A "lookup" in the Advanced Data Generator is a set of data with 1 or more columns and 1 or more rows. You can use this set of data in your project to generate, for example:
| • | multi-column referential links (How to) |
| • | import CSV files |
| • | use data from an external data source |
| • | use the result from a custom aggregate query to generate new values |
and much more...
What types of lookups are there?
With a lookup, you can get data from:
| • | database tables or views in the current database or from another registered database |
| • | custom SQL queries in the current data or in another registered database |
How does it work?
When you use a Lookup to generate data, the data is loaded into memory and when you get data from the lookup for multiple columns, it makes sure that this data always comes from the same row.
A Lookup has one of three "select-modes" of data:
Random |
Take a random row per iteration and use it's column values. |
Sequential |
Start at row 1 and move to the next row after each iteration. Optionally "wrap around" to row 1 at the end of the set of data. |
Unique |
Take a random row and remove it from the list of possible rows to take, so that each row is only used once. |
Creating a lookup
You can create lookups for each item in the database tree view. Click tab Lookups under Item Settings and use the Define Lookup button.
Lookups in the Data Generator Project window
This will start the Define Lookup Wizard, select a lookup-type and click Next. Now enter the details for database based lookups or the CSV file lookups.