LoadRunner is a performance testing tool used to test the performance, reliability, and scalability of applications by simulating real user load on the system.
LoadRunner consists of three main components: Virtual User Generator (VUGen), Controller, and Analysis.
VUGen is the component of LoadRunner used to create and edit test scripts. It allows testers to simulate user actions and interactions with the application under test.
The Controller is responsible for managing and controlling the execution of load tests. It allows testers to define and manage scenarios, distribute virtual users, monitor system resources, and analyze test results.
Analysis is the component used to analyze and interpret test results generated by LoadRunner. It provides various graphs, reports, and statistics to identify performance bottlenecks and areas of improvement.
LoadRunner supports various protocols, including HTTP/HTTPS, Web Services, Java, .NET, Oracle, Citrix, SAP, and more.
Correlation is the process of extracting dynamic values from server responses and replacing them with runtime values during script execution. It is necessary to handle dynamic content in web applications.
Correlation can be done manually using the correlation functions provided by LoadRunner, such as web_reg_save_param or web_reg_save_param_ex. LoadRunner also provides automatic correlation options.
Parameterization is the process of replacing constant or static values in scripts with data that varies during test execution. It allows for simulating real-life scenarios by using different data sets.
Checkpoints are used to verify the response of the server during script execution. LoadRunner provides various types of checkpoints, such as text, image, XML, database, and more.
Correlation is the process of capturing dynamic values from server responses and replacing them with runtime values during script execution. It is necessary to handle dynamic content in web applications.
Correlation can be done manually using the correlation functions provided by LoadRunner, such as web_reg_save_param or web_reg_save_param_ex. LoadRunner also provides automatic correlation options.
Parameterization is the process of replacing constant or static values in scripts with data that varies during test execution. It allows for simulating real-life scenarios by using different data sets.
Parameterization can be done using the parameterization options available in VUGen. LoadRunner provides functions like lr_eval_string, lr_eval_string_ext, and data files to parameterize scripts.
Checkpoints are used to verify the response of the server during script execution. LoadRunner provides various types of checkpoints, such as text, image, XML, database, and more.
LoadRunner is a standalone performance testing tool, whereas Performance Center is an enterprise-level performance testing solution that provides a centralized platform for managing and executing performance tests.
A script in LoadRunner represents a sequence of user actions that are recorded and replayed to simulate real user behavior on the application.
You can record a script in LoadRunner using the Virtual User Generator (VUGen). VUGen records user actions and generates a script based on the interactions with the application.
LoadRunner supports different types of performance tests, including load testing, stress testing, endurance testing, spike testing, and volume testing.
Load testing is performed to determine how an application behaves under normal and anticipated peak load conditions. It helps identify performance bottlenecks and ensures the system can handle the expected user load.
Stress testing is conducted to determine the maximum load an application can handle before it fails or experiences performance degradation. It helps identify system weaknesses and performance thresholds.
Endurance testing is performed to evaluate the system's stability and performance over an extended period. It aims to determine if the system can sustain a particular load over a prolonged duration.
Spike testing is done to validate the system's behavior when there is a sudden and significant increase in user load. It tests the system's ability to handle sudden spikes in traffic.
Volume testing is conducted to assess the system's performance when dealing with large volumes of data. It helps identify how the system handles data growth and performs under high data volumes.
Ramp-up refers to the gradual increase in the number of virtual users during a load test, while ramp-down is the gradual decrease in the number of virtual users at the end of the test. It simulates real-life user load patterns.
Think time represents the time taken by a user to think or interact with the application between consecutive transactions. It is included in scripts to simulate realistic user behavior.
Rendezvous points are used to synchronize virtual users during script execution. They allow multiple users to wait at a particular point and then continue simultaneously, simulating real-life scenarios.
Pacing is the process of controlling the rate at which virtual users execute transactions. It helps maintain a specific transaction rate, allowing testers to simulate realistic user loads.
Transactions are logical steps or business processes defined within a script. They help measure the response time and performance of specific actions performed by virtual users.
A scenario in LoadRunner represents a combination of scripts, load generators, and test settings required to simulate real-life user loads on the system.
Scenarios can be created using the Controller in LoadRunner. You can add scripts, configure load generators, define load profiles, and set test execution parameters to create a scenario.
A load generator is a machine or device used to simulate virtual users and generate load on the system under test. It executes scripts and sends requests to the application.
Test results can be analyzed using the Analysis component in LoadRunner. It provides graphs, reports, and statistics to identify performance bottlenecks, trends, and areas for improvement.
Throughput in LoadRunner refers to the number of transactions or requests processed by the system per unit oftime. It is a measure of the system's capacity to handle user load and is typically expressed in transactions per second (TPS) or requests per second (RPS).
Response time measures the time taken by the system to respond to a user request. It is an essential performance metric that helps assess the system's responsiveness and user experience. Lower response times indicate better performance.
The ramp-up period is the duration over which the load is gradually increased from a minimum number of virtual users to the desired maximum. It allows the system to stabilize and reach a steady state before the peak load is applied.
Concurrent users refer to the number of users active on the system at a specific point in time, while simultaneous users refer to the number of users performing the same action simultaneously. In LoadRunner, simultaneous users are achieved using rendezvous points.
An SLA is a performance target or agreement between the stakeholders that defines the acceptable performance criteria for the application under test. It specifies the response time, throughput, and other performance metrics that need to be met.
A baseline in LoadRunner represents the performance benchmark or reference point against which future performance measurements are compared. It helps identify performance deviations, trends, and improvements.
Manual correlation requires testers to identify and correlate dynamic values manually using correlation functions. Automatic correlation, on the other hand, allows LoadRunner to automatically identify and correlate dynamic values during script recording.
You can debug a script in LoadRunner by inserting breakpoints at specific lines of code and using the Debug mode in VUGen. This allows you to step through the script and analyze variables, transactions, and requests in real-time.
The lr_start_transaction and lr_end_transaction functions are used to define the boundaries of a transaction within a script. They measure the response time of a specific action or business process and provide performance metrics for analysis.
Correlation is the process of capturing dynamic values from server responses and replacing them with runtime values during script execution. It is necessary to handle dynamic content in web applications.
Correlation can be done manually using the correlation functions provided by LoadRunner, such as web_reg_save_param or web_reg_save_param_ex. LoadRunner also provides automatic correlation options.
Parameterization is the process of replacing constant or static values in scripts with data that varies during test execution. It allows for simulating real-life scenarios by using different data sets.
Parameterization can be done using the parameterization options available in VUGen. LoadRunner provides functions like lr_eval_string, lr_eval_string_ext, and data files to parameterize scripts.
Think times represent the time taken by a user to think or interact with the application between consecutive transactions. They are included in scripts to simulate realistic user behavior.
Correlation is the process of capturing dynamic values from server responses and replacing them with runtime values during script execution. It is necessary to handle dynamic content in web applications.
Correlation can be done manually using the correlation functions provided by LoadRunner, such as web_reg_save_param or web_reg_save_param_ex. LoadRunner also provides automatic correlation options.
Parameterization is the process of replacing constant or static values in scripts with data that varies during test execution. It allows for simulating real-life scenarios by using different data sets.
Parameterization can be done using the parameterization options available in VUGen. LoadRunner provides functions like lr_eval_string, lr_eval_string_ext, and data files to parameterize scripts.
Think times represent the time taken by a user to think or interact with the application between consecutive transactions. They are included in scripts to simulate realistic user behavior.
Pacing is the process of controlling the rate at which virtual users execute transactions. It helps maintain a specific transaction rate, allowing testers to simulate realistic user loads.
Rendezvous points are used to synchronize virtual users during script execution. They allow multiple users to wait at a particular point and then continue simultaneously, simulating real-life scenarios.
A correlation function in LoadRunner is used to capture and extract dynamic values from server responses. Functions like web_reg_save_param or web_reg_save_param_ex are used to perform correlation.
The web_reg_find function is used to verify the presence or absence of specific text in server responses. It helps in validating the correctness of the application's behavior during script execution.
To simulate file uploads in LoadRunner, you can use the web_submit_data function along with the appropriate content type and file path parameters. This allows you to send file data as part of the HTTP request.
The web_custom_request function is used to send customized HTTP requests that are not directly recorded during script recording. It provides flexibility to simulate complex scenarios and interact with the server in a specific manner.
LoadRunner automatically handles cookies by default. However, you can use the web_add_cookie function to manually add or modify cookies in your script.
The web_reg_save_param function is used to capture dynamic values from server responses and store them in a parameter for future use. It allows you to extract and correlate session-specific data.
Dynamic session IDs can be handled by capturing them using the web_reg_save_param function and then replacing them with runtime values during script execution using the lr_eval_string function.
Rendezvous points are used to synchronize virtual users during script execution. They allow multiple users to wait at a particular point and then continue simultaneously, simulating real-life scenarios.
A rendezvous point can be created by inserting the web_rdv_start and web_rdv_stop functions at the desired synchronization point in the script. This allows virtual users to wait and continue together.
To configure a load generator in LoadRunner, you need to define the load generator settings in the Controller. This includes specifying the load generator's IP address, port, and other relevant parameters.
A load generator agent is a component installed on eachload generator machine. It is responsible for executing the load test scripts and generating virtual user load on the system under test. Multiple load generator agents can be configured to distribute the load across different machines.
Parameterization can be done using the parameterization options available in VUGen. LoadRunner provides functions like lr_eval_string, lr_eval_string_ext, and data files to parameterize scripts.
The LoadRunner Analysis tool is used to analyze and interpret the test results generated by LoadRunner. It provides various graphs, reports, and statistics to identify performance bottlenecks, trends, and areas for improvement.
LoadRunner Analysis provides various types of graphs, including response time graph, throughput graph, hits per second graph, transaction summary graph, and many more. These graphs help visualize and analyze the performance metrics of the system under test.
To analyze response time in LoadRunner Analysis, you can use the response time graph. This graph displays the response time of transactions or individual requests over time, allowing you to identify performance trends and anomalies.
In LoadRunner Analysis, a percentile represents the response time value below which a certain percentage of transactions or requests fall. For example, the 90th percentile response time indicates that 90% of transactions had a response time below that value.
To identify performance bottlenecks in LoadRunner Analysis, you can analyze various performance metrics such as response time, throughput, resource utilization, and error rates. By examining graphs and reports, you can pinpoint areas of the system that are causing performance issues.
The transaction summary report in LoadRunner Analysis provides detailed information about each transaction executed during the load test. It includes metrics such as transaction response time, hits, errors, and pass/fail status, allowing you to analyze the performance of individual transactions.
To generate HTML reports in LoadRunner Analysis, you can go to the "Report" tab and select the desired report template. Then, click on the "Generate Report" button, and LoadRunner Analysis will generate an HTML report with the selected graphs and data.
The workload breakdown graph in LoadRunner Analysis provides a visual representation of the distribution of virtual user load across different transactions. It helps identify which transactions contribute the most to the overall load and can be useful in optimizing test scenarios.
To analyze throughput in LoadRunner Analysis, you can use the throughput graph. This graph shows the number of transactions or requests processed by the system per unit of time, allowing you to assess the system's capacity and performance under load.
The error summary report in LoadRunner Analysis provides a summary of all the errors encountered during the load test. It includes information such as error types, occurrence frequency, and the affected transactions, helping you identify and troubleshoot application errors.
The hits per second graph in LoadRunner Analysis displays the number of hits or requests sent to the server per second. It helps analyze the load on the server and identify peak usage periods during the load test.
To compare test results in LoadRunner Analysis, you can use the "Compare with Baseline" feature. This allows you to overlay multiple test runs or baseline results on the same graph, enabling you to identify performance improvements or regressions.
The transaction response time distribution graph in LoadRunner Analysis provides a visual representation of the distribution of response times for each transaction. It helps identify the range of response times and assess the system's performance at different percentiles.
To generate PDF reports in LoadRunner Analysis, you can go to the "Report" tab, select the desired report template, and click on the "Generate PDF" button. LoadRunner Analysis will generate a PDF report with the selected graphs and data, suitable for sharing and documentation purposes.