Pattern Masking

Purpose

The pattern masking format generates masked data in a user-defined way. This simplified masking format ensures flexibility in defining the output format.

Inputs

Pattern: The input pattern defines how random values are generated within the masked data, allowing a maximum generated data length of 30 characters. It supports specific placeholders:
  • %c for a random lowercase letter
  • %C for a random uppercase letter
  • %u[] for a random character from a user-defined set
  • %% for a %
  • %d for a random digit
Users can also specify %nd, %nc, %nC, or %nu[] to generate n random digits, letters, or characters from a given set, respectively, where n ranges from 0 to 9. For instance, %3d will generate three random digits or %5C will generate five random uppercase letters. See the examples below for more details.

Any other character in the pattern is retained as-is in the output.

Supported Data Types

Character

Characteristics

  • Supports double-byte characters: No
  • Combinable: No
  • Deterministic: No
  • Reversible: No
  • Uniqueness: No

Examples

  • Use the pattern %3d-%5C to generate data like 416-JQPCS.
  • Use the pattern %3d-%5c to generate data like 416-dehco.
  • Use the pattern %u[$^#] to generate data like $.
  • Use the pattern %%%3d to generate data like %704.