Getting Started with LoadRunner

LoadRunner by Micro Focus is an industry-standard tool for performance testing, allowing testers to simulate thousands of users and measure system behavior under load. It's known for its robust scripting (VuGen), orchestration (Controller), and insightful reports (Analysis).

🛠️ Installation

Download the latest LoadRunner Professional version from the official Micro Focus site.
Install components: VuGen, Controller, Analysis, and Load Generator (optional).
Activation may require a license; free community edition allows up to 50 virtual users.

🧪 Scripting with VuGen

Expand steps

Launch VuGen and create a new script (choose protocol like Web HTTP/HTML).
Record a session or manually write C code to simulate user actions.
Insert transactions using lr_start_transaction() and lr_end_transaction().
Enhance with parameterization and correlation for dynamic data.
Run script in VuGen to validate logic before execution in Controller.

🎛️ Load Test with Controller

The Controller lets you design, schedule, and run tests using virtual users.

Import VuGen scripts into Controller.
Define the number of Vusers, ramp-up time, and duration.
Monitor servers and performance metrics in real time.
Run scenarios locally or distribute load across generators.

📊 Analyzing Results

Once a test is completed, Analysis helps visualize and interpret the outcomes:

View response time trends, throughput, error rates, and transaction summary.
Filter metrics by transaction, user group, or time slice.
Export reports in PDF or HTML format for stakeholders.

💡 Pro Tip: Always correlate session-specific values to avoid replay errors during tests.

💡 Tips & Best Practices

Use meaningful transaction names to make reports easier to interpret.
Correlate dynamic values using LoadRunner’s correlation studio.
Use parameterization to simulate real user behavior (e.g., login credentials).
Keep scripts modular and reusable—especially for login/logout flows.

🔚 Conclusion

LoadRunner is a powerful and feature-rich performance testing suite trusted by enterprise teams. Mastering scripting in VuGen, orchestrating tests in Controller, and analyzing results thoroughly will give you an edge in ensuring application performance under load.