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Synthetic Laravel Package
syntheticjs/synthetic
Synthetic is a lightweight Laravel/PHP package for generating and managing synthetic data. It provides a straightforward API for defining fixtures and seeding test or development databases, helping keep environments predictable and reproducible.
At a glance
Frequently asked questions about Synthetic
- What is Synthetic used for in Laravel?
- Synthetic is a lightweight Laravel package for defining and generating synthetic datasets. It helps populate development and testing environments with realistic records. Definitions are schema-style and reusable across models, seeders, and tests.
- How do I install Synthetic in a Laravel app?
- Install it via Composer using composer require syntheticjs/synthetic. The package includes Laravel config and service provider support, so you can adjust configuration as needed. Check the repository README for the exact setup steps for your Laravel version.
- Does Synthetic support deterministic output for repeatable tests?
- Yes, deterministic output is one of the package's core features. It helps keep test runs repeatable by generating the same synthetic records under the same conditions. This is useful when you need stable fixtures in Laravel tests.
- Can I reuse Synthetic definitions across seeders and tests?
- Yes, Synthetic is designed around reusable generators and schema-style definitions. You can define datasets once and reuse them for models, database seeders, and tests. This keeps fake data consistent and easier to maintain.
- How does Synthetic integrate with Laravel configuration?
- The package provides Laravel integration with config and service provider support. That means you can manage package settings through Laravel's configuration system. For exact config keys and publishing steps, refer to the package documentation.
- Can I extend Synthetic with custom data sources?
- Yes, Synthetic supports extensible drivers for custom data sources. This lets you adapt generation to your own fixtures or data providers. The core API stays focused on defining and reusing synthetic datasets.
- Is Synthetic suitable for production data generation?
- Synthetic is aimed at development and testing environments, where realistic synthetic records help seed databases. The overview does not describe production data migration or anonymization features. Avoid using it as a production data pipeline without reviewing the package's capabilities.
- What Laravel versions does Synthetic support?
- The provided context does not specify exact Laravel version constraints. Because the package advertises Laravel integration with config and service provider support, check its composer.json and README for supported Laravel and PHP versions. That will confirm compatibility for your application.
- How is Synthetic different from Laravel factories and seeders?
- Synthetic complements Laravel's seeding workflow by providing schema-style, reusable dataset definitions and deterministic output. It is not described as a replacement for factories; instead it focuses on defining synthetic datasets that can be reused across models, seeders, and tests. Evaluate it alongside factories if you need repeatable fixtures.
- Is Synthetic actively maintained?
- The provided context does not include release history or maintenance status for Synthetic. Check the GitHub repository for recent commits, tagged releases, and issue activity. That will help you judge whether it is actively maintained for your Laravel version.
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