Podam - generating precise data for some types with random data for the rest

[Robin Roos]

We are using PODAM to generate randomised POJOs for test purposes. My testing has a requirement that some types (RefData below) are filled with specific data.

For example, 

class RefData {
    String code;
    String description;
}

class Person {
    String name;
    RefData maritalStatus;
}

When manufacturing a Person instance, I am happy for name to be random, but I want to have control to create and populate any instances of RefData type myself, so that I can constrain them to valid values.

I have played around extensively with TypeManufacturer (seems to instantiate the type and populate it, but PODAM then applies random data over the top). I have also tried with AbstractExternalFactory, without success (perhaps it cannot apply to concrete types, only abstract and interface types).

Any suggestions would be welcomed, Robin.

[Robin Roos]

I have resolved this. I will distil the approach and post it here in a few days’ time.