Performance testing is a key step for analyzing the scalability, speed, response time, reliability, and web services and resource usage applications alongside their predicted workload. There is currently a myriad of performance testing tools available on the software market.
However, when performance testing tools are mentioned, Jmeter and LoadRunner are the first two that come to mind. Both tools are effective when it comes to finding limitations and detecting bugs in software. To do this effectively, the software they increase the load of the software.
To know what each tool is suited for your business, we have come up with a detailed comparison of the key features of Jmeter vs. Loadrunner. You’ll find their differences and other amazing things to know, so continue reading.
What is Jmeter?
Jmeter is a commonly used performance testing tool for most developers because it is open-source. This makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of the size of a business. Also, the tool supports fully Java scripted computer applications and performs tests to ascertain the performance of different web applications.
One of the distinguishing features of Jmeter is its versatility, despite being available in open source. Jmeter is compatible with different networking protocols and protocols webs like TCP, SOAP, LDAP, FTP, HTTPS, and HTTP. The application also offers Message-oriented middleware and JDBC compliance via JMC.
Jmeter is also compatible with many other protocols like SMTP, POP3, and IMAP. These are protocols that enhance security standards within an application. Using native commands and shell scripts during performance testing makes implementation a lot easier.
With Jmeter, software testers can check their applications for static and dynamic resources like files, scripts, logs, servers, and queries. It also allows for inspection of heavy load applications to be performed, alongside evaluation of their performance and robustness.
Jmeter stands out compared to other software testing tools when it comes to the user interface. It offers a fast and intuitive GUI, which is supported by multithreading capabilities. In addition, Jmeter is compatible with third-party plug-ins and integrations that offer more software testing features.
Jmeter Features
Here are the features of Jmeter:
- 100% Java scripted
- GUI design and interface
- Pluggable samplers
- Result analysis and caches
- Multithreading framework
- Highly extensible core
- Scriptable samplers
- Dynamic input
- Data analysis and visualization
- Compatible with networking protocols and web protocols
Pros and Cons of Jmeter
Although it’s one of the best performance testing tools available, it still has its advantages and disadvantages, which include the following:
Pros
Here are some of the advantages of Jmeter:
- Easy to Install
- Highly portable and extensible
- Available for free
- Easy to integrate with third-party tools and plug-ins
- Specialized for Java
- Excellent customer support community
- Readily available for data analysis and visualization
- Data extraction in different response formats, including HTML, XML, and JSON
Cons
Here are the key disadvantages of Jmeter:
- It’s not as proficient as paid performance testing tools like Load runner
- Jmeter does not support JavaScript
- Testing complex applications with JavaScript may be difficult
- High memory consumption, which can cause errors for users
When to Use Jmeter
There are a lot of web applications being developed massively in different parts of the world. Different options are available, but users only want what will give the best results. For a web application to beat its competition, it needs to be optimized to deliver maximum performance.
For the best performance testing tool, Jmeter is an option to consider. This is because of the different capabilities that it offers for integration and performance testing. With Jmeter, you can measure load stress, functional capabilities, and compatibility of web applications and services.
Jmeter also delivers features for a more tailored protocol testing like HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, JMS, POP3, and SOAP. With this, you can be certain that your web app is error-free and high-performing. What’s more is that Jmeter is available in an open-source framework, which makes it possible for users to customize its features and develop based on its existing framework.
The software also offers freedom for developers to build their tests designs for web applications, thanks to its open-source framework.
Jmeter Integrations
As mentioned earlier, Jmeter is compatible with different integrations, and they include the following:
- Meliora TestLab
- Jenkins
- CloudGen
- JSUint
- Dynatrace
- Visual Studio
- Maven
- BlazeMeter
What is Loadrunner?
This is one of the most sophisticated software performance testing tools available today. With this tool, you can easily detect performance issues and prevent them from occurring in web applications. The testing tool allows for the detection of bottlenecks, even before applications are implemented or deployed. Loadrunner also allows for the detection of performance gaps, especially when a system is upgraded or implemented.
It’s worth noting that Loadrunner is not restricted to testing web apps and services alone. It’s equally optimized for testing legacy system applications, ERP software, and Web 2.0 technologies. Software testers can use Loadrunner to completely visualize the end-to-end performance of a system. With this, it becomes easy to evaluate different components individually.
Loadrunner automation testing tool also offers forecasting features that allow users to forecast expenses to up-scale the capacity of the application. This forecasting capability makes it easier to improve the scalability and capacity of the application.
One thing to note is that Loadrunner is not an open-source like Jmeter. Therefore, you can’t access the code of the application. However, there are other advanced testing features available on the application, and as such, you won’t need to customize its features.
Loadrunner Features
Here are the features of Loadrunner
- Mobile Testing
- Continuous Testing
- Supports different Apps
- Cloud Testing
- Refined user interface
- Root Cause Analytics
- Accurate Scalability
- Users can test different applications, including Citrix, Ajax, Silverlight, GWT, legacy, ERP, HTML 5, Flex, SOAP, Java, and .NET.
Pros and Cons of Loadrunner Application
Like Jmeter, Loadrunner also has its pros and cons, which include the following:
Pros
These are the advantages of Loardrunner:
- It allows for the optimal use of load generator farm
- Provided effective tool for utilization tracking
- Allows users to perform shorter test cycles
- Offers browser-based access to different test resources
- Allows users to test mobile applications
- With Loadrunner, software teams can develop service-level agreements before releasing their products
- Reduces cost by forecasting scalability and capacity
- Offers accurate detection of code-level, end-user, and system bottlenecks
- Reduces the cost of application downtime due to performance issues
Cons
These are the disadvantages of Loadrunner:
- Loadrunner is expensive
- There may be compatibility issues
- Restricted load generation capacity
- The application debugging system needs improvement
- Dump analysis equally needs improvement
When to Use Loadrunner
Loadrunner is a unique software performance testing tool because it gives accurate insight about the end-to-end performance of applications. With this, users can easily detect and avoid performance issues. Loadrunner works by collecting data from different components like web servers and database servers.
After data collection, the application then analyzes the data to give insight into how the application is performing and identify issues. With this, users can identify faults in any application. In addition, the testing tool offers a high level of versatility and can support different applications. Developers can use it to test applications like Citrix, Ajax, Silverlight, GWT, legacy, ERP, HTML5, Flex, SOAP, Java, and .NET.
Hp Loadrunner gives testers multiple options to test different mobile applications. With the performance testing tool, developers can easily evaluate the performance of their mobile application with respect to the network, backend, and device level.
Another interesting thing is that the performance testing tool allows for robust, realistic, and quick testing from different geographic locations.
Loadrunner Integrations
The following integrations are compatible with Loadrunner:
- UFT
- Jenkins
- AppDynamics
- DynaTrace
- HP Diagnostics
- Selenium
- SiteScope
- Microsoft Visual Studio
Loadrunner vs JMeter: Parameters of Comparison
As mentioned above, Loadrunner has a robust position in the market, even though Jmeter is rapidly gaining ground in the market, and at a fast rate. Here’s a detailed comparison of the features each tool offers:
- Ease of Use: Loadrunner is an expensive testing tool, while Jmeter is a free and open-source software testing tool.
- Load Generation Capability: The load generation capability for Loadrunner is restricted, while that of Jmeter is flexible.
- Implementation: Jmeter is a lot easier to implement compared to Loadrunner, but its execution is complex.
- Community Support: The customer support is vibrant for both users, although that of Jmeter is prompt and faster.
- Technically: Loadrunner is highly complex, while Jmeter is less complex.
- Analysis Results: Reports are generally a lot easier to understand easier on both platforms, even for less experienced and less skilled engineers.
Final Words
Both Jmeter and Loadrunner are excellent software performance testing tools to use, and it all depends on your testing needs.
If you want a tool that will make it easy for you to detect bottlenecks, in addition to a myriad of testing features, Loadrunner uses is also a factor that might make you want to consider using it. However, most software teams prefer Jmeter as a reasonable option for many reasons.
This is because of the essential performance testing feature it offers. Jmeter offers an open-source platform that allows users to make customizations, which makes it easier for people to perform different software testing operations.