Advanced Concepts Overview

Once you’re comfortable with the basics of datagen models, you can leverage advanced features to achieve more sophisticated and powerful data generation.

What You’ll Learn

This section covers advanced topics that will help you:

• Configure and organize models using metadata and custom Go code
• Generate sequential and indexed data with the iter variable
• Create parameterized fields using the calls section
• Build relationships between models using self.datagen references

Topics

Optional Model Sections

Learn how to use metadata and misc sections to configure your models and inject custom Go code.

Key features:

• Set default record counts
• Organize models with tags
• Define custom types and constants
• Write helper functions

Go to Optional Sections →

The iter Variable

Master the built-in iter variable to generate sequential, indexed, and pattern-based data.

Use cases:

• Generate sequential IDs
• Create batches of records
• Implement alternating patterns
• Build index-based logic

Go to iter Variable →

Function Calls

Understand how to parameterize field generators using the calls section.

Learn about:

• Parameterized field syntax
• Providing arguments in calls
• Argument evaluation and reuse

Go to Function Calls →

Model References

Create relationships between models using self and self.datagen references.

Build:

• Same-model references
• Cross-model relationships
• Complex multi-model dependencies
• Realistic foreign key relationships

Go to Model References →

Nesting models in directories

You can nest models in directories to namespace them, according to services for example.

Go to Nesting →

Prerequisites

Before diving into these advanced topics, make sure you understand:

• Data Model basics - Core model structure
• Built-in Functions - Available generator functions

Getting Help

If you get stuck, check out:

• Examples - Practical code examples
• Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions