Imagine being able to uncover elusive bugs, enhance user experiences, and protect products from problems. Whether you are a curious novice or an experienced tester looking to sharpen your skills, these courses will transform your experience.

Learn how to make the most of these courses, navigate the complicated world of software testing, and become a skilled tester. As you learn about complex testing methodologies and harness cutting-edge tools, we’ll help you master the art of software testing. 

Comparison Table Of Top Software Testing Courses

If you’re pressed for time, check out the table below to get a brief idea on the best software testing courses for beginners to advanced.

How Best Software Testing Courses Can Help Your Software Development or Testing

Top software testing course offer a multitude of benefits for software development and testing:

• Enhanced Skills

Courses provide a deep understanding of testing techniques, tools, and best practices, enabling testers to identify and rectify defects effectively.

• Efficient Software Tester

Automation training equips professionals with the ability to create automated test scripts, enabling faster and more thorough testing.

• Industry Top Certification

Many courses offer certifications recognized in the industry, boosting career prospects and demonstrating expertise.

• Agile and DevOps Integration

Training in DevOps and agile testing ensures that testers can collaborate seamlessly in modern development processes.

• Broadened Horizons

Learning diverse testing types, such as security and performance testing, expands testing capabilities and career opportunities.

Why Are Best Software Testing Courses Important to Your Software Testing?

Enrolling in the best software testing courses is crucial for software testers due to several reasons:

• Stay Current

Courses keep testers updated with the latest testing trends, tools, and methodologies, ensuring relevance in a dynamic field.

• Professional Growth

Completing courses and earning certifications enhances career prospects and potential salary increases.

• Learn Problem Solving

In-depth training empowers testers to identify complex issues and devise innovative solutions, contributing to software quality.

• Adapt to Change

Courses equip testers to adapt to changing industry demands, including shifts towards agile, DevOps, and continuous integration.

• Quality Assurance

Through comprehensive training, testers play a vital role in upholding the quality and reliability of software products.

Best Software Testing Courses

Now let’s jump into each of the best software testing courses online to give you an elaborate idea.

1. Complete Guide to Software Testing and Automation [GFG] by GeeksforGeeks

Elevate your skills in software testing and automation with the “Complete Guide to Software Testing and Automation” course offered by GeeksforGeeks. This comprehensive course is a gateway to mastering software testing techniques and automation strategies. 

Whether you’re looking to launch a career in testing or seeking to advance in your current role, this course equips you with the tools and knowledge you need. 

Discover essential methodologies, automation frameworks, and industry best practices that are crucial for ensuring software quality and efficiency. 

By enrolling, you’ll gain hands-on experience, real-world insights, and a certification that can make you stand out in the competitive job market.

About Course:

• Duration: 2.5 months
• Level: Suitable for beginners and intermediate learners

Key Features

Below you’ll get a good idea about this courses unique attribution —

• Comprehensive Testing Methodologies

Master various software testing methodologies, from black-box and white-box testing to regression and performance testing. Develop a robust foundation in testing techniques used across the industry.

• Automation Frameworks and Tools

Learn to implement automation using popular frameworks like Selenium and Appium. Explore the power of automated testing in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in software testing processes.

• Real-World Project Experience

Apply your knowledge through hands-on projects that mirror real-world scenarios. Gain practical skills and insights by tackling challenges that software testers encounter daily.

• Industry Best Practices

Understand the best practices that drive software testing success. Learn how to identify defects, ensure software reliability, and create comprehensive test plans.

Pros of Enrolling in this Course:

• A comprehensive curriculum covering a range of testing methodologies and automation strategies.
• Practical exposure through hands-on projects, enabling you to apply learned concepts.
• Insights from industry professionals, ensuring your knowledge is up-to-date and relevant.
• Flexibility to learn at your own pace and convenience.
• A GeeksforGeeks certification to validate your expertise.

Cons of Enrolling in this Course:

• Some sections may require prior programming knowledge or technical understanding.
• Limited interaction with instructors compared to traditional classroom settings.

Pricing:

• Available at $199.98

Customer Ratings:

• 4.8 (based on 850 reviews)

Our Review of the Course:

It provides a comprehensive learning journey for aspiring and experienced testers alike. Learners gain essential skills in the tech industry with a curriculum that emphasizes testing methodologies, automation tools, and practical applications.

The hands-on projects simulate real-world challenges, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and readiness for industry roles. While some prior technical knowledge could be beneficial, the course’s clear explanations and well-organized content cater to diverse learners. 

Overall, GeeksforGeeks offers a valuable course that can propel your software testing career to new heights.

2. Automated Software Testing: Unit Testing, Coverage Criteria and Design for Testability

The course offers a thorough exploration of advanced software testing concepts. This course is tailored for professionals and developers seeking to elevate their understanding of automated testing techniques, unit testing, coverage criteria, and strategies for designing software that is easily testable. 

By enrolling in this course, participants will gain insights into the intricate world of software testing, enabling them to create robust and thoroughly tested software products.

About Course:

• Duration: 5 weeks (3 to 5 hours a week)
• Level: Intermediate level

Key Features:

The information regarding this course’s distinctive attribution is provided below —

• Unit Testing Fundamentals

Enrolled students will delve into the fundamentals of unit testing, including its importance in ensuring individual units of code function as expected.

• Coverage Criteria

The course covers various coverage criteria, such as statement coverage, branch coverage, and path coverage, helping participants assess the thoroughness of their testing efforts.

Design for Testability Strategies

Learners will explore strategies for designing software that is inherently testable, making the testing process more efficient and effective.

• Automation Techniques

The course includes practical lessons on automating unit tests, allowing participants to implement automated testing processes in their projects.

• Practical Examples

Participants will have the opportunity to work on hands-on projects and case studies, applying the concepts learned in real-world scenarios.

• Industry Insights

The course provides insights into industry best practices and emerging trends in automated software testing, ensuring students stay updated.

Pros of Enrolling:

• In-depth exploration of advanced testing concepts.
• Practical guidance on implementing unit tests and coverage criteria.
• Strategies for designing software with testability in mind.
• Valuable insights into industry trends and best practices.
• Hands-on projects enhance practical application.

Cons of Enrolling:

• Requires prior foundational knowledge of software testing.
• Advanced concepts may be challenging for beginners in software testing.

Pricing:

• It’s free. But you can also purchase it at $199 to get shareable certificate, support from edX, etc.

Customer Ratings:

• 4.1 ( based on 469 reviews)

Our Review of the Course:

The course’s emphasis on unit testing, coverage criteria, and design for testability addresses critical aspects of software quality assurance. The practical examples and projects provide learners with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing their skills. 

While prior knowledge of software testing is beneficial, the course’s systematic approach and industry insights make it a valuable investment for individuals looking to enhance their expertise in automated testing.

The favorable customer ratings across platforms indicate its effectiveness in delivering quality education and practical skills in advanced software testing techniques.

3. The Complete 2023 Software Testing Bootcamp

It’s one of the best software testing courses for its dynamic and intensive program tailored to meet the demands of the ever-evolving software testing landscape. 

Geared towards individuals aspiring to become proficient software testers, this bootcamp offers a comprehensive learning experience. Participants will gain a deep understanding of software testing methodologies, tools, and best practices. 

Whether you’re a career changer, recent graduate, or looking to upskill, it’ll equip you with the expertise needed to succeed in the field of software testing.

About Course:

• Duration: 29.5 hours
• Level: From beginners with no prior knowledge of software testing to professionals seeking advanced skills.

Key Features:

The details about this course’s unique characteristics are given as follows —

Fundamentals of Testing

Enrolled students will grasp the essential concepts and theories that underlie effective software testing practices.

Hands-on Projects

The bootcamp places a strong emphasis on practical learning through real-world projects, enabling participants to apply their knowledge in simulated scenarios.

Automation Expertise

Participants will gain hands-on experience with popular testing automation tools and frameworks, enhancing their ability to streamline testing processes.

Comprehensive Test Strategies

Students will learn various testing strategies, including functional, performance, and security testing, empowering them to assess software from multiple angles.

Industry-Relevant Skills

The curriculum is designed in collaboration with industry experts, ensuring that participants acquire skills and knowledge aligned with current industry trends and requirements.

Collaborative Learning

Bootcamp participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers, fostering a supportive learning community that encourages networking and knowledge sharing.

Pros of Enrolling:

• Rapid skill acquisition through an intensive 10-week curriculum.
• Practical experience gained through hands-on projects.
• Versatile skill set in software testing, from fundamentals to advanced techniques.
• Exposure to industry-standard tools and automation frameworks.
• Valuable networking opportunities within the cohort.

Cons of Enrolling:

• The fast-paced nature of the bootcamp may require participants to manage time effectively.
• Limited time for in-depth exploration of extremely specialized topics.

Pricing:

• Available at $74.99

Customer Ratings:

• 4.6 (based on 23,967ratings)

Our Review of the Course:

It’s an intensive and well-structured program designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to excel in the field of software testing. The emphasis on practical projects ensures that learners not only grasp theoretical concepts but also apply them in real-world scenarios. 

The comprehensive curriculum, covering a range of testing methodologies and automation tools, reflects the industry’s evolving demands.

The hands-on approach and collaborative learning environment contribute to an effective and engaging learning journey, despite the fast pace. According to customer reviews, the boot camp provides valuable education and prepares individuals to succeed in the software testing industry.

4. Getting Started with Software Testing [LinkedIn Learning] 

This is an essential course for individuals looking to embark on a journey in the world of software testing. This course provides a solid foundation for beginners, introducing them to the key concepts, methodologies, and techniques of software testing. 

Whether you’re a recent graduate exploring career options or a professional transitioning into the field, it’s the best software testing courses online to kickstart your software testing journey.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a detailed knowledge of the testing process and the ability to contribute effectively to software quality assurance efforts.

About Course:

• Duration: 17 hours
• Level: The course is beginner-friendly and suitable for individuals with little to no prior knowledge of software testing.

Key Features:

The following things about its distinguishing features are given —

• Introduction to Software Testing

Enrolled students will receive a clear overview of the importance of software testing in the software development life cycle.

• Testing Methodologies

The course covers various testing methodologies, including manual testing, automated testing, and exploratory testing.

• Practical Examples

Participants will learn through real-world examples and case studies, enhancing their understanding of testing concepts.

• Testing Tools

An introduction to commonly used testing tools and frameworks provides learners with exposure to industry practices.

• Bug Reporting

The course delves into bug reporting and tracking, teaching participants how to effectively communicate defects to development teams.

• Quality Assurance Best Practices

Learners will gain insights into quality assurance best practices, ensuring they can contribute to delivering high-quality software.

Pros of Enrolling:

• A great starting point for beginners looking to enter the software testing field.
• Clear and concise explanations of testing concepts and methodologies.
• Flexible learning schedule for individuals with other commitments.
• Practical examples and case studies enhance understanding.
• Accessible through LinkedIn Learning’s platform.

Cons of Enrolling:

• Limited coverage of advanced or specialized software testing topics.
• May not provide in-depth technical details for those seeking advanced skills.

Pricing:

• Subscription to LinkedIn Learning required for access.

Customer Ratings:

• 4.8 (based on 500 reviews)

Our Review of the Course:

It’s an excellent entry point for individuals interested in understanding the fundamentals of software testing. The course’s concise modules and practical examples make it easy for beginners to grasp key concepts. 

While it may not cater to advanced professionals seeking in-depth technical knowledge, it excels at providing a solid foundation in testing methodologies and tools. The course’s high customer ratings on LinkedIn Learning reflect its effectiveness in delivering quality content. 

Whether you’re considering a career shift or aiming to contribute more effectively to software development teams, it can be a good starting point.

5. Automation Test Engineer [Simplilearn] 

It’s a comprehensive program designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the role of an automation test engineer. This course is ideal for professionals seeking to specialize in automation testing, a crucial aspect of modern software development. 

By enrolling in this course, you’ll gain a deep understanding of automation frameworks, tools, and best practices. Thus, you’ll be able to contribute to efficient and effective software testing processes.

About Course:

• Duration: 11 months
• Level: The course is tailored for individuals with some background in software testing and a desire to focus on automation.

Key Features:

Its defining characteristics include the following —

• Automation Fundamentals

Enrolled students will master the fundamentals of automation testing, including its importance in software development and testing life cycles.

• Automation Tools and Frameworks

The course covers a wide range of automation tools and frameworks, enabling participants to choose the right ones for various scenarios.

• Scripting Languages

Learners will gain proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, Java, or others commonly used in automation testing.

• Real-world Projects

The curriculum includes hands-on projects that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing participants to apply automation concepts practically.

• Continuous Integration and Continuous Testing

Participants will learn how to integrate automation testing into continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.

• Test Reporting and Analytics

The course delves into generating comprehensive test reports and utilizing analytics for process improvement.

Pros of Enrolling:

• In-depth coverage of automation testing concepts and techniques.
• Practical exposure through hands-on projects.
• Versatility in choosing automation tools and languages.
• Skills applicable to various industries and software development environments.
• Opportunities to enhance career prospects in automation testing roles.

Cons of Enrolling:

• Requires a basic understanding of software testing concepts.
• May not provide advanced specialization in niche automation tools.
• It costs a lot more than other courses

Pricing:

• Available at $ 1,299

Customer Ratings:

• 4.5 (based on 764 Ratings)

Our Review of the Course:

It stands as a comprehensive and practical resource for those aiming to specialize in automation testing. The inclusion of various automation tools, frameworks, and scripting languages provides learners with a well-rounded skill set.

Hands-on projects and real-world simulations ensure that participants can immediately apply their knowledge in practical scenarios. 

While a foundational understanding of software testing is beneficial, the course’s depth and quality will elevate your automation testing skills.

The positive customer ratings on multiple platforms reflect the effectiveness of the course in delivering valuable education and practical skills for automation testing roles.

Getting the Most Out of Best Software Testing Courses

You can get valuable knowledge and skills to enhance your testing expertise from the best software testing courses. To make the most of these courses, consider the following best practices:

• Research and Choose Courses Wisely

Prior to enrolling, research various courses, read reviews, and ensure they align with your skill level and learning objectives.

• Set Clear Goals

Define what you aim to achieve from the course. Whether it’s mastering a specific testing technique or obtaining a certification, having clear goals will keep you focused.

• Time Management

Allocate dedicated time for the course, balancing it with your other commitments. Consistency is key to absorbing and retaining information effectively.

• Interactive Learning

Engage actively with the course material. Participate in quizzes, assignments, and discussions to reinforce your understanding.

• Hands-on Practice

Apply theoretical concepts in practical scenarios. Many courses offer hands-on exercises, which are crucial for skill development.

• Great Collaboration 

If possible, connect with fellow learners. Discussions and group projects can provide diverse perspectives and enhance your problem-solving skills.

• Feedback Utilization

Pay attention to feedback from instructors or peers. Constructive criticism can highlight areas for improvement.

• Real-world Application

Relate course content to real-world projects. This bridge between theory and practice enhances your adaptability and relevance in the industry.

• Continuous Learning

After completing a course, stay updated with evolving trends and technologies in software testing. This ensures the longevity of your knowledge.

Wrapping Up

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the value of the best software testing courses cannot be overstated. These courses serve as pathways to proficiency, guiding learners through the intricacies of software quality assurance.

Through meticulous course selection and goal-setting, learners ensure that their investment of time and effort aligns with their aspirations. It takes dedication to allocate time for learning, manage responsibilities, and maintain a consistent routine.

Engaging in interactive components such as quizzes, assignments, and discussions transcends passive learning. This approach cultivates a deeper understanding of the subject matter and encourages critical thinking.

FAQs

1. How do I choose the right software testing course?

Choosing the right course involves considering your current skill level, desired outcomes, and the course content. Read reviews, syllabi, and course objectives to ensure alignment with your goals.

2. Can I benefit from software testing courses if I’m already experienced?

Absolutely. Experienced professionals can benefit by staying updated with the latest methodologies, tools, and industry best practices. Advanced courses often provide insights that enhance their existing skill set.

3. How important is hands-on practice during the course?

Hands-on practice is crucial. It allows you to apply theoretical concepts in practical scenarios, helping solidify your understanding and develop your problem-solving skills. Practical experience is highly valued in the software testing field.

The post Best Software Testing Courses: Become a Top Software Tester  appeared first on Software Testing Stuff.

Mercury LoadRunner tests the performance of applications under controlled and peak load conditions. To generate load, LoadRunner runs hundreds or thousands of virtual users. These virtual users provide consistent, repeatable, and measurable load to exercise your application just as real users would.

Mercury Business Availability Center enables real-time monitoring of the end user experience. Business Process Monitor runs virtual users to perform typical activities on the monitored application.

If you have already created and perfected a test in QuickTest that is a good representation of your users’ actions, you may be able to use your QuickTest test as the basis for performance testing and application management activities. You can use Silent Test Runner to check in advance that a QuickTest test will run correctly from LoadRunner and Business Process Monitor.

QuickTest enables you to create complex tests that examine the full spectrum of your application’s functionality to confirm that every element of your application works as expected in all situations.

The run mechanisms used in all Mercury Performance Testing and Mercury Business Availability Center products are the same. This means that you can create tests that are compatible with LoadRunner and Business Process Monitor, enabling you to take advantage of tests or test segments that have already been designed and debugged in QuickTest.

For example, you can add QuickTest tests to specific points in a LoadRunner scenario to confirm that the application’s functionality is not affected by the extra load at those sensitive points. You can also run QuickTest tests on Business Process Monitor to simulate end user experience and ensure that your application is running correctly and in a timely manner.

QuickTest also offers several features that are designed specifically for integration with LoadRunner and Business Process Monitor. However, since LoadRunner and Business Process Monitor are designed to run tests using virtual users representing many users simultaneously performing standard user operations, some QuickTest features may not be available when integrating these products with QuickTest.

If you do plan to use a single test in both QuickTest and LoadRunner and/or Business Process Monitor, you should take into account the different options supported in each product as you design your test.

QuickTest Performance Testing and Business Availability Center Features

You can use the Services object and its associated methods to insert statements that are specifically relevant to Performance Testing and Business Availability Center. These include AddWastedTime, EndDistributedTransaction, EndTransaction, GetEnvironmentAttribute, LogMessage, Rendezvous, SetTransaction, SetTransactionStatus, StartDistributedTransaction, StartTransaction, ThinkTime, and UserDataPoint. For more information on these methods, refer to the Services section of the QuickTest Professional Object Model Reference and your LoadRunner or Business Availability Center documentation.

You can also insert StartTransaction and EndTransaction statements using the Insert > Start Transaction and Insert > End Transaction menu options or toolbar buttons to insert the statement.

Note: LoadRunner and Business Process Monitor use only the data that is included within a transaction, and ignore any data in a test outside of a transaction.

Also See: Other LoadRunner Tutorials

The post Mercury Performance Testing and Business Availability Center Products appeared first on Software Testing Stuff.

Auto Recovery: The auto recovery options, allow you to restore your script’s settings in the event of a crash or power outage. To allow auto recovery, select the Save AutoRecover Information check box and specify the time between the saves in minutes.

Editor: You can set the editor options to select a font and enable LoadRunner VuGen’s Intellisense capabilities which automatically fill in words and function syntax.

Auto show function syntax: When you type the opening parenthesis of a function, VuGen shows the syntax of the function with its arguments and prototypes. To enable the showing of the syntax globally, select the check box adjacent to this option. To disable this feature, clear the check box adjacent to the Auto show function syntax option. If you disable Show Function Syntax globally, you can still bring up the syntax by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Space or choosing Edit > Show Function Syntax after typing the opening parenthesis in the editor.

Auto complete word: When you type the first underscore of a function, VuGen opens a list of functions allowing you to choose the exact function without having to manually type in the entire function. To enable word completion globally, select the check box adjacent to this option. To disable this feature, clear the check box adjacent to the Auto complete word option. If you disable this option globally, you can still bring up the function list box by pressing Ctrl+Space or choosing Edit > Complete Word while typing in the editor.

Select Font: To set the editor font, click Select Font. The Font dialog box opens. Select the desired font, style, and size and click OK. Note that only fixed size fonts (Courier, Lucida Console, FixedSys, and so on) are available.

Startup Dialog: The Show Startup Dialog option opens the Startup dialog box when you open VuGen. The Startup dialog has quick links to create a new script, open an existing script, or view a recent script. If you disable this option, VuGen opens with an empty screen.

Default Environment Settings: By default, Show Function Syntax and Auto complete word are enabled globally. Auto Recovery is set to 10 seconds. VuGen opens with the Startup dialog box.

Also See: Other LoadRunner Tutorials

The post LoadRunner VuGen Environment Options appeared first on Software Testing Stuff.

Using this API, the ICA Client Object can be embedded into applications and scripts to launch ICA sessions while shielding the mechanics of accessing a MetaFrame XP Server Farm. This integration extends this functionality by exposing functions that allow programmatic control of actions within an ICA session such as mouse movements and keystrokes. Additionally, modifications have been made to ICA client code to allow the launching of a session with minimal resource requirements; thus allowing numerous connections to be made and controlled from a single client machine.

Client Based Scalability Testing advantages (Pre-deployment):

• Simulate hundreds of users with just a few workstations.
• Load testing tools can be used which can effectively emulates real environments.
• Define, test, and measure performance of definable business transactions.
• Pinpoint potential bottlenecks and resolve before going production.
• Reduce risk by load testing just before going live.

Application Performance Management (Post-deployment):

• End to End monitoring of infrastructure, including MetaFrame XP systems (synthetic transactions).
• Segmented metrics provide information for increasing performance and capacity planning of infrastructure.

LoadRunner for Citrix Functionality: The LoadRunner for Citrix integration provides the ability to launch multiple ICA sessions from a single client machine as well as programmatically control the actions of a session from the client machine. The following list briefly outlines the core functionality exposed through the Citrix Client integration. These items are explained in detail in the “readme” and API function list included with the integration.

• Scalability: Exposes 4 modes of operations: Normal, Headless, Windowless, and Renderless.
• Windows Information: (1)Exposes some window events such as re-size / move / create / destroy, etc. (2). Allow querying of window information such as caption / style / position, etc.
• Input Events: Expose events such as Mouse Move / Mouse Click / Key Down, etc.
• Input Simulation: Allow simulation of mouse and keyboard events.
• Other APIs: ScreenShot API to get screen hash or actual bitmap and Ping API to get network latency.

Also See:

• Citrix Load Testing Challenges
• Other LoadRunner Tutorials

The post Citrix ICA Client Integration with LoadRunner appeared first on Software Testing Stuff.

As per my knowledge, below is a list of general API functions for ANSI C scripts. It includes all protocols except for Java, VB, and GUI:

Transaction Functions:

1. lr_end_sub_transaction –> Marks the end of a sub-transaction for performance analysis.

2. lr_end_transaction –> Marks the end of a transaction.

3. lr_end_transaction_instance –> Marks the end of a transaction instance for performance analysis.

4. lr_fail_trans_with_error –> Sets the status of open transactions to LR_FAIL and sends an error message.

5. lr_get_trans_instance_duration –> Gets the duration of a transaction instance specified by its handle.

6. lr_get_trans_instance_wasted_time –> Gets the wasted time of a transaction instance by its handle.

7. lr_get_transaction_duration –> Gets the duration of a transaction by its name.

8. lr_get_transaction_think_time –> Gets the think time of a transaction by its name.

9. lr_get_transaction_wasted_time –> Gets the wasted time of a transaction by its name.

10. lr_resume_transaction –> Resumes collecting transaction data for performance analysis.

11. lr_resume_transaction_instance –> Resumes collecting transaction instance data for performance analysis.

12. lr_set_transaction_instance_status –> Sets the status of a transaction instance.

13. lr_set_transaction_status –> Sets the status of open transactions.

14. lr_set_transaction_status_by_name –> Sets the status of a transaction.

15. lr_start_sub_transaction –> Marks the beginning of a subtransaction.

16. lr_start_transaction –> Marks the beginning of a transaction.

17. lr_start_transaction_instance –> Starts a nested transaction specified by its parent’s handle.

18. lr_stop_transaction –> Stops the collection of transaction data.

19. lr_stop_transaction_instance –> Stops collecting data for a transaction specified by its handle.

20. lr_wasted_time –> Removes wasted time from all open transactions.

Command Line Parsing Functions:

1. lr_get_attrib_double –> Retrieves a double type variable used on the script command line.

2. lr_get_attrib_long –> Retrieves a long type variable used on the script command line.

3. lr_get_attrib_string –> Retrieves a string used on the script command line.

Informational Functions:

1. lr_user_data_point –> Records a user-defined data sample.

2. lr_whoami –> Returns information about a Vuser to the Vuser script. Not applicable for Application Management.

3. lr_get_host_name –> Returns the name of the host executing the Vuser script.

4. lr_get_master_host_name –> Returns the name of the machine running the LoadRunner Controller or Tuning Console. Not applicable for Application Management.

String Functions:

1. lr_eval_string –> Replaces a parameter with its current value.

2. lr_save_string –> Saves a null-terminated string to a parameter.

3. lr_save_var –> Saves a variable length string to a parameter.

4. lr_save_datetime –> Saves the current date and time to a parameter.

5. lr _advance_param –> Advances to the next available parameter.

6. lr _decrypt –> Decrypts an encoded string.

7. lr_eval_string_ext –> Retrieves a pointer to a buffer containing parameter data.

8. lr_eval_string_ext_free –> Frees the pointer allocated by lr_eval_string_ext.

9. lr_save_searched_string –> Searches for an occurrence of string in a buffer and saves a portion of the buffer, relative to the string occurrence, to a parameter.

Message Functions:

1. lr_debug_message –> Sends a debug message to the Output window or the Business Process Monitor log files.

2. lr_error_message –> Sends an error message to the Output window or the Business Process Monitor log files.

3. lr_get_debug_message –> Retrieves the current message class.

4. lr_log_message –> Sends a message to a log file.

5. lr_output_message –> Sends a message to the Output window or the Business Process Monitor log files.

6. lr_set_debug_message –> Sets a debug message class.

7. lr_vuser_status_message –> Generates and prints formatted output to the Controller or Console Vuser status area. Not applicable for Application Management.

8. lr_message –> Sends a message to the Vuser log and Output window or the Business Process Monitor log files.

Run-Time Functions

1. lr_load_dll –> Loads an external DLL.

2. lr_peek_events –> Indicates where a Vuser script can be paused.

3. lr_think_time –> Pauses script execution to emulate think time—the time a real user pauses to think between actions.

4. lr_continue_on_error –> Specifies an error handling method.

5. lr_rendezvous –> Sets a rendezvous point in a Vuser script. Not applicable for Application Management.

Also See: Other LoadRunner Tutorials

The post C Vuser Functions in LoadRunner appeared first on Software Testing Stuff.

• Unattended creation of an Analysis session that can then be opened in the HP LoadRunner Analysis.
• Custom extraction of data from the results of a test run under the HP LoadRunner Controller

An application that creates an Analysis session can be run automatically at completion of a test run. In the LoadRunner Controller, open Tools > Options and select the Execution tab. Enter the command to run your application in the Post Execution Command box.

The API set provides the following functionality:

• Convert Controller Run results to an Analysis data base file
• Create, modify, and apply a global filter and Graph filters
• Set graph parameters
• Calculate metrics and statistics per Graph in a Run
• Notifications from the API infrastructure to the API application
• Logging at different severity levels
• Ability to run concurrent, independent instances of API-based applications

Limitations: This version of the API set does not support:

• Graph auto-correlation
• Graph merging
• Importing data from external monitors
• XML export of data
• Support Level Agreements functionality
• Use of filters, graphs, and other configurations created in the Analysis user interface
• J2EE Graphs are only partially supported

Prerequisites: To use this API set, you must:

• Be a .NET programmer
• Be familiar with the Controller and Analysis programs

The development environment requires:

• Visual Studio 2005 or any other compiler that supports .NET 2.0
• LoadRunner Analysis

The runtime environment requires:

• LoadRunner Analysis
• A .NET configuration file. A command-line utility to build the configuration file is provided in the <Analysis installation>\Additional Components\AssemblyCrawler folder.

Also See: Other LoadRunner Tutorials

The post Analysis API in LoadRunner appeared first on Software Testing Stuff.

The central object of the LoadRunner automation API is LrEngine object. When LrEngine is created, it will connect to an existing instance of the LoadRunner Controller or launch a new one.

Use LrEngine to access and program the scenario object that determines the properties of the test to be run, and to access Events related to groups, hosts, scenarios and rendezvous.

Exceptions: LoadRunner Automation handles most errors by generating an exception rather than a return code. In general, the return codes only indicate that the function ran successfully. A return code of zero does not indicate that the action was performed successfully.

You can catch the exceptions by writing your own exception handlers or using standard error classes. Errors in creating objects can be detected by checking if the object is Nothing.

Glossary of terms used in LoadRunner Automation Library:

Controller: The LoadRunner Controller provides a graphic user interface for controlling and managing load test scenarios.

Group: A logical collection of virtual users, usually running the same script.

Host: A machine that executes one or many virtual user scripts, enabling the virtual user to emulate the actions of a human user. When you execute a scenario, the Controller distributes each virtual user in the scenario to a host.

Rendezvous: Emulates heavy user load on the application. You insert rendezvous points into virtual user scripts to ensure that multiple virtual users act simultaneously. For example, to emulate peak load on a bank application, you can insert a rendezvous point instructing 100 virtual users to transfer funds within their accounts at the same time.

Rendezvous Group: A collection of rendezvous.

Scenario: A class that includes a number of scripts to be run, and specifies the hosts that will run the scripts and the virtual user groups associated with each one.

Script: Describes the acts that a virtual user performs during scenario execution. When you run a scenario, each virtual user executes a script. The virtual user scripts include functions that measure and record the performance of your application.

Vuser: A virtual user. When you run a scenario, Vusers emulate the actions of human users, operating your application. A scenario can contain tens or thousands of Vusers. To emulate conditions of heavy user load, you create a large number of Vusers that perform a series of tasks.

Also See: Other LoadRunner Tutorials

The post LoadRunner Automation API appeared first on Software Testing Stuff.

1. Recording Tips in Load Runner
2. Recording Problems in LoadRunner
3. HP Diagnostics and LoadRunner Integration
4. LoadRunner Automation API
5. Analysis API in LoadRunner
6. Vusers in LoadRunner
7. C Vuser Functions in LoadRunner
8. LoadRunner VuGen Environment Options
9. Silent Test Runner
10. Measuring Transactions
11. Inserting and Running Tests in LoadRunner or Business Process Monitor
12. Mercury Performance Testing and Business Availability Center Products
13. Mercury LoadRunner and Citrix
14. Citrix ICA Client Integration with LoadRunner
15. Citrix Load Testing Challenges
16. How to correlate a Winsock script in LoadRunner
17. Replay tips for Citrix protocol in LoadRunner
18. License Errors in LoadRunner
19. Load Runner – Interview Questions

Note: For further stuff on LoadRunner, please visit our other website: LoadRunnerStuff.com

The post Important LoadRunner Tutorials appeared first on Software Testing Stuff.

Mercury’s industry standard load testing product LoadRunner, and application performance management product Topaz, have both been customized to support Citrix environments. This means that customers can now accurately test and monitor their Citrix-based systems before and after deployment to ensure high performance, scalability and availability.

LoadRunner for Citrix Solution

LoadRunner works by emulating hundreds or thousands of ICA clients with just a handful of machines to create a scalable MetaFrame XP load testing solution. Up to 100 connections can be made from a single workstation (dependent on machine hardware) using the LoadRunner for Citrix integration. Sessions are initiated and workflow scripts are executed on client machines; simulating real life scenarios and generating realistic network and resource loads. Since scripts controlling user sessions are executed on the client machines, no additional overhead is placed on the MetaFrame XP servers eliminating the potential inaccuracies that are inherent when testing with the CTSK.

The virtual users are created using a recording technology that captures the ICA traffic between the client and server into a high level, easy to read, maintainable test script. These scripts can be easily modified to represent real users with their own sets of data and replay speeds. By licensing key Citrix technology, LoadRunner’s virtual users generate exactly the same traffic as the ICA client and “fool” the system into believing it is under the load of real production users.

By measuring the end-to-end response time of user transactions, LoadRunner helps identify performance problems from the end users perspective. Using a suite of real-time performance monitors that measure the system performance across all the tiers, LoadRunner can also help isolate these problems wherever they lie in the system. Finally, all the test scripts created in pre-deployment load testing with LoadRunner can be reused as-is in Topaz for performance monitoring once the application goes live.

As with all testing strategies, tests are only as accurate at the workflows utilized to emulate real life scenarios. For example, scripts that emulate users running a word processing program for typing and saving of files may not produce accurate results if printing is usually performed but not incorporated into the script’s workflow. Thus, when developing virtual user scripts, it is important that the scripts replicate the actions of real users to obtain accurate results.

Client machines running LoadRunner virtual users can emulate real users accessing the Citrix MetaFrame XP farm and backend resources. All scripts are run from the client machines, eliminating any server side overhead producing realistic measurements. A LoadRunner Controller is used to administer the test and aggregate performance measurements.

Also See:

• Citrix ICA Client Integration with LoadRunner
• Citrix Load Testing Challenges
• Other Load Runner Tutorials

The post Mercury LoadRunner and Citrix appeared first on Software Testing Stuff.

1. Firefox is not supported: Only Internet Explorer is supported for Web (Click and Script). To record browser activity on Firefox, use the Web (HTTP/HTML) protocol.
2. Application behaves differently while being recorded: If your application behaves differently during recording, than it does without recording, you should determine if the recording problem is unique to Web (Click and Script). The effect may be that a Web page will not load, part of the content is missing, a popup window does not open, and so forth. Create a new Web (HTTP/HTML) script and repeat the recording. In the event that the recording is OK in Web (HTTP/HTML), we recommend that you disable socket level recording. The problem may be the result of an event listener. Use trial and error to disable event listeners in the Web Event Configuration Recording Options, and then re-record your session as a Web (Click and Script) user. To disable an event listener:
   • Open the Recording Options. Select Tools > Recording Options and select the GUI Properties:Web Event Configuration node.
   • Click Custom Settings and expand the Web Objects node. Select an object.
   • Select Disabled from the list in the Record column for the relevant Web object. If the recording still does not work, enable the listener you previously disabled, and try disabling another one. Repeat these steps until your recording succeeds.
3. Dynamic menu navigation was not recorded: A dynamic menu is a menu that dynamically changes depending on where you select it. If the dynamic menu navigation was not recorded, record again using “high” event configuration mode. To set the configuration level to high:
   • Open the Recording Options. Select Tools > Recording Options and select the GUI Properties:Web Event Configuration node.
   • Move the slider to High.
4. Certain user actions were not recorded: Check if there is a Java applet running inside the browser. If not, record the script with the Web (HTTP/HTML) protocol.

Also See: Other LoadRunner Tutorials

The post Recording Problems & their Troubleshooting in LoadRunner appeared first on Software Testing Stuff.