What is dataframe-builder?
dataframe-builder is a TypeScript/JavaScript library designed to generate sample dataframes tailored to your specifications. By defining column types and the number of rows, you can produce datasets that mimic real-world data structures, facilitating effective testing and development.
I created this project are a foray into open source software, so I welcome any suggestions, contributions, issues, etc. Github Repo here: davidinwald/data_generator
Key Features
1. Customizable Column Types
Define each column’s characteristics, including:
- Strings: Generate names or lorem ipsum text.
- Numbers: Specify ranges, precision, and whether values are integers or floats.
- Booleans: Randomly assign true or false values.
- Dates: Produce datetime values within defined intervals.
This flexibility allows you to craft datasets that closely resemble your application’s expected data.
2. Random and Described Data Generation
- Random Independent Values: Each row’s data is generated independently, ideal for general testing.
- Described Series: Create data following specific mathematical patterns (e.g., linear, quadratic), perfect for visualizations and simulations.
3. Mathematical Series and Shapes
A standout feature is the ability to generate data that follows mathematical series or shapes. This is particularly useful for:
- Data Visualization: Test charts and graphs with predictable patterns.
- Algorithm Testing: Evaluate how algorithms perform with data following known distributions.
- Educational Purposes: Demonstrate concepts using data that follows specific mathematical rules.
When and Where to Use dataframe-builder
- UI Development: Populate tables, charts, and other components with realistic data during the development phase.
- Testing: Create diverse datasets to test application behavior under various scenarios.
- Prototyping: Quickly generate data to showcase features or concepts.
- Data Science: Simulate datasets for algorithm development or educational demonstrations.
Getting Started
Installation
Install the package using npm:
bashCopyEditnpm install dataframe-builder
Basic Usage
javascriptCopyEditimport { buildDataFrame } from 'dataframe-builder';
const columnTypes = [
{ name: "Name", type: "string", subType: "name" },
{ name: "Score", type: "number", min: 0, max: 100, precision: 2 },
{ name: "Passed", type: "boolean" },
{ name: "Attempts", type: "integer", min: 1, max: 5 }
];
const numRows = 10;
const data = buildDataFrame({ columnTypes, numRows });
console.log(data);
This script generates a dataframe with 10 rows, each containing a name, score, pass status, and number of attempts.
Next Steps and Future Enhancements
While dataframe-builder is already a powerful tool, there’s always room for growth:
- Enhanced Mathematical Patterns: Introduce more complex series like exponential, logarithmic, or sinusoidal patterns.
- Data Export Options: Allow exporting generated data to formats like CSV or JSON for broader usability.
- Integration with Visualization Libraries: Provide seamless integration with libraries like D3.js or Chart.js.
- User Interface: Develop a GUI for users who prefer not to work directly with code.
Conclusion
dataframe-builder stands out as a versatile and user-friendly tool for generating structured, realistic datasets. Whether you’re developing a new feature, testing an application, or teaching data concepts, this package simplifies the process of data generation, saving you time and effort.
Explore more about dataframe-builder and contribute to its development by visiting the official documentation.