Organizations use LoadRunner, a top performance testing tool, to find and fix performance issues before apps go live, guaranteeing a dependable and steady user experience. LoadRunner program equips candidates with globally applicable skills that open doors to career progression with top companies across the globe. Gain fundamental understanding with this LoadRunner tutorial for beginners. Explore our LoadRunner course syllabus to get started.
Getting Started to LoadRunner Tutorial
This LoadRunner performance testing tutorial is suitable for anyone interested in performance testing. Although it may initially seem overwhelming, it is considerably simpler to understand when broken down into its most fundamental concepts.
What is LoadRunner?
Fundamentally, LoadRunner creates virtual users (Vusers) that carry out particular actions in order to mimic user behavior on your application. After recording and replaying these user behaviors simultaneously with a predetermined number of Vusers, it keeps track of and evaluates the application’s performance.
Why is LoadRunner Important?
- Locates Performance Bottlenecks: LoadRunner assists in identifying the servers, databases, and network components of your application’s infrastructure that degrade performance when under load.
- Assures Scalability: You can ascertain how effectively your application scales and pinpoint its breaking point by modeling different user loads.
- Verifies Reliability: Using LoadRunner for performance testing makes sure your application is responsive and reliable even during periods of high usage.
- Lowers Downtime Risks: You can lower the chance of expensive production downtime by proactively detecting and resolving performance issues.
- Enhances Application Performance: You may optimize your application for maximum speed and efficiency by using the insights gathered from LoadRunner testing.
- Cost-Effective: It’s frequently less expensive to find and address performance problems early in the development cycle than to address them during production.
Key Components of LoadRunner
The following are the primary elements of a typical LoadRunner setup:
- Virtual User Generator (VuGen): You can write and modify the programs that mimic user behavior using the VuGen. To gauge performance, you log user actions, add data and logic to the scripts, and construct transactions.
- Controller: This serves as the main hub for management. The Controller is used to control load generators, create test scenarios (including how many Vusers to utilize, how long the test should last, etc.), and track test execution in real time.
- Load Generators: The devices that run Vusers and create the simulated load on your application are known as load generators. Depending on the test’s scale, you may have one or several load generators.
- Agent Process: This makes it easier for the Controller and the load generators to communicate.
- Analysis: The Analysis component aids in the interpretation of the performance data gathered following the exam. To find trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement, it offers summaries, reports, and graphs.
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Basic LoadRunner Workflow
Here is the basic LoadRunner workflow:
- Planning the Test: Test planning entails defining your objectives for performance testing, choosing which scenarios to test, and figuring out the necessary load levels.
- Creating Vuser Scripts (using VuGen): Keep track of user activities and make necessary improvements to the scripts (parameterization, correlation, transactions, etc.).
- Designing the Scenario (using Controller): Set up the test scenario, taking into account the load behavior, number of Vusers, and test length.
- Executing the Scenario (using Controller): Execute the load test and use real-time graphs to track the application’s performance.
- Analyzing the Results (using Analysis): Analyze the gathered information to find performance snags and produce reports.
Because of its extensive feature set and versatility, LoadRunner is a well-liked option for businesses of all kinds. You will study more about each of these elements and the several methods for efficient performance assessment as you proceed with your education.
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VuGen Installation Guide
Creating your performance test scripts begins with installing VuGen, LoadRunner’s Virtual User Generator component. This is a summary of how you can usually do it:
Obtain the LoadRunner Installation Package:
Licensed Version: The full installation package is often downloaded from the Micro Focus support portal or a specific software distribution platform within your organization if your firm has a LoadRunner license. You’ll probably need to enter your business login information.
Community Edition: VuGen is included in Micro Focus’s free “LoadRunner Community Edition” with some restrictions (50 virtual user limit). This is available for download on the Micro Focus website. Go to their website and search for “LoadRunner Community Edition download”. Most likely, you’ll need to create an account.
Standalone VuGen: Micro Focus occasionally offers standalone installers for separate parts, such as VuGen. For these choices, visit the Micro Focus website’s AppDelivery Marketplace.
System Prerequisites
Here are the system requirements for VuGen installation:
- System Requirements: Verify that the hardware and software specifications for the LoadRunner version you’re installing are met by your computer.
- Administrator Privileges: To install LoadRunner components, you must have complete administrator access on your Windows computer.
- Closed Applications: Before beginning the installation, it is advised to shut down all other open programs, including antivirus software. Antivirus software might occasionally cause issues during the installation procedure.
- Windows Updates: Verify that all of the most recent Windows updates are installed on your operating system.
- .NET Framework: Certain versions of the .NET Framework are frequently needed for LoadRunner. If it’s absent, the installer may ask you to install it.
Run the Installer
Find the installation file that was downloaded. Most likely, the file will be executable (.exe).
To launch the LoadRunner Setup Wizard, double-click the.exe file.
Observe the directions displayed on the screen. You will be guided through the installation procedure by the wizard. Usually, this includes:
- Welcome Screen: Click “Next” to continue.
- License Agreement: The licensing agreement’s provisions should be read and accepted.
- Installation Type: “Custom Installation” allows you to select particular components, such as VuGen, while “Full Installation” installs all LoadRunner components, including Controller and Analysis. You can choose “Virtual User Generator” or “VuGen” if you just want to install this part.
- Destination Folder: The destination folder Select the directory in which VuGen is to be installed. Usually, the default location is advised.
- Check for Prerequisites: The installer will determine whether the required prerequisites are present on your machine. It may ask you to install them if any are missing.
- Installation Status: A progress bar will show you the installation’s current state.
- Network Virtualization (Optional): You may be prompted to install Network Virtualization components during the installation process. If you don’t require this functionality immediately, you can skip it as it is typically optional.
- Finishing the Installation: You may be prompted to restart your computer when the installation is finished.
Verify the Installation
- Check your Start Menu for the “Micro Focus” or “HP LoadRunner” software group after restarting (if prompted). A shortcut to “Virtual User Generator” (or “VuGen”) ought to be available.
- To make sure it opens correctly, launch VuGen.
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Analysis Tool for LoadRunner
One of LoadRunner’s essential features is the Analysis Tool. After completing your performance tests, you head there to interpret all of the information gathered.
Purpose of Analysis Tool
- To look at the unprocessed test results that the LoadRunner Controller produced.
- To handle this unprocessed data and use different graphs, tables, and reports to meaningfully convey it.
- To help in the identification of performance bottlenecks, comprehension of system behavior under load, and comparison of outcomes with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) by performance testers.
Key Features and Functionality
Opening Results Files: The raw results files produced by the Controller are opened by the Analysis Tool; these files usually have a.lrr extension. Your analysis work is then stored in an analysis session file (.lrs).
Graph Generation: To show various performance metrics during the course of the test, it provides a large number of built-in graphs. Typical graph types include the following:
- Running Vusers: Indicates how many virtual users are active at any given moment.
- Average Response Time: Shows the typical amount of time needed for transactions to finish.
- Transaction Response Time: Response times for a specific percentage of transactions are displayed by Transaction Response Time (different percentiles); for example, 90% of transactions are finished in X milliseconds.
- Throughput: Indicates how many transactions or bytes of data are processed in a second.
- Hits per Second: Indicates how many requests are made to the server in a given second.
- Transactions per Second: Indicates how frequently transactions were successfully finished.
- Errors per Second: Indicates how many mistakes were made throughout the test.
- Graphs of Resource Utilization (via monitors): You can see these load-correlated indicators if you have set up monitoring for your application servers (CPU, RAM, disk, and network).
Graph Manipulation: You can alter graphs with this tool by:
- Data Filtering: Pay attention to particular periods, Vusers, or transactions.
- Zooming and Scaling: Take a closer look at particular graph segments.
- Modifying Granularity: Modify the X-axis’s (time) level of detail.
- Merging and Overlaying Graphs: Graphs can be merged and overlaid to find connections between various metrics (e.g., reaction time vs. CPU use).
- Adding Annotations: Label significant occurrences or findings on the charts.
Data Views: The Analysis Tool offers tabular views of the raw data, transaction summaries, error statistics, and more in addition to graphs.
Correlation: To learn how different performance metrics connect to one another, you can correlate distinct graphs. For instance, you may link an increase in response time to an increase in a server’s CPU usage.
Filtering and Grouping: To identify particular problems, you can filter and group the test results according to a number of parameters.
Reporting: Using the tool, you may create reports in a variety of forms (such as HTML, Word, PDF, etc.) that include pertinent graphs, a summary of your findings, conclusions, and suggestions. These reports are frequently customizable with the logo and particulars of your company.
Goal Setting and SLA Evaluation: To quickly determine whether your application complied with the necessary performance criteria, you may set performance objectives and SLAs in the Analysis Tool.
Comparison of Test Runs: To monitor performance gains or regressions over time, the tool frequently lets you compare the outcomes of various test runs.
Workflow with the Analysis Tool
- Run Your Load Test: Use the LoadRunner Controller to carry out your scenario.
- Open Analysis Instrument: Open the application called LoadRunner Analysis.
- Open Findings: After your test run, load the results file in.lrr format.
- Compile the findings (if required): It may be necessary to compile the output from several load generators in certain versions or when using LoadRunner Enterprise.
- Create Graphs: Choose the graphs that are pertinent to your analytical objectives.
- Examine the Data: Analyze the data tables and graphs to find errors, bottlenecks, and trends. To identify the underlying reasons, correlate various metrics.
- Zoom and Filter: Concentrate on particular time frames or noteworthy transactions.
- Include Annotations: Keep a record of your discoveries and observations.
- Create Reports: Make a summary report that includes important graphs, conclusions, and suggestions.
- Results to Share: Give the stakeholders access to the report.
You may better understand and enhance the performance of your apps by using the LoadRunner Analysis Tool, which turns the raw data from your performance tests into useful insights. It is an essential component in the lifecycle of performance testing.
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Basic Terminologies in LoadRunner
Here are a few fundamental terms with straightforward explanations:
LoadRunner: Micro Focus’s (formerly HP’s) comprehensive performance testing program. It’s a collection of tools made to mimic user load on an application so that its performance may be examined in different scenarios.
Virtual User Generator (VuGen): The LoadRunner component known as Virtual User Generator (VuGen) is used to write and modify test scripts, or Vuser scripts, that replicate the behavior of actual users. The application’s user interactions are captured on video, which is subsequently edited.
Vuser (Virtual User): LoadRunner employs a virtual user, or Vuser, to create load for the application. Every Vuser carries out a script.
Script (Vuser Script): A collection of VuGen-created instructions that specify what a Vuser should do with the application. It mimics how a user would navigate the application.
Transaction: A particular user action or set of activities for which you wish to gauge performance. For instance, signing in, looking for a product, or finishing a transaction. In your Vuser script, you provide the beginning and ending points of transactions.
Scenario: The scenario outlines the methodology for carrying out your load test. It details how many Vusers will be used, what scripts they will execute, how long the test will last, and how the load will be distributed (e.g., increasing the number of users gradually).
Controller: The main part of LoadRunner that oversees and regulates how your performance test scenario is carried out is called the Controller. It starts Vusers that are powered by one or more load generators and keeps an eye on them.
Load Generator: A load generator is a computer that executes the Vusers during a load test; it could be your local computer or a distant server. The Vusers are dispersed among the various load generators by the Controller.
Point of Failure: A point of failure is a specific area or element of the system that, when subjected to stress, results in the failure of the entire system or a significant portion of it. Finding these is one of performance testing’s primary goals.
Bottleneck: A system element that restricts overall performance. It is the chain’s weakest link. Finding and fixing bottlenecks is essential to enhancing the performance of applications.
Response Time: How long does it take an application to react to a user action? For example, how long does it take for a web page to load after a link is clicked? In performance testing, this is a crucial measure.
Throughput: How much work the system can do in a specific length of time. This is sometimes expressed as hits per second or bytes per second for web applications. Transactions per second could be used for business processes.
Hits per Second: The quantity of queries the Vusers send to the server in a second.
Transactions per Second (TPS): The quantity of successfully completed transactions per second is known TPS. This is an important indicator of the application’s capability.
Error Rate: The proportion of user activities or transactions that result in an error is known as the error rate. Instability under load is indicated by a high error rate.
Think Time: A Vuser script’s artificially created lag between user actions. This simulates the breaks that an actual user might take when using the program (e.g., reading text on a page).
Parameterization: The process of using distinct data for every Vuser or script iteration is known as parameterization. This simulates multiple users carrying out different actions with distinct data, making the test more realistic.
Correlation: In scripting, correlation is a method for managing dynamic data (like session IDs) that alter over a user session. For your users to properly traverse the program, you must recognize and manage these dynamic data.
Monitoring: The process of keeping tabs on how well different system resources, such as CPU, memory, disk I/O, and network traffic, perform on the application servers while a load test is running. This aids in locating bottlenecks.
Analysis Tool: The LoadRunner feature that analyzes load test results. It offers reports, graphs, and other methods for analyzing the performance data.
Service Level Agreement (SLA): An application’s expected performance goals are outlined in a service level agreement (SLA), which is a contract or agreement. For example, the average response time for a particular transaction should be less than three seconds. Verifying if the application satisfies these SLAs is a common goal of performance testing.
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Conclusion
These are some of the basic words you will often come across. You’ll encounter more specialized language as you learn more about LoadRunner, but knowing the fundamentals will give you a good head start! We hope this LoadRunner tutorial for beginners will be useful for you. Kickstart your career with our LoadRunner training in Chennai.
