JMeter vs. Loadrunner: Why JMeter is Easier to Use Than LoadRunner

The movement from the Center of Excellence to open-source load testing is prompting more and more developers to choose tools like JMeter over LoadRunner. If you’re still deliberating, here are 7 reasons why using JMeter is easier to use than LoadRunner.

Table of Contents:

• JMeter vs. LoadRunner Community Support
• JMeter vs. LoadRunner GUI
• Elements are Easier to Define in JMeter
• JMeter vs. LoadRunner Test Creation
• Scripting Is Not Essential in JMeter
• JMeter is Cross-Platform
• Scale for Free on JMeter

JMeter vs. LoadRunner Community Support

JMeter is an open-source tool with a vibrant community that keeps adding features and supports users who run into issues and problems. LoadRunner is owned by a large corporation, limiting the number of users as licenses are required. In addition, it doesn’t have an open-source, supportive community.

With JMeter, new users always have someone to answer their questions, and long-time users can improve their JMeter testing abilities consistently. In addition, having an open-source tool ensures it keeps getting better and is always in line with users needs and requirements.

JMeter vs. LoadRunner GUI: JMeter More User-Friendly

JMeter has a comprehensive and user-friendly GUI. Parameters are easy to define and understand, scripting is simpler and clearer and adding and defining elements is more intuitive. In addition, one screen shows you everything you need - the script, the scenario and the analysis.

In LoadRunner, scripting configuration, scenario definition and analysis take place in separate places. In addition, parameters are more cumbersome and they need to be defined in a separate text file.

JMeter GUI:

LoadRunner GUI:

Elements are Easier to Define in JMeter Than Loadrunner

Adding elements is easy on JMeter, just right-click on the tree scenario and add what you need. In each element, you can easily fill in the configuration, or you can copy and paste from a text file. Comments can also be added to elements.

In LoadRunner, configuring each element is more complex. They all require complex scripting in C and they need to be defined in a text file before integrating with the scenario.

Adding a DB Connection in JMeter:

In LoadRunner:

lr_db_connect("StepName=Connect","ConnectionString=Provider=OraOLEDB.Oracle; dbq=10.xx.xx.xx:1540; Data Source=XXXX; Persist Security Info=True; User ID=username; Password=password","ConnectionName=OracleDB","ConnectionType=OLEDB",LAST);SQLstatement:lr_db_executeSQLStatement("StepName=PerformQuery","ConnectionName= OracleDB","SQLStatement=SELECT * FROM \"TableName\" ","DatasetName=MyDataset",LAST);Disconnectfromdatabase:lr_db_disconnect("StepName=Disconnect","ConnectionName= OracleDB",LAST);

JMeter vs. LoadRunner Test Creation

Test scenarios are less complex in JMeter. In addition to easier configuration of elements, JMeter doesn’t require adding beginning or ending transaction elements, which LoadRunner does. In LoadRunner, arranging scripts takes up more time and resources, and it is more complex because it requires managing different agents.

Scripting Is Not Essential in JMeter (But Is in Loadrunner)

While JMeter does support scripting in elements, you are not required to. This means you can run a complete load test without knowing a bit of code. This expands the number of users who can use JMeter or analyze the test results. Even if you do code, you can enjoy more of JMeter’s abilities.

LoadRunner, on the other hand, requires scripting knowledge. If you can’t code, you can’t use LoadRunner. This creates an obstacle, lengthens training sessions and makes each load testing cycle take more time.

In addition, JMeter supports multiple languages - BeanShell, Groovy, Javascript, etc., while LoadRunner supports only C.

JMeter is Cross-Platform (Loadrunner Is Not)

JMeter runs everywhere where Java runs, including, but not limited to Windows, MacOSX, Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, AIX and HP-UX. LoadRunner works only on PCs and Linux. So if you don’t have a PC, or you prefer developing on a Mac, LoadRunner is completely inaccessible to you.

Go From Loadrunner to JMeter

LoadRunner now offers a free version with almost all of its abilities. However, this version is limited for 50 Virtual Users. JMeter, which is completely free including all of its plugins, offers all of its abilities to as many VUs as your infrastructure can handle. Typically local machines can handle up to 1,000 Virtual Users. Therefore, JMeter gets you closer to your targets, without having to whip out your credit card.

See how much your team can scale when you make the switch.

This blog was originally published on February 14, 2017, and has since been updated for accuracy and relevance.

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Related Resources: 

• JMeter Ramp-Up Period: The Ultimate Guide

• Convert LoadRunner to Open-Source JMeter in Minutes