> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.integrate.io/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# ETL: Dummy Source

> Use the Dummy Source component to start a package that has no source data of its own, such as webhook-triggered or schedule-driven packages.

The Dummy Source emits a single seed record so a package can run without reading from an external source. Use it when the package is triggered by a webhook or schedule, or when a downstream component (for example a Python or REST API step) fetches the data itself.

## When to use it

Add a Dummy Source when your package has no real source data to read, but still needs a source component to be valid. Common cases:

* Webhook-triggered packages where the payload is handled downstream.
* Schedule-driven packages that call out to an API or run a script.
* Packages where a Python script or REST API transformation pulls the data, and the source exists only to start the flow.

It replaces older workarounds that used a dummy file or dummy API source.

## Add the Dummy Source

1. In the package designer, open the **Sources** palette.
2. Drag **Dummy Source** onto the canvas.
3. Open the component. There is nothing to configure.
4. Connect it to the next component in your package.

## Output

The Dummy Source produces one record with a single field:

| Field | Type   |
| ----- | ------ |
| seed  | string |

The `seed` field is a placeholder. Downstream components are expected to generate or fetch the data your package actually processes.

## Limitations

* No connection or configuration options.
* Schema is fixed to one string field named `seed`. You can map or drop it in a downstream Select transformation.
* Data preview is not available on this component.