JMeter Test Plan - Elements of a Test Plan

Apache JMeter is a flexible and smart tool for performance testing of both static and dynamic web resources. For taking the most use of it, we should keep the goal of testing in the head, compose a voice and realistic test plan. Also with both native and third-party JMeter tools, and form adjustment in the process. 

It would help us in discovering system bottlenecks and potential stress points to eliminate them further. We actively used JMeter for performance testing of our web applications and wanted to share a few tips on making a JMeter tools test plan even more powerful and sensible.

How do you Choose Several Threads for a Test Plan?

The number of JMeter virtual users performing the test may depend on multiple factors. Some of them include our goal while testing, parameters of our local PC, and the network and script complexity. Before we decide on the optimal number of visual users for our JMeter test plan, we should consider the following tips:

1. Examine Server Logs

Server logs include the history of web requests with users’ IP addresses, date and time. Show a graph displays the server load over a week and provides us with an idea about the average number of real users and their requests for low, normal, and high server loads. Targeting the peak number of rights instead of average ones to be replicated in our JMeter test plan.

JMeter doesn’t offer a domestic listener to identify the number of active virtual users for a thread group at every given point of time in Logcify. Alternately, we often use third party plugin cord active threads over time. It presents this number on manageable yet concise graphs.

2. Approaches to Server Loading

We can build up multiple loads on the server by adjusting the JMeter thread group properties while Jmeter load test.

Linear load: One of the most frequent server loads during training. The linear route is suitable for most cases to get test results that would not indicate the server crashes during the load rise. In cases like this, it makes sense to examine where the system failed and start from there to determine its maximum load.

Step load: Allows virtual users out in chunks, 25, then 25 more, and 25 more. This approach is more secure. Also, the characteristic of system administration under different loads with a diverse number of virtual users executing the test in every given time interval.

Inherent JMeter functionality does not establish such complex load scenarios. We use a third-party plugin called ultimate thread group. It will set thread group parameters and examine the system behavior after every new chunk of virtual users is added. 

This plugin is also secure for stress testing and managing the so-called system saturation point, mainly a load point. Therefore, the user number increase leads to a longer response time for system instability.

Peak load: Short time extremely concentrated load on the server that allows monitoring the system’s reaction. And also, how it reaches back to its initial performance indicator after the peak load is over.

3. Investigate Google Analytics for a Website

Google analytics reports on public will also help determine the optimal number of virtual users in thread groups if the website under testing is available publicly. While testing a company website based on the number of employees, their working hours, and schedule plus a certain number of requests combined on the top of this as a reserve that could predict the total count of requests.

4. Check System Requirements

Technical specifications for a system’s performance should be documented in the designation. The Jmeter for performance testing and presented with the customer is in advance. They aim to find the optimal number of virtual users for testing. 

Suppose we connect the server with the webpage and JMeter client by a local network but with more study connection than the internet. In cases like this, it could be figuratively called lab testing. We minimize the number of factors that affect response time and focus more on the system itself to find potential bottlenecks.

5. Anticipate Traffic Splashes

Finding out if the website may observe a rapid flash in visitors while we are planning performance testing. For example, while testing an e-Commerce application, be ready for seasonal sales or black Fridays that attract more visitors. We should be sure that the website is prepared for such hit-and-run trades and execute Jmeter load test with many users in advance.

Effective JMeter Test Plan Should

Here are best 11 tips for JMeter test plan:

1. Be Realistic

The test strategy should simulate an online user’s real trip. Google Analytics Behavior flow may be used for the amount of customer service. Also, they can derive from the user’s normal behavior of a particular website form. 

For example, a standard consumer experience on e-commerce web pages will end up on the home page, browse for a product, read product information, add them to the cart, check out.

2. Mind the Funnel

We should be realistic about the funnels used during the testing. In general, the number of visits to a home page or landing page exceeds the number of users who buy a product. We may use the Throughput Controller to take this into account while testing with JMeter.

3. Add “Think Time”

If actual users go to the website, they normally need to look at the content, enter keywords and evaluate search queries with the so-called ‘think time.’ These intervals, known as JMeter Timers, could also be integrated into the test case to make it even more real. Do not apply just 1 – 2 seconds delay from each new request; use one random additional intermediate.

4. Be Flexible

In most instances, JMeter tools test scripts are launched easily and rapidly from the command line. But we need to open the JMeter script in GUI mode for any change in Thread Community parameters. It is time-consuming and not convenient. To stop this, certain Thread Category parameters can be used with variables and property functions:

In this way, property functions can be explicitly defined in the Command Line:

JMeter -t TestPlan.JMX -Jusers=10 -Jcount=50

It saves a lot of time, effort, and versatility in test scripts.

5. Use Unique Data for Virtual Users

We have special logins and passwords and aim through various items with different keywords to make the JMeter customers more like actual website users. We also have other contact information when logging out. Special user data can be saved and loaded into JMeter in CSV-files after executions, such as logins and passwords.

6. Target Website Demo Data

There is no point in using a website with 0 content output checking. We have demo information on the server, including the catalogue, product pages, summary, and forum, before we start running the JMeter test plan. If not, it would not be the objective to accomplish the research.

Related Articles

Functional Testing With Jmeter

Cloud Applications With JMeter

Jmeter Plugin Manager