One of the most important tools in any tester’s toolkit is load testing. Load testing plays an integral role in a comprehensive testing strategy by ensuring the software or app in question can withstand varying amounts of traffic — or “load” — without breaking.
Every testing team has their preferred load testing tool, and one of the exceedingly popular options on the market is Apache JMeter. JMeter boasts a range of capabilities for load testing an app’s functional behavior as well as measuring its performance. And while JMeter is a popular tool for a reason, it does have its shortcomings.
In this blog, we will discuss what JMeter is and does well specifically. Then we will compare BlazeMeter vs. JMeter to show how pairing the two can significantly amplify the power of your load tests.
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What is JMeter?
JMeter is a Java-based, open source software testing tool used for performance testing and functional testing. It analyzes and measures the performance of a variety of software applications with a particular focus on web applications.
JMeter can support hundreds of users and can provide localized reports on an application’s performance. It is a helpful tool for determining how efficiently an app works and how many concurrent users it can handle without breaking.
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According to numerous PeerSpot reviews, BlazeMeter has continued to shine as a rare example of a one-stop shop for continuous testing.
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JMeter Features & Benefits
For as long as JMeter has been on the market, it has been considered one of the best and most-preferred load testing tools. The reasons for that are many:
- Open Source — The flexibility that its open source license provides testers with is a major positive — it allows developers use of the source code to use as they see fit. It also does not hurt that it is free.
- Minimal Learning Curve — JMeter’s interface is intuitive and does not require a significant amount of time to learn.
- Multi-Threading — Users can test simultaneous and concurrent function groupings in separate thread groups.
- User Simulation — Test your app by simulating a heavy load with a large number of concurrent users.
- Protocol Support — JMeter ensures all your bases are covered by supporting all basic protocols such as HTTP, LDAP, JDBC, SOAP, FTP, and JMS.
- Test Recording — With JMeter, users can record a browser activity and then simulate that activity during testing.
BlazeMeter vs. JMeter: Weighing Your Options
One reason JMeter is a prominent load testing tool is because it has the power of BlazeMeter behind it; BlazeMeter empowers JMeter and strives to make it better for the open source community. You can think of them as fraternal twins — each have their own distinct characteristics, yet there is a symbiotic relationship between JMeter and BlazeMeter that makes them more powerful together.
So, if you are weighing which one to choose from (if you cannot choose both) it is important to consider those distinct characteristics.
Reporting & Analytics
JMeter provides a few basic reporting capabilities, but it pales in comparison to BlazeMeter’s advanced reporting and analytics functionality. With JMeter, you will likely need to install additional plugins for the in-depth insights that come standard with BlazeMeter.
Scalability
JMeter can be a good option for very small needs because it runs on just a single machine and has a conservative limit on the load it can provide. On the other hand, BlazeMeter can scale to simulate more than two million users while also tapping into its cloud infrastructure to distribute that load across multiple machines. If you need to test large-scale apps, the choice is clear in this category.
Collaboration
Unless your team is comprised of a single person, collaboration is (or should be) essential in your testing workflow. BlazeMeter allows multiple members of the team to work on a project simultaneously, collaborate on test scripts, and share test plans. JMeter typically requires merging the changes made by each team member manually, which opens the door to workflow gaps and miscommunication.
Ease-Of-Use
JMeter does have an array of robust and flexible features, but it has been known to be complex to configure and set up. BlazeMeter, though, is renowned for its user-friendly UX that features drag-and-drop functionality to streamline testing. The recent release of Test Data Pro that leverages the latest advancements in AI also empowers testers of all skill levels.
Cost
JMeter is free to use — and free things are good! Yet the lack of cost will come with the lack of features you may need. BlazeMeter offers both free and paid plans, and the paid plans provide a wide range of additional features, 24/7 support, and major scalability.
BlazeMeter vs. JMeter: How One Enhances the Other
While JMeter is an excellent tool in its own right, it does have its limitations — its scalability and ease of collaboration across teams to name just two. But pairing BlazeMeter with JMeter is an excellent example of the sum being greater than its parts — doing so drastically enhances JMeter’s load testing capabilities and makes it an unparalleled performance testing tool.
Significant Scalability
Go beyond the hundreds of users JMeter maxes out at by leveraging BlazeMeter’s ability to scale to more than two million concurrent users in more than fifty locations around the world. Users can run JMeter tests in parallel to increase velocity, while also choosing to test from behind a private network or in a cloud environment.
Shift Left Integrations
Seamlessly integrate with your favorite CI/CD tools like Jenkins. Users can tap into BlazeMeter’s robust automation functionality to establish test automation as part of your CI pipeline so that you can test every build day or night.
Advanced Reporting & Collaboration
JMeter’s reports provide limited data, which translates to limited test efficacy. Plugging your JMeter tests into BlazeMeter’s database allows users to receive real-time insights on a dashboard filled with helpful visuals. Examine JMeter KPIs in real-time or at a month-by-month view to determine trends.
Enhanced Recording
JMeter recording is notoriously complicated. By pairing with BlazeMeter, users can easily record all requests (HTTP/S or otherwise) and real-user interactions. Automation features include using a ready-to-use JMeter or Selenium script, or a synchronized JMeter and Selenium script.
Robust Test Data
Your tests are only as good as the test data used in them. JMeter tests are enhanced by BlazeMeter’s advanced test data capabilities such as synthetic data that replaces real data to protect sensitive information. Test against dates, times, addresses, credit card numbers, and so much more.
Streamline With Service Virtualization
Using BlazeMeter’s service virtualization for JMeter tests means organizations can run web, mobile, desktop, and packaged application tests with the assurance that an environment will always be available. Paired with test data generation tools, teams can also unify all the information required for a test to run into a single test asset — saving time and improving coverage.
Bottom Line
Nobody wants to use an app that breaks. The best way to ensure your organization’s app does not break is by putting it through a gauntlet of load tests. While there are a variety of load testing tools available on the market today, the two considered widely to be the best are Apache JMeter and BlazeMeter.
The two are great options on their own and boast their own respective benefits; JMeter is free to use and BlazeMeter offers unmatched scalability, for example. But combining the two in your load testing efforts will give them a significant boost. JMeter’s flexibility and BlazeMeter’s robust testing features will translate to a reliable, fortified app you can feel confident in.
See for yourself how you can amplify your JMeter tests with BlazeMeter by getting started for FREE today!