# 2. Introduction to data generators

Syntho offers a flexible set of data generators that help anonymize sensitive data based on the nature of the dataset, privacy requirements, and use case. Below is a summary of the main generator types and when to use each.

### [**AI-generated synthetic data**](/configure-a-data-generation-job/configure-column-settings/ai-powered-generation.md)

Trains a generative model to create synthetic rows that mimic the original dataset, without any one-to-one relation.\
\&#xNAN;*Use when:* you need statistical fidelity and privacy, e.g. for machine learning or testing large datasets.\
\&#xNAN;*Avoid when:* you need to preserve correlations and data consistency across related tables.

### [**Mockers**](/configure-a-data-generation-job/configure-column-settings/mockers.md)

Generate fully random, user-defined values.\
\&#xNAN;*Use when:* format matters, but relationship to original values is not important.\
\&#xNAN;*Avoid when:* consistency or referential integrity is needed.

### [**Mockers with consistent mapping**](/configure-a-data-generation-job/configure-column-settings/consistent-mapping.md)

Maps original values to consistent mock values.\
\&#xNAN;*Use when:* consistent replacement of values is needed across datasets or environments.\
\&#xNAN;*Avoid when:* randomness is more important than consistency.

### [**Mask**](/configure-a-data-generation-job/configure-column-settings/mask.md)

Directly modifies original values while preserving format.\
\&#xNAN;*Use when:* the output must remain in a recognizable or valid format.\
\&#xNAN;*Avoid when:* preserving exact values or reversibility is required.

### [**Calculated columns**](/configure-a-data-generation-job/configure-column-settings/calculated-columns.md)

Uses business logic to generate values.\
\&#xNAN;*Use when:* you need calculated outputs based on specific conditions.\
\&#xNAN;*Avoid when:* data generation is simple and preserving logic is not required.

### [**Key generators**](/configure-a-data-generation-job/configure-column-settings/key-generators.md)

Create or transform keys while maintaining or removing relational links.\
\&#xNAN;*Use when:* managing primary and foreign keys across tables.\
\&#xNAN;*Avoid when:* relationships are not needed.


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