testdatatools
Database generators

Which test data generator fits your database?

Start with the exact database engine and version. Redgate and ApexSQL focus on SQL Server. Datanamic and Upscene describe broader or edition-specific connection options. DTM and IRI target additional generation workflows; verify editions.

What changes the decision?

An ODBC connection is not proof of full database compatibility. Schema introspection, computed columns, constraints and bulk loading are separate questions. A string generation mask is also different from privacy masking.

What should your proof of concept show?

Use your actual schema, not a names-and-addresses demo. Include composite keys, checks, nullable foreign keys and a generated column. Verify inserted rows and cleanup, then confirm current maintenance and license terms.

These are editorial decision criteria, not measured product rankings. Follow the profiles below for product-specific source evidence.

Tools in this category

Product status changed

ApexSQL Generate by Quest

Database generators

ApexSQL Generate creates SQL Server test data using random, regex, and incremental column generators. Quest presents it in SQL DevOps; latest located release notes are version 2022.02.x.

Product status changed

Datanamic Data Generator

Database generators

Datanamic Data Generator creates schema-aware rows for nine platforms, with direct inserts or SQL, customizable generators, and foreign-key integrity. Vendor says it is no longer a core product.

Sources reviewed

DTM Data Generator

Database generators

DTM Data Generator creates database test data and scrambled values with schema-aware relationships, repeatable mode, and SQL/file output. Features vary by edition; scrambling and a bundled masking-tool license are Enterprise-only.

Sources reviewed

IRI RowGen

Database generators

IRI RowGen synthesizes and populates structurally correct test data for relational databases, files, reports, and semi-structured targets. Jobs use metadata, generation rules, and the CoSort engine; it can blend generated and selected real values.

Sources reviewed

Redgate SQL Data Generator

Database generators

Redgate SQL Data Generator creates schema-aware synthetic rows for SQL Server and supported hosted deployments, with foreign-key consistency, custom generators, command-line automation, and fixed-seed repeatability.

Retired product

SB Data Generator

Database generators

SB Data Generator was Softbuilder's GUI tool for generating and loading realistic data into selected database tables or whole databases. The vendor retired it as a standalone product and integrated generation into ERBuilder.

Sources reviewed

Upscene Advanced Data Generator

Database generators

Upscene Advanced Data Generator creates reusable localized sample data across related tables. Pro uses ADO/ODBC; editions target InterBase, Firebird, MySQL, or Access. Listed version 4.2.0 was released March 2025.