# Generator information

Generators transform the data in a source database column. You assign the generators to use. Tonic Structural offers a variety of generators to transform different types of data. 

For details about how to assign and configure generators, and manage generator presets, go to [generators-assign-config](https://docs.tonic.ai/app/generation/generators-assign-config "mention").

You can also view this [video overview of generators and how they work](https://youtu.be/UNngC2a6q94).

## About the available generators

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Generator summary</strong></td><td>Summary list of generators.</td><td></td><td><a href="generators/generator-summary">generator-summary</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Generator reference</strong></td><td>Details about the characteristics and configuration options for each generator.</td><td></td><td><a href="generators/generator-reference">generator-reference</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Generator API reference</strong></td><td>Details about the structure of each generator assignment in the API.</td><td></td><td><a href="../api/quick-start-guide/tonic-api-generator-assignment/generator-api-reference">generator-api-reference</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Generator characteristics and types

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Generator characteristics</strong></td><td>Common generator characteristics to be aware of, such as consistency and linking.</td><td></td><td><a href="generators/generator-characteristics">generator-characteristics</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Composite generators</strong></td><td>Composite generators apply a generator to a specific data element or based on a condition.</td><td></td><td><a href="generators/generator-types/generators-composite">generators-composite</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Primary key generators</strong></td><td>Learn about generators that you can apply to primary key columns.</td><td></td><td><a href="generators/generator-types/primary-key-generators">primary-key-generators</a></td></tr></tbody></table>