Seeding Data in Staging and Production

For staging and production environments, it’s important to seed data manually instead of relying on automated scripts. This guide walks you through the process of using pgAdmin 4 to control exactly what data is added, ensuring consistency and reliability in critical environments.

Why Manual Seeding for Staging and Production?

When seeding data in production and staging, manual control is crucial. Automated scripts can introduce unwanted test data or overwrite important information. By manually inserting data, you gain full control, ensuring that only the necessary data is added with precision.

Step-by-Step Guide to Seeding Data in pgAdmin 4

Below are the steps to add seed data manually in your staging or production database using pgAdmin 4.

Step 1: Connect to Your Database

1. Open pgAdmin 4 and find the staging or production database.
2. Go to Databases > Your Database Name > Schemas > public > Tables.

Step 2: Open Query Tool

1. Right-click on the database and select Query Tool.
2. This opens a new SQL editor window where you can manually add seed data.

Step 3: Write and Execute Your Insert Commands

Enter the data you want to seed by typing commands that insert rows into your tables. For example, if you need to add user information, you would provide details like usernames, emails, or timestamps.

Note: Make sure the data you input aligns with the table’s column names and expected data types to avoid errors.

INSERT INTO "User" (username, email)
VALUES
  ('john_doe', 'john@example.com'),
  ('jane_doe', 'jane@example.com');

Step 4: Run Your Commands

1. Click Execute/Run (or press F5) after entering the data to seed.
2. You should see a confirmation message that the rows were added successfully.

Step 5: Verify the Data

Once you’ve added the data, it’s good to double-check:

1. Right-click the table where you added data, and select View/Edit Data > All Rows.
2. This opens a view showing all table entries, letting you confirm the accuracy of your seeding.

Wrap-Up

Manual seeding in staging and production ensures careful control and consistency, keeping unwanted or test data out of critical environments.

And that’s it! Using pgAdmin, you have an efficient, controlled way to manage your data across environments. Enjoy secure and reliable seeding!