STARWEST 2022 Pre-conference Training : Load Testing With JMeter™

Conference archive

Sunday, October 2, 2022 - 8:30am to Monday, October 3, 2022 - 5:00pm

Load Testing With JMeter™

  • Develop a foundational understanding of JMeter
  • Determine strategies for recording a test
  • Discover how to monitor bottlenecks
  • Understand meaningful reporting strategies
  • Learn how to Scale tests in the cloud cost effectively
 
Load and performance testing is complicated due to the holistic nature of finding performance bottlenecks. Rather than complicate matters by introducing the complexities of a proprietary load testing software licensing scheme, with some added engineering effort, you can use an open source framework to manage, record, and execute your tests. 
 
This hands-on class will engage students in running tests against a sample application to help solve issues that include basic test recording, dealing with SSL, and parameterizing tests. It includes theoretical components that discuss how to find bottlenecks, what and how to monitor tests, the importance of results aggregation and reporting, and how to implement it. Lastly, we will discuss the creation of a cost-effective load and performance infrastructure in the cloud so you can scale tests and not break the bank.
 
Who Should Attend
This intermediate class contains technical content that teaches JMeter load testing techniques and is appropriate for Software Developer, Software Tester, Test Engineer, Performance Tester, Performance Engineer, Test Lead, DevOps Engineer, and Operational Support roles. Anyone interested in making an elastic load testing infrastructure that can fit into their CI/CD pipeline should also attend. 
 
Prerequisites
Participants should have some programming knowledge, some knowledge of the http protocol, and a basic understanding of how web servers work. 
 
Laptop Required
This class involves hands-on activities using sample software to better facilitate learning. Each student should bring a laptop with a remote desktop protocol (RDP) client preinstalled. Connection specifics and credentials will be supplied during class. Please verify permissions with your IT Admin before class. If you or your Admin have questions about the specific applications involved, contact our Client Support team.

 

Course Outline
Intro to JMeter
Discussion of the tool
Overview of the UI
Discussion of Basic Performance testing concepts 
 
Recording a Test
Step by step instruction for recording a simple test against a sample application
Examples of how to locally execute that test 
Reading the results to a simple test
 
Dealing with HTTPS
High level discussion of HTTPS concepts
How JMeter handles HTTPS
Hands on run through of recording a test against an HTTPS sample site
 
Building Tests from a Recorded Script
Discussion on generalizing tests
Walk through of Jmeter UI tools that help parameterize tests
 
Running Tests
Why you should use Jenkins to control test execution
SCM and managing your tests
Exercises with Jenkins
Picking Test Scenarios
Theory section that identifies some rules of thumb for selecting tests
What to do when you have to create test scenarios from scratch
How to decide what to test on a brand new system
 
Running Tests in Parallel
Introduction of thread groups
Overview of data dependancies
Discussion of when and how to seed data
 
What to Monitor
Where to look for bottlenecks
Common free tools to use
Discussion of the usual suspects
 
Results Aggregation and Reporting
How to collect data
How to normalize the data for a coherent report
The importance of time
 
Scaling in the Cloud
Demo of a simple, scaleable, cost effective performance testing architecture
Discussion of design decisions and limitations
Class Daily Schedule
Sign-In/Registration 7:30-8:30am
Morning Session 8:30am-12:00pm
Lunch 12:00-1:00pm
Afternoon Session 1:00-5:00pm
Times represent the typical daily schedule. Please confirm your schedule at registration.
Training Course Fee Includes
• Digital course materials
• Continental breakfasts and refreshment breaks
• Lunches
• Letter of completion
bob-foster
Coveros

Bob Foster is a Technical Manager with over 20 years experience as a senior software engineer and team lead. Bob has proven experience in all aspects of software development and delivery (including DevOps, CI/CD, and infrastructure as code). He is a firm believer in the benefits gained by software teams when following Agile, CI/CD, and DevOps methodologies and has been successful in helping drive Agile/DevOps cultural shifts in both individual teams and organizations. Bob feels strongly that feedback is crucial to the success of a project and following the disciplines of Agile, CI/CD and DevOps will help provide visibility and feedback early and often throughout the entirety of a project, improving its chance for success.