LoadRunner

What is LoadRunner?

LoadRunner is an enterprise-grade performance testing tool by Micro Focus. It helps simulate thousands of users to evaluate system performance, scalability, and reliability under load.

Key Features:

Protocol Support: Works with HTTP, HTTPS, WebSocket, REST, SOAP, and more.
Components: Includes VuGen for script creation, Controller for managing tests, and Analysis for detailed reporting.
Analytics: Provides real-time metrics and post-test reports to identify bottlenecks.
Enterprise-Ready: Suitable for large-scale systems with complex architectures.

Use Cases:

Load, stress, and endurance testing.
API performance evaluation.
Analyzing system scalability and stability.

LoadRunner is a performance testing tool from Micro Focus (previously HP) that helps simulate user load on applications to analyze system behavior under stress.

It is used for load testing, stress testing, and scalability testing of applications.

How to Use LoadRunner?

1. Install LoadRunner Components

LoadRunner consists of the following key components:

VuGen (Virtual User Generator) – Creates test scripts.
Controller – Manages the test execution.
Load Generators – Simulates multiple users.
Analysis – Analyzes test results.

2. Create a Performance Test Script (Using VuGen)

Launch VuGen and start a new script.
Select the appropriate protocol (e.g., Web HTTP/HTTPS, SAP, Citrix, etc.).
Record user actions (e.g., logging in, searching, adding items to a cart).
Enhance the script by adding correlations (handling dynamic values) and parameterization (data-driven testing).
Perform debugging and replay the script to ensure correctness.

3. Design the Load Test Scenario (Using Controller)

Open LoadRunner Controller.
Add the script created in VuGen.
Define number of virtual users (Vusers).
Set up ramp-up, steady state, and ramp-down settings.
Configure runtime settings (iterations, pacing, think time).
Assign load generators to distribute the test load.

4. Execute the Load Test

Start the test execution in Controller.
Monitor real-time graphs (Response Time, Hits per Second, Throughput).
Identify performance bottlenecks.

5. Analyze the Test Results (Using Analysis Tool)

Open LoadRunner Analysis.
Review key performance metrics:
- Response time (how long transactions take).
- Throughput (amount of data processed).
- Transaction failure rates.
- System resource usage (CPU, memory).
Generate reports to share with stakeholders.

Best Practices

✅ Use parameterization to avoid caching effects.
✅ Implement correlation to handle dynamic values.
✅ Run a baseline test before a full load test.
✅ Use think time to simulate real user behavior.
✅ Monitor server resources alongside LoadRunner metrics.