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## 5.2.1 About Blueprints

Blueprints are JSON files that define the tables and columns that store generated data. You can use existing tables in your schema, import valid blueprints, or create a blueprint from scratch using Blueprint Designer.

Blueprints are the primary object you use in Data Generator. Blueprints enable you to transfer entire apps and data sets between workspaces or populate a new workspace with custom apps.

Each Blueprint can contain one or more tables, columns, and custom data sources. Each column has a Data Source type with many customization options available. When generating data, a number of rows per table are produced and a downloadable file can be obtained.

Download options are:

- JSON or comma-separated values (CSV) files
- A SQL script with inserts ready to run against a workspace with matching tables and columns

Quick Table Inserts with Data Generator

If there are tables in your schema that match the table and column names in the Blueprint, you have the option to run inserts of generated data against these tables.

Note:

Currently the Data Generator does not consider the table constrains when inserting data. You must adjust the Blueprint column data sources configuration so that generated data can be inserted successfully into the schema tables.

The fastest option to quickly generate data is to create a Blueprint from Scratch that includes a sample table, several columns with different data source types, and a custom data source. From there you can Preview its data, make any adjustments necessary, and Generate Data.

Generate Data is the process of using the Data Generator API to quickly populate rows of data based on the Blueprint customizations. It can be used to quickly insert thousands of rows into existing tables in your schema or produce JSON, CSV or SQL insert files that can be used against other apps, tables or for quick report prototyping.

For instance, you might have an APEX application with reports, graphs, and other page items and regions linked to tables existing in your schema. Using Data Generator to insert thousands of rows of data into these tables enables you to more realistically test your application in a safe environment so that you can identify the necessary adjustments for your tables or reports, rather than having these issues appear when dealing with real-world information in a production environment.

See Also:

About Blueprint Designer

Parent topic: Using Data Generator