How to Load Data Into DB

Rails
1

Is there a way of automatically initializing a database with sample
data? I ask because fixtures seems to be geared towards the test
database (different from the development version) and that too it loads
one table at a time (maybe I could have calls to all the fixtures in one
test file?). Is there a typical way the rest of you are initializing a
database with data for usage?

2

check out seed_fu,
http://intridea.com/2008/4/20/seed-fu-simple-seed-data-for-rails

3

I’ve also been on projects where migrations are used to seed the data.

Best.
Mike

4

You can also create a controller with generator methods based upon your
needs:

def test_products
quantity = params[:id].to_i
quantity.times do |i|
product = Product.new(
:created_at => Date.today,
:name => ‘Acme yoyo’
:price => ‘5.00’)
product.save
end
render :text => “Generated #{quantity} products.”
end

You can edit this as needed, then execute this via url passing the # of
products you want.

5

Michael B. wrote:

I’ve also been on projects where migrations are used to seed the data.

Best.
Mike

I have encountered some where the migration has “MODEL_NAME”.create
:FIELD=>VALUE
… it sounds good … maybe I could try that … it seems the easiest to
do . However, I like the flexibility of fixtures and the controller
approach.

6

On Jun 23, 2008, at 3:12 PM, MW Administrator wrote:

You can also create a controller with generator methods based upon
your
needs:

Just make sure you don’t deploy this controller to the production site.

Best.
Mike