One of the most critical software testing phases in the software development lifecycle is performance testing. Performance testing is defined as one phase in the entire process of testing an application before it is set for release. Developers depend on heavy performance testing tools to analyze the applications under heavy traffic. One such best tool in this regard has been stated to be the Apache JMeter load testing tool. Whether entering the performance testing domain or enhancing one’s approach to it, knowing JMeter’s recording of a script is primordial.
Test under heavy load using Apache JMeter
Ever wondered how developers are testing if an application can serve thousands of users all at once? JMeter Load testing tool the application using a tool such as JMeter is one possible answer. It’s among the most trusted load-testing applications for creating realistic actual user traffic. Helps to understand performance, response time, and system stability before releasing production.
What is Apache JMeter?
It’s called Apache JMeter, and it’s like a digital detective. JMeter records every click by a user and every need and interaction between the user and application. This is to provide a deterministic way to create a script that can be run at the same time by thousands of users, actually very neat for load and stress testing scenarios, using the Apache JMeter load testing tool.
What is Recording Anyway?
Recording a script creates the JavaScript for some real and accurate user action representations of a QA team. Thus, it enables performance testing, making it realistic and appropriate for the end-to-end business processes. The script can then be replayed with hundreds or thousands of virtual users for the JMeter cloud load testing tool to have issues discovered early, making performance testing efficient and predictable.
Prerequisites
Before you start recording a JMeter script, make sure the following resources are ready:
1. Application or Website Link
You need the application URL you want to test. This provides a starting point to the API load testing tools JMeter for recording user activities and will ensure accurate request generation.
2. Test Data
Your user credentials, form values, or input data should all be prepared so that you can perform meaningful flows like login, search, checkout, or even form submissions.
3. Transaction Flow Diagram
Prepare a visual or written flow of the exact steps that you are going to test. This will guide you during recording to ensure all important user paths have been captured.
4. Web Browser
Use a browser such as Chrome or Firefox to perform the actions that you want JMeter to record. Later in the process, this browser will be configured with a proxy.
5. Apache JMeter Load Testing Tool Installed
Ensure JMeter is already installed on your system. The HTTP(S) Test Script Recorder is already packaged in it and is critical for capturing requests. Tools like Baseline11 always recommend the latest version for optimal compatibility.
Creating a JMeter Script: A Step-by-Step Recording Guide
1. Start up JMeter
Go to jmeter/bin and call jmeter.bat on Windows or call it on Linux/Unix. This will fire up the JMeter GUI, which is now ready for configuration.
2. Create the Test-Test Container
The Test-Plan is basically a project container in JMeter. Right-click on Test Plan→Add→Threads (Users)→Thread Group. Here you can store all your recorded requests.
3. Add a Recorder Controller
The Recording Controller organizes your recorded requests. It provides a scratchpad wherein all user actions automatically move into during the recording.
4. Add an HTTP(S) Test Script Recorder
Go to Test Plan→Add→Non-Test Elements→HTTP(S) Test Script Recorder. This utility captures browser traffic and records all HTTP requests fired up during user activity.
5. Set the Settings
For proxy recording standard practice, set the port recorder to 8080. Under “HTTPS Domains,” enter the application domain so that JMeter captures requests for your intended site only.
6. Target Controller Setting
Select Use Recording Controller so the load testing tool JMeter knows where to store recorded requests. If you are using a Transaction Controller for grouping, you may select it here for better flow management.
7. Filtering (Optional)
This is for a purpose—filtering captures only meaningful requests; for example, static files like images or CSS will be excluded, thus cleaning your script and reducing your test execution time.
8. Configure Browser Proxy Settings
The proxy settings in the browser should be opened and set to localhost with port 8080 as the proxy. This makes sure that whenever requests are sent from the browser, they are routed through the load testing tool JMeter for recording.
9. Secure Application Settings
A Root type CA certificate should be generated by JMeter for HTTPS applications and would have to be installed in the particular browser so that there is no SSL error and proper request capture.
10. Start Recording
Return to JMeter and click the Start button on the HTTP(S) Test Script Recorder. It will now start listening to all outgoing requests from the browser that it will record.
11. Browse and Record
Point your application’s browser of choice to go wherever the defined transaction is going. Execute the defined transaction flow. Every interaction—click, data submission, and navigation taken—will be recorded by the API load testing tools JMeter.
12. Stop Recording
The Stop button can be executed as soon as you finish. All recorded requests will be available for cleanup and parameterization under the Recording Controller.
Frequently Asked Question
1. What is the purpose of recording a JMeter load testing tool script?
Recording is aimed at simulating actions as performed by actual users. Altering performance tests in this manner would try to reflect as closely as possible the business scenarios and workflows.
2. Do I need coding skills to use JMeter cloud load testing tools?
Not really, though recording scripts is fairly simple with minimum technical knowledge of JMeter; many scripting functions on the advanced side may require familiarity, however, with variables and logic controllers.
3. Why does my browser show an SSL error while recording?
Most commonly, this kind of error comes up when JMeter Root CA is not installed. Simply add it to the browser, and you will experience more reliable HTTPS recording.
4. Can JMeter record mobile application traffic?
You can set your mobile device to use the load testing tool JMeter as a proxy like that; it will capture all traffic going through your application just like it does with your browser traffic.
5. How do I run my recorded script with multiple users?
You can simply set the Thread Group settings for users, ramp-up, and count loops to simulate more virtual users during your test.
