Comparing to Another Data Set

Overview

In Validatar, one approach to testing is comparing your Test Data Set to another data set which helps to ensure data consistency and identify discrepancies. You can compare to the same Data Source or a different one.

Configuring Your Comparison Data Set

The data set for comparison follows the same configuration steps as the Test Data Set. You will need to specify a data source, decide how to retrieve the data, and determine how to process the returned data.

Why Compare to the Same or a Different Data Source

Comparing your Test Data Set with the same or another data set serves different purposes:

• Same Data Source: Comparing data within the same data source is often used to identify changes over time. This is useful in monitoring data drifts in your data sets, possibly due to changes in data input, data handling, or data storage procedures. It is also helpful to use the same data source for testing to validate data consistency as it moves through schemas and data transformations.

• Different Data Source: Comparing two different data sources allows you to ensure consistency across different databases or tables. This is especially useful when migrating data from one database or table to another, or when integrating data from different sources.

Summary

The ability to compare your Test Data Set with another data set provides a powerful tool for ensuring data consistency and accuracy. By understanding how and when to compare against another data set, you can ensure your data is reliable and accurate, and enhance your data validation process in Validatar.