Enroll Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/micro-focus-loadrunner-2021/
In the world of software development, ensuring an application can handle user load and maintain performance under stress is paramount. This is where performance testing tools like Micro Focus LoadRunner come into play. I recently completed a comprehensive Udemy course on “Performance Testing with Micro Focus LoadRunner” and wanted to share my experience and recommendations.
What is LoadRunner?
LoadRunner, now part of Micro Focus, is a powerful software testing tool designed to measure system behavior and performance under load. It allows you to simulate thousands of concurrent users interacting with your application, recording and analyzing the performance of critical components. LoadRunner achieves this by generating scripts that mimic user actions, from simple key presses to complex network requests. The tool has a rich history, acquired by Hewlett Packard Enterprise and later by Micro Focus, with continuous updates and rebranding, such as the current “LoadRunner Professional 2020” and “LoadRunner Cloud 2020” (formerly StormRunner Load).
Key Components and Architecture
The course did an excellent job of breaking down the core components of LoadRunner:
- VuGen (Virtual User Generator): The heart of script creation and editing. The course covered recording user actions and refining these scripts, often using ANSI C, but also touching upon Java, .Net, and even JavaScript support for web protocols.
- Controller: This component orchestrates the load tests. You define scenarios, schedule user load, and manage the Load Generators. The course emphasized how the Controller provides real-time monitoring and status updates during test execution.
- Load Generator: These are the machines that actually simulate the user load according to the scripts defined in VuGen and managed by the Controller.
- Analysis: Post-test, the Analysis component is crucial for assembling data from Load Generators, generating reports, and visualizing performance metrics.
The course also touched upon LoadRunner’s extensive module support for various technologies, including .NET, Java, databases (Oracle, SQL Server), internetworking protocols (DNS, FTP), email protocols, and remote client technologies like Citrix ICA and RDP. The integration with cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, and the ability to run JMeter scripts within LoadRunner, were also highlighted as significant advantages.
My Learning Experience
This Udemy course provided a solid foundation for anyone looking to delve into performance testing with LoadRunner. The instructors were knowledgeable, and the explanations were clear and concise. While the syllabus didn’t include specific modules, the content covered the essential aspects of LoadRunner, from understanding its architecture to practical script creation and test execution. The hands-on demonstrations were particularly helpful in grasping the practical application of the tool.
Who Should Take This Course?
I would highly recommend this course to:
- Aspiring Performance Test Engineers
- QA Engineers looking to expand their skillset
- Developers interested in understanding application performance
- Anyone new to Micro Focus LoadRunner
Recommendation
If you’re serious about learning performance testing with a robust industry-standard tool like LoadRunner, this Udemy course is an excellent starting point. It equips you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to begin your journey in performance engineering. While the tool itself has a learning curve, this course effectively demystifies its core functionalities and provides a clear path forward.
Enroll Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/micro-focus-loadrunner-2021/