Improve JMeter Script Recording: Introducing SmartMeter.io Recorder
Recording a script using JMeter requires going through a series of complicated settings. You can learn all about those settings, or you can save yourself a lot of time and give SmartMeter.io Recorder a shot. And even if you’re already a skilled JMeter user, there is a better way to record and edit test scripts.
There are many tutorials for script recording in JMeter; this is the official one. Basically, to record a JMeter test script you have to add components to samplers, a component for the recorder, start the server, and modify the browser's settings to communicate over the proxy server.
Using SmartMeter.io Recorder, we can set a test script in a browser in three quick steps.
Step1: Open SmartMeter.io Recorder
Start the Recorder in the SmartMeter.io Welcome Screen by clicking on Start Recorder.
Copy the example of regular expression into the Include field. The regular expression defines the domain that will be tested. Replace the example.com in the regular expression with the domain you want to test.
When you click Start Recording, you will see a notice with a keyboard shortcut reminding you to start the Developer Toolbar, which is very important. That will allow the browser to track the content of requests and responses, which means we get a complete log from these reports. And that allows us to use replacers and asserts, but especially automatic correlation.
And that’s all you need to prepare the recording
Step 2: Record the Script and Customize it the Way You Need
Now comes the fun part: recording the test. Before each step, name the user activity that you are simulating, i.e. visiting the homepage. After you click on Start Transaction, everything you do in the browser will be recorded until you click on Stop Transaction.
By naming each transaction beforehand, you create a bundle of all browser requests, which makes it easy to differentiate them when analyzing results.
Add the length of time in seconds it takes a user to perform a certain activity in the Insert Sleep field.
Transactions and requests are displayed in the Recorder window during the recording, so you don't have to remember which activity you need to continue recording if you have to pause for some reason.
To assemble requests to larger bundles just fill in the name of transaction
After you finish recording you can set the maximum number of users and how long the test should last with the largest load.
Clicking on Edit test will allow you to set many more parameters and set the ramp-up shape and duration.
Don't forget to save when you’re happy with the test settings.
Step 3: Run the Test and See Results
You’re now all set for the test. Just return to the SmartMeter.io Welcome Screen, select the test from menu, and click Start test.
If you want to see the Recorder, an actual test run, and a test report in action, see the video: How to Record and Perform a Load Test in SmartMeter.io.
Or just try it all yourself for FREE with SmartMeter.io Light!
