicate question on StackOverflow, but I didn’t find one. If there is one, I’ll be grateful to get a pointer to it.

Thanks for the great responses everyone! I should amend my requirements that I use Mac OS X as my primary development environment, not Windows (though I did say command-line interface is desirable, and that practically rules out Windows). The Windows-specific suggestions will no doubt be useful to other readers of this question, though, so thanks.

Here is my conclusion:

  • GenerateData:
    • PHP web app interface, not command line
    • limited to generating 200 records (or pay $20 for license to generating 5,000 records)
  • RedGate SQL Data Generator
    • not free, price $295
    • requires Windows, .NET, SQL Server
  • Visual Studio 2008 Database Edition
    • requires Windows
    • requires costly MSDN or ISV subscription
  • Banner Datadect
    • not free, price $595
    • requires Windows (?)
    • no support for MySQL (?)
    • GUI, not command line or scriptable
  • Ruby Faker gem
    • way too slow to use ActiveRecord for bulk data load
  • Super Smack
    • chiefly a load-testing tool, with a random data generator built in
    • pretty simple to use nevertheless
    • overall a good runner-up tool
  • Databene Benerator
    • best solution for my needs
    • XML scripts, compatible with DbUnit
    • open source (GPL) Java code
    • command-line usage
    • access many databases directly via JDBC
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  1. Take a look at databene benerator, a test data generator that looks close to your requirements.

    • it can generate data for an existing table definition (or even anonymize production data)
    • it can generate larges data set (unlimited size)
    • it supports various input (CSV, Flat Files, DBUnit) and output format (CSV, Flat Files, DBUnit, XML, Excel, Scripts)
    • it can be used on the command line or through a maven plugin
    • it’s open source and customizable

    I would give it a try.

    BTW, a list of similar products is available on databene benerator’s web site.

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