LoadRunner is a powerful tool for software testers. It helps to identify and correct problems with applications before they go into production. But it can be quite intimidating to get started.
In this LoadRunner web service tutorial, we'll walk you through the basics of performing load testing web services with this tool. This post is an introduction to how LoadRunner works for web service testing.
By the end of this tutorial, you'll be ready to start load testing your own web services.
INDEX
What is a web service?
What is LoadRunner?
Web Services by LoadRunner Tool
LoadRunner Features in Load and Performance Testing
When to Use LoadRunner
Conclusion
What is a web service?
A web service is a crucial component of today's Internet. It provides standardized methods for propagating messages between client and server applications. It is an excellent way to exchange data between different applications, systems, or programs running on the same computer network. It also provides an easy means for open protocols and standards that allow information to be sent over internet connections, much like how processes communicate internally within your own operating system without needing any extra ports opened up.
Think of web services as a platform for connecting and exchanging data. They're available on any device, anywhere in the world.
Today, web services are popular as they provide an easy way for companies to transfer data. This makes them the target of Performance tests, which check how fast your service can respond or deliver content with a given amount of input information. And among the best tools used by software testers to test web services these days is LoadRunner.
What is LoadRunner?
HP LoadRunner is a software performance testing tool. It can detect and prevent issues in web applications before they enter the implementation or deployment phases. It specializes mainly in identifying potential bottlenecks. It also has some features for finding out if there are any gaps during system upgrades, too.
LoadRunner gives testers the power to see how your system will perform before you release it. With a single tool, they can evaluate each component individually. They can also identify any issues or bugs that might affect their performance test results- saving time in fixing these problems later on.
Moreover, LoadRunner’s forecasting features help you plan for the future. It can predict what it will take to keep your application running smoothly. With accurate estimates of both software and hardware expenses, scaling up is easy.
Web Services by LoadRunner Tool
This video shows how to test a web service using HP's LoadRunner.
I also demonstrate how to validate a web service response using the LR_XML_FIND function:
lr_xml_find(“XML={CreateFlightOrder_101_Response}”,
“Query=CreateFlightOrderResult/TotalPrice”,
“Value=125”,
LAST);
When performing web service scripting using LoadRunner, you can do it in two ways:
- Using Web Services Protocol (this require an additional license)
Step 1: Open the Vugen and choose Web Services protocol
Step 2: Click on Manage Services, then click on Import, and provide the WSDL URL OR
(SOA Tools > Manage Service > Add file or URL or UDDI)
Important Note: For any proxy settings, go to connection settings and input the proxy credentials. You may also enter the frame you want by going to Advanced settings and choosing the framework.
Step 3: Click on Add Web Service Call. Provide the Input Arguments (leaving the Output Arguments empty). Then, click on OK.
Performing these steps will create a script in LoadRunner. To validate the page, you can use lr_xml_find and lr_xml_get_values.
- Using Web Protocol
You can create a similar request using Web protocol. Just take the XML request and put it in the web custom request.
After that, enter all essential values in the web custom request properties. These include the SOAP body, method, and URL. Once entered, it will generate a code.
Now, save the script and run it.
With protocol scripting, options and procedures may change depending on which web service protocol you choose. You may also explore multiple protocols to become well-acquainted with creating VuGen scripts.
LoadRunner Features in Load and Performance Testing
Here are the key features of HP LoadRunner:
- Supports several apps
- Interactive user transaction simulation
- Cloud testing
- Mobile testing
- Refined user interface
- Continuous testing
- Precise scalability expense prediction
- Root cause analysis
- Allows users to test various applications, including Java, SOAP, GWT, Citric, legacy, HTML, Flex, .NET, Silverlight, and Ajax
When to Use LoadRunner
Loadrunner gives you an accurate and wholesome image of your application's end-to-end performance. As such, it enables users to detect any bottlenecks immediately with ease.
With this performance testing tool, you can emulate plenty of users simultaneously. You may also prepare your application for a live environment with ease.
During the performance test, LoadRunner collects data from crucial infrastructure components. It analyzes the information in detail to provide pertinent insight into why the app is misbehaving. Thus, you can easily detect the root causes of any defect your app might have.
Furthermore, LoadRunner gives performance testers options for testing mobile applications. You can evaluate your app's ability to perform on different devices as well as with backend systems or networks in place – all from one convenient location.
And with the Loadrunner cloud-based testing service, you can perform realistic load tests anywhere.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the basic knowledge about LoadRunner and how to use it for web services performance testing. This is a powerful tool, but like with anything else, the more you know about it, the better off you’ll be. And as always, if you need assistance in getting started with performance testing using LoadRunner or have any questions about any other performance testing tool, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
To see how to test a RESTful web service, check out my post How to test a RESTful web service using HP’s LoadRunner.
