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How a project works

A project starts with one or two data files:

  • Train file — your real, collected survey responses.
  • Predict file (optional) — the population you want to generate synthetic answers for. If you don't have a separate file, n-Infinite can automatically split a single uploaded file into train and predict portions based on where the questionnaire begins (Swift mode), using the same respondent structure throughout.

n-Infinite accepts common survey and data-export formats: CSV, Excel (XLSX/XLS), JSON, Parquet, Feather and SPSS (.sav) — including SPSS variable labels.

Once uploaded, a project moves through a clear pipeline: initial setup and validation, training, prediction, and completion. Along the way it can be paused, resumed or restarted, and the platform tracks status at every step.

Project types

Use case Train file Predict file Behavior Notes
Single File Boost field projects, API-based projects Field data (completed surveys) + profiling data Automatically splits the file into train and predict sets If the last question is not mandatory, add a Completed = Y column to identify complete responses
Split File Boost field projects: field data + stock profiles Field data (completed surveys) Profiling data Predicts all target columns. The predict file must not contain the names of the columns to be predicted The last column is not required, even if optional — automatic detection is supported
Complete-the-Incomplete Convert dropouts into complete surveys Field data (completed surveys) + field data (dropouts) Reads rows right to left to predict missing data; existing data is used for training, even in incomplete rows If the last question is not mandatory, add a Completed = Y column
Boost — Swift Boost projects without profile availability. Ideal for B2B Field data (completed surveys) Adds an identical number of synthetic prediction rows using existing profiling. Requires post-weighting Select the initial question to predict and the desired weighting targets
Boost — Express Boost projects without profile availability. Ideal for big boosts and B2C Field data (completed surveys) Adds 1× to n× the number of prediction rows; imputes real profiles from national census data (pre-loaded country options). Requires post-weighting Select the initial question to predict and weighting targets. Census column mapping is required

Typical file structure

Horizontally, a typical n-Infinite file is organized as:

  1. Profiling data
    • Respondent identification (UserId, Id, …)
    • Demographics: gender, age, residence, ethnicity, …
    • Extra profiling: psychographics (B2C) or firmographics (B2B)
    • Screening questions (if you prefer to keep them outside training data)
  2. Training data — the field answers.

Vertically:

  • Single file: train and predict rows are mixed — complete vs. profile-only rows, or complete vs. incomplete rows.
  • Split files: training data lives in the train file; in the predict file, delete the column names of the fields to be predicted.

Tips for optimizing files

  1. Admitted formats: Excel (.xlsx, .xls), comma-separated (.csv) and SPSS (.sav).
  2. Never include duplicated field names.
  3. Remove non-profiling information apart from identification: checksums, timestamps, personal information.
  4. Avoid low-density fields (more than 90% empty cells).
  5. If possible, include a field called Start with a single value (e.g. Y) right before the training data begins.
  6. If columns finish unevenly (the last column may be empty), include an End field with a single value (e.g. Y) at the end of the file.