Populate Your Database
Transform your empty database into a fully functional system with real data. Endora provides multiple ways to populate your tables with sample data, making it easy to test and demonstrate your API.
What You'll Learn
In this guide, you'll discover:
- Multiple data insertion methods
- Bulk data import capabilities
- AI-powered data generation
- Data validation and formatting
- Sample data best practices
Data Population Overview

Data Insertion Methods
Endora offers three powerful methods to populate your database with data. Choose the method that best fits your needs and workflow.
Method 1: Manual Data Entry
The simplest way to add data is through the visual interface.
Steps:
- Navigate to Data Source - Go to your project's data source tab
- Select Table - Choose the table you want to populate
- Add Records - Click "+" and fill in the fields
- Save Data - Click save to insert the record
Manual entry is ideal for:
- Adding a few records quickly
- Testing specific data scenarios
- Creating initial admin or test users
- Fine-tuning individual records
Method 2: File Import
For larger datasets, use the file import feature to upload CSV or Excel files.
Steps:
- Prepare Your File - Create a CSV or Excel file with your data
- Upload File - Use the import feature in the data source tab
- Map Columns - Match your file columns to database fields
- Import Data - Review and confirm the import
File import is perfect for:
- Migrating existing data
- Bulk data insertion (100+ records)
- Importing from spreadsheets
- Loading production-like datasets
Supported File Formats:
| Format | Max Size | Features |
|---|---|---|
| CSV | 50 MB | Fast, simple, widely supported |
| JSON | 10 MB | Complex nested data |
Method 3: AI Data Generation
Let AI generate realistic sample data that matches your schema.
Steps:
- Access AI Generator - Go to the JSON Editor for AI Generation tool
- Configure Settings - Select table you want to insert and set the number of records
- Generate Data - Let AI create realistic sample data
- Review & Insert - Review generated data and insert into your tables
AI generation excels at:
- Creating realistic test data
- Generating diverse datasets
- Populating demo environments
- Testing with varied data patterns
AI Generation Features:
- Smart Field Detection - Recognizes field types (email, name, phone, etc.)
- Relationship Awareness - Maintains foreign key integrity
- Realistic Values - Generates contextually appropriate data
- Bulk Generation - Create thousands of records instantly
Ready to Generate Your API?
With your database populated, you're ready to:
- Generate API Endpoints - Create REST APIs for your data
- Test Functionality - Use the built-in testing interface
- Deploy Your API - Make it available for production use
- Monitor Performance - Track API usage and response times
Continue to the API Generation Guide to learn how to create endpoints for your populated database.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
If your import fails:
- Check file format and encoding (UTF-8 recommended)
- Verify column names match database fields
- Ensure data types are compatible
- Check for special characters or formatting issues
If validation fails:
- Review constraint definitions in your schema
- Check for duplicate values in unique fields
- Verify foreign key references exist
- Ensure required fields are populated
If data operations are slow:
- Reduce batch size for imports
- Add indexes to frequently queried columns
- Use bulk operations instead of individual inserts
- Consider database optimization
Need Help?
- Documentation: docs.endora.io
- Community Forum: community.endora.io
- Support: support@endora.io