Using Test Fragments in JMeter Tests

Test plan design, while not always application programming per se, definitely shares some concepts of the latter. A common principle of software development is to minimize repeating code. In this article we will show you how Test Plan Fragments can be leveraged in JMeter test plans to reduce repeated elements. Basics of Test Plan Fragments In essence, Test Plan Fragments are groups of test logic which can be referenced by various JMeter controllers, that do notRead More →

Step-by-Step Guide to Testing with JMeter

If you are new to JMeter, you have come to the right place. In this post, we will walk you step-by-step through creating your first, functional JMeter test plan from scratch. We will guide you through how to install JMeter on your local device and navigate the user interface of the test plan editor. Starting from a blank canvas, we will create a basic test plan. From there, we will use RedLine13 to run your testRead More →

Functional Testing vs Performance Testing

Within the paradigm of application testing, there are two broad categories of tests which are often used to complement each other. While there are dedicated tools for each, there is considerable overlap and many of these tools can be used for either purpose. In particular, tools such as JMeter, while traditionally being more associated with performance tests, can be proposed to execute functional tests. In this article, we will describe what each test seeks to proveRead More →

A Gentle Introduction to Load Testing

Suppose you are suddenly tasked with the responsibility to prove application performance through load testing. You have never done this before. Where would you begin? In this article, we will discuss how to approach the planning, selection of tools, and architecture through the typical phases of load testing. Defining Capacity Metrics First, you would have some homework to do. Based on testing goals, there are a number of key performance metrics that should be defined. ItRead More →

Using the JMeter Counter Element

The Counter element is a built-in feature of JMeter which generates sequential reference numbers within the scope of a thread group. These sequential numbers can be useful in identifying or grouping requests originating from a discrete iteration within a recurring process. In this brief article, we will review the features of the Counter element and describe how it may be utilized in a JMeter load test. Configuring the Counter Element There are several parameters that mayRead More →

Getting a “Grounded” Test to Launch

RedLine13 makes it easy to scale your load tests in the cloud, but sometimes there are a few moving parts to coordinate. While it can be disappointing when a test fails to start, in most cases there are only a few common reasons preventing such a “grounded” test from launching. In this article, we will walk through some of these common scenarios. In each of these cases we will discuss troubleshooting steps and potential solutions. NetworkRead More →

Extractor Success Assertion

JMeter extends the useful capability to extract response data into user variables. In a recent post, we covered how to use the Page Data Extractor to find and save data metrics returned in the body of the page for use in post-processor scripts and other test plan elements. It is a reasonable requirement to see if such extractions are successful before proceeding to this other test logic, which can be achieved manually in your scripts. However,Read More →

JMeter Test Plan Check Tool

When scaling your JMeter test, preparation is important. Often, very large tests will require significant coordination in terms of resources. The target test environment will need to be scaled up to match production conditions. Likewise, simulating a large number of users will require launching many load generator servers. As part of this preparation, you may want to check JMeter test plans for consistency before running the test. The JMeter Test Plan Check Tool provides this capability.Read More →

JMeter Page Data Extractor

Data collection is a key aspect of any load test. For most tests this data comes from request metrics such as response time, error rate, throughput, etc. However it is sometimes useful to capture data that is returned on the requested page itself. With JMeter, this is possible using the Page Data Extractor. This plugin can be used to directly plot data metrics returned from requests. Use cases include status monitoring, health checks, and other importantRead More →

JMeter Local Tests and the Console Status Logger

Though cloud-based load testing services such as RedLine13 allow you to easily scale your load test, the majority of JMeter test plans begin on the local machine. The JMeter GUI is used to assemble the major components. First tests begin inside the GUI, usually monitored with a listener. When transitioning your test to the cloud however, the user interface is stood down to remove the overhead and achieve scale. Local Tests from the Console As anRead More →