How to use LoadRunner

Using LoadRunner, you divide your client/server performance testing requirements into scenarios.

A scenario defines the events that occur during each testing session. Thus, for example, a scenario defines and controls the number of users to emulate, the actions that they perform, and the machines on which they run their emulations.

In the scenario, LoadRunner replaces human users with virtual users or Vusers. When you run a scenario, Vusers emulate the actions of human users–submitting input to the server. While a workstation accommodates only a single human user, many Vusers can run concurrently on a single workstation. In fact, a scenario can contain tens, hundreds, or even thousands of Vusers.

To emulate conditions of heavy user load, you create a large number of Vusers that perform a series of tasks. For example, you can observe how a server behaves when one hundred Vusers simultaneously withdraw cash from the bank ATMs. To accomplish this, you create 100 Vusers, and each Vuser:

• enters an account number into an ATM

• enters the amount of cash to withdraw

• withdraws cash from the account

• checks the balance of the account

• repeats the process numerous times