> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fluentbit.io/manual/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fluentbit.io/manual/1.6/pipeline/inputs/dummy.md).

# Dummy

The **dummy** input plugin, generates dummy events. It is useful for testing, debugging, benchmarking and getting started with Fluent Bit.

## Configuration Parameters

The plugin supports the following configuration parameters:

## Getting Started

You can run the plugin from the command line or through the configuration file:

| Key               | Description                                       |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Dummy             | Dummy JSON record. Default: `{"message":"dummy"}` |
| Start\_time\_sec  | Dummy base timestamp in seconds. Default: 0       |
| Start\_time\_nsec | Dummy base timestamp in nanoseconds. Default: 0   |
| Rate              | Events number generated per second. Default: 1    |

### Command Line

```bash
$ fluent-bit -i dummy -o stdout
Fluent Bit v1.x.x
* Copyright (C) 2019-2020 The Fluent Bit Authors
* Copyright (C) 2015-2018 Treasure Data
* Fluent Bit is a CNCF sub-project under the umbrella of Fluentd
* https://fluentbit.io

[2017/07/06 21:55:29] [ info] [engine] started
[0] dummy.0: [1499345730.015265366, {"message"=>"dummy"}]
[1] dummy.0: [1499345731.002371371, {"message"=>"dummy"}]
[2] dummy.0: [1499345732.000267932, {"message"=>"dummy"}]
[3] dummy.0: [1499345733.000757746, {"message"=>"dummy"}]
```

### Configuration File

In your main configuration file append the following *Input* & *Output* sections:

```python
[INPUT]
    Name   dummy
    Tag    dummy.log

[OUTPUT]
    Name   stdout
    Match  *
```


---

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