LoadRunner is a performance and load testing product by Hewlett-Packard for examining system performance, while generating actual load. HP LoadRunner allows averting an app’s output issues by identifying hindrance before a new system or upgrade is set up. The testing solution, LoadRunner enables you to test rich internet applications, Web 2.0 technologies, ERP and CRM applications, and legacy applications. It helps to give you a better understanding of the final performance before the launch in order to give you a chance to fix the last minute performance requirements. It is cost effective in the sense that it helps to know the app’s scalability and capacity well in advance..
LoadRunner, dramatically reduces the amount of time and expertise required to script. It makes testing of Web 2.0 and mobile web applications faster, easier and much more comprehensive.
Working of a LoadRunner:
The LoadRunner operates via 3 different tools – Virtual User Generator (VuGen), The Controller, The Results and Analysis Tool.
The Virtual User Generator permits you to regulate what actions you prefer the virtual users (Vusers), to perform under stress within the application. VuGen can be used for recording in windows platforms. VuGen allows a user to create scripts that generate a series of actions to be performed against the application under test, and enables the performance tester to play back and make modifications to the script as needed. Load generators are controlled by VuGen scripts which issue non-GUI API calls using the same protocols as the client under test.
The Controller, once a script is prepared in VuGen, it is run via the Controller through a set up routine. The Controller works on the pre-defined scheduled set by you – how many Vusers to activate, when to activate, grouping the Vusers and keeping a track of them.
The Results and Analysis gives you all the results in various forms when the scenario is set and has been run. LoadRunner uses monitors during a load test to monitor the performance of individual components under load. Monitors may include Oracle monitors, WebSphere monitors, etc. It allows to see the brief as well as a detailed structure of the load test, diagnosing barriers if any.
LoadRunner – Testing in Steps
Planning the Test – includes development of a clearly defined test plan to make sure that the newly developed or the LoadRunner test scenarios are able to accomplish the load-testing objectives.
Creating the Vuser scripts – involves Vuser script creation that includes various tasks performed by every Vuser performed during scenario execution.
Creating the Scenario – this elaborates the events that take place during client/server testing session. A scenario includes machines, scripts, Vusers, a list of Vuser scripts that the Vusers run during the scenario. Scenarios are created by using LoadRunner Controller. Manual scenarios as well as goal-oriented scenarios can also be created.
Running the Scenario – here you can run the entire scenario, Vuser groups, or individual Vusers. Before the testing, load on the server is emulated by instructing multiple Vusers to perform the tasks at the same time.
Analyzing Test Results – while executing a scenario, LoadRunner records the performance of the application (client/server system) under multiple loads. LoadRunner’s graphs and reports are used to analyze the application’s or server’s output.
LoadRunner in the Cloud
Run simple, elastic, and realistic tests from several geographies by scaling load testing in the cloud up and down to simulate the demands of business applications. The software is targeted for performance testing for huge businesses. LoadRunner in the Cloud is part of a portfolio of cloud computing solutions offered by HP Software Division. It is often abbreviated by LRitC.