Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
LoadRunner Interview Questions for Freshers
2.1.
1) What is Loadrunner?
2.2.
2) What are the benefits of LoadRunner?
2.3.
3) What are the different components of LoadRunner?
2.4.
4) What is the Life Cycle of Performance Testing?
2.5.
5) What exactly is a load runner Agent?
2.6.
6) How does one go about creating a Vuser Script?
2.7.
7) What protocols does LoadRunner support?
2.8.
8) What LoadRunner component may be used to record a script?
2.9.
9) How can you conduct a LoadRunner test?
2.10.
10) What is the LoadRunner component used to playback a script in multi-user mode?
2.11.
11) What are Vusers?
2.12.
12) What are Vuser scripts?
2.13.
13) How many different sorts of VUsers are there in LoadRunner?
2.14.
14) What exactly are standard logs?
2.15.
15) What exactly are extended logs?
2.16.
16) How many VUsers do you need for load testing?
2.17.
17) What are the advantages of using Vuser as a thread?
2.18.
18) What are the different parts of a Vuser script?
2.19.
19) What does the "Vuser-init" Section mean?
2.20.
20) What is the meaning of the "Action" Section?
2.21.
21) What does the "Vuser-end" Section mean?
2.22.
22) What exactly is ramp-up?
2.23.
23) What exactly is a ramp down?
3.
LoadRunner Interview Questions for Experienced
3.1.
24) How do you configure the number of Vusers in LoadRunner?
3.2.
25) What exactly is a correlation?
3.3.
27) What exactly is the scenario?
3.4.
28) How To Create A Scenario?
3.5.
29) How Does A Scenario Work?
3.6.
30) How many different sorts of scenarios are there in LoadRunner?
3.7.
31) How do you handle SSL certificates in LoadRunner scripts?
3.8.
32) What is the difference between lr_param_sprintf() and sprintf() in LoadRunner?
3.9.
33) What is the role of load generators in LoadRunner?
3.10.
34) How can you handle dynamic correlation in LoadRunner when the server response contains multiple instances of the same value?
3.11.
35) How do you analyze bottlenecks in LoadRunner test results?
3.12.
36) Explain the concept of think time in LoadRunner and how it affects performance testing results.
3.13.
37) How does LoadRunner handle multiple test environments?
3.14.
38) What are rendezvous points in LoadRunner?
3.15.
39) How does LoadRunner manage memory leaks?
3.16.
40) How can you integrate external data sources into a LoadRunner script for data-driven testing?
4.
LoadRunner MCQ Questions
4.1.
1. Which protocol is not supported by LoadRunner by default?
4.2.
2. What is the function of the ‘Think Time’ in LoadRunner?
4.3.
3. Which of the following is a primary component of LoadRunner?
4.4.
4. What does parameterization help achieve in LoadRunner?
4.5.
5. What is the primary purpose of correlation in LoadRunner?
4.6.
6. Which function is used to start a transaction in LoadRunner?
4.7.
7. What is a Load Generator in LoadRunner?
4.8.
8. What does the ‘Controller’ do in LoadRunner?
4.9.
9. What are Rendezvous Points used for in LoadRunner?
4.10.
10. Which of the following monitors can be integrated with LoadRunner?
5.
Conclusion 
Last Updated: Sep 15, 2024
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LoadRunner Interview Questions

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Introduction

The comprehensive collection of the greatest Loadrunner interview questions in this article will guide you through the Concept and themes of Performance Testing, Virtual User Generator, Controller, and Analysis. This set of Loadrunner interview questions and answers may lead to your next job as a Loadrunner specialist, controller, generator, and analyst. 

LoadRunner Interview Questions

LoadRunner is one of the market's best-licensed Performance Testing products. Because of the vast range of supported protocols, it is best suited for the majority of forthcoming technologies. There are hundreds of opportunities for Loadrunner developers, and professionals must be familiar with all aspects of Loadrunner technology. This is required for students to acquire an in-depth understanding of the subject in order to have better work chances in the future. Knowing every aspect of Loadrunner is the greatest way to tackle difficulties associated with the problem.

Now sit tight and start our Loadrunner Interview Questions Journey.

LoadRunner Interview Questions for Freshers

1) What is Loadrunner?

Load Runner is a Micro Focus performance testing tool that is commonly used for discovering performance bottlenecks in websites.

It is primarily used to evaluate the performance and behavior of a system under extreme stress.

Loadrunner software may simulate thousands of customers at the same time and test the important components of software under various scenarios.

It not only aids in testing but also in increasing performance.

This program supports a variety of testing categories, including Load, Stress, Endurance, Volume, and Spike Testing.

2) What are the benefits of LoadRunner?

The following are some common benefits of LoadRunner:

  1. It lowers the need for human connection.
  2. It eliminates the need for several systems.
  3. Making the most use of automation feasible
  4. It enables you to make better use of your time and money.

3) What are the different components of LoadRunner?

LoadRunner's many components are as follows:

  1. VuGen (Virtual User Generator): VuGen collects end-user business processes and develops a Vuser script (automated performance testing script) that mimics end-user activities. 
    These Vuser Scripts may also be utilized in other Micro Focus products like LoadRunner Cloud and Business Process Monitor.
  2. Controller: This component develops, conducts, maintains, and monitors load tests.
  3. Load Generator: This device generates load.
  4. Analysis: It is used to evaluate, understand, and compare the load test findings.

components of LoadRunner

4) What is the Life Cycle of Performance Testing?

The six steps of Performance Testing Life Cycle are as follows:

Step 1: Analyze the system and identify essential transactions

Virtual User Generator

Step 2: Create virtual user scripts

Step 3: Specify user behavior

LoadRunner Control Unit

Step 4: Develop load testing scenarios

Step 5: Execute the load test scenarios and watch the results

LoadRunner Evaluation

Step 6: Examine the outcomes

5) What exactly is a load runner Agent?

The Agent acts as a bridge between the host machine and the controller.

Load runner agent

6) How does one go about creating a Vuser Script?

A vuser script may be created in four steps.

  • Step 1- Record the Vuser Script.
  • Step 2- Playback and improve the recorded vuser script.
  • Step 3- Define and test the different run-time parameters.
  • Step 4- Use the script in a LoadRunner scenario.

7) What protocols does LoadRunner support?

The following protocols are supported by LoadRunner:

  • .NET Record / Display
  • Database
  • DCOM
  • GUI
  • Java Record and replay
  • Network
  • Oracle E-Business
  • Remote desktop
  • SAP
  • SOA
  • Web and Multimedia
  • Wireless
  • Web 2.0

8) What LoadRunner component may be used to record a script?

A script is recorded using the VuGen (Virtual User Generator) component. It enables you to write Vuser scripts for a wide range of application kinds and communication protocols.

9) How can you conduct a LoadRunner test?

Planning the Test –This involves creating a well-defined test strategy to ensure that the newly built or LoadRunner test scenarios can achieve the load-testing objectives.

Creating the Vuser scripts – involves the building of Vuser scripts that comprise numerous duties done by each Vuser during scenario execution.

Creating the Scenario –This describes the events that occur throughout the client/server testing session. A scenario has machines, scripts, Vusers, and a list of Vuser scripts that the Vusers run while the scenario is running. LoadRunner Controller is used to construct scenarios. Manual scenarios and goal-oriented scenarios can both be constructed.

Running the Scenario - You may run the full scenario, Vuser groups, or individual Vusers from this screen. Prior to testing, the server's load is simulated by telling many Vusers to do the tasks concurrently.

Monitoring performance - Transaction resources, database resources, and firewall resources may all be monitored using the LoadRunner online run-time.

Analyzing Test Results - While running a scenario, LoadRunner captures the application's (client/server system) performance under numerous loads. Its graphs and reports are used to analyze the output of the application or server.

10) What is the LoadRunner component used to playback a script in multi-user mode?

In multi-user mode, the Controller component is used to playback the script. This is done during a scenario run in which a Vuser Script is executed by a group of Vusers.

11) What are Vusers?

In LoadRunner, Vusers take the role of human users. Vusers mimic real-world user behavior by carrying out common business tasks in your application.

The actions that Vusers execute throughout the recording session are detailed in the Vuser script. Vuser scripts are generated using the VuGen component.

12) What are Vuser scripts?

It is the script that directs all of the User's actions in order to achieve a specified objective. When we run a scenario, each Vuser runs a Vuser script. The performance of the program is also monitored using a function created in the Vuser script.

13) How many different sorts of VUsers are there in LoadRunner?

 DB Vuser, SAP Vuser,GUI Vuser, Web Vuser, RTE (terminal emulator), People Soft, Java, and more types of Vusers are available in LoadRunner.

14) What exactly are standard logs?

The standard log keeps track of the functions and messages that are transmitted to the server.

15) What exactly are extended logs?

The extended log records detailed execution messages such as warnings and other information. It is employed throughout the debugging process.

16) How many VUsers do you need for load testing?

The number of VUsers required is determined by several factors, including the System Under Test (SUT), Hardware Settings, Network Configurations, Memory, Operating System (OS), and Performance Test Objective.

17) What are the advantages of using Vuser as a thread?

Running Vuser as a thread enables the generation of more virtual users from any memory due to the minimal memory footprint of the Vuser executing a thread.

VUSER SCRIPT

18) What are the different parts of a Vuser script?

Vugen is divided into three sections.

Vuser-init - This should be used to log in.

Action - This is used to keep track of the business process.

Vuser-end - This should be used to log off.

19) What does the "Vuser-init" Section mean?

Vuser-init records the pre-procedures, often known as the initialization operations before the program executes.

20) What is the meaning of the "Action" Section?

The action is used to document the business process (client activity).

21) What does the "Vuser-end" Section mean?

Vuser-end is used to record a server log-off.

22) What exactly is ramp-up?

The term "ramp up" refers to progressively raising a server's load. One example is increasing the number of Vusers. Go to 'Scenario Scheduling Options' to enable ramp Up.

23) What exactly is a ramp down?

The word "ramp down" refers to the process of progressively reducing the amount of demand on a server. One example is reducing the number of Vusers.

LoadRunner Interview Questions for Experienced

24) How do you configure the number of Vusers in LoadRunner?

While building scenarios, you may change the number of Vusers in the controller section area. In addition to this, there are numerous advanced choices in the controller area, such as Vuser ramp-up and ramp-down.

25) What exactly is a correlation?

Correlation is used in test scripts to cope with changeable variables. The dynamic values may vary based on each user activity (value changes when the same User performs the action again) or for other users (value changes when action is replayed with different users). In all cases, these variables are kept by correlation, guaranteeing that they do not degrade throughout execution.

27) What exactly is the scenario?

The scenario describes the events that will occur throughout each testing session. A scenario, for example, describes and controls the number of people to imitate, the actions to be taken, and the computers on which virtual users run their simulations.

28) How To Create A Scenario?

We must install a LoadRunner controller. Following that, we add the list of hosts (where the vuser script runs), vuser scripts (where the vuser executes), and vusers that run throughout the scenario.

29) How Does A Scenario Work?

To execute a simulation, open an existing scenario first - Set up the scenario - Configure the output directory - Run the scenario.

30) How many different sorts of scenarios are there in LoadRunner?

LoadRunner has two types of scenarios:

  1. Manual Scenario
  2. Goal-oriented Scenario

31) How do you handle SSL certificates in LoadRunner scripts?

To handle SSL certificates in LoadRunner:

  • You need to configure the run-time settings to accept server certificates.
  • For specific SSL certificates, you may need to install the required certificate on the Load Generator machines.
  • You can disable SSL verification using the web_set_sockets_option("SSL_VERSION", "TLS"); function to specify the appropriate SSL/TLS version.

32) What is the difference between lr_param_sprintf() and sprintf() in LoadRunner?

lr_param_sprintf() is a LoadRunner-specific function that formats a string and stores it in a parameter, while sprintf() is a standard C function that formats a string and stores it in a buffer. The key differences are:

  • lr_param_sprintf() automatically handles memory allocation for the parameter.
  • lr_param_sprintf() is safer to use in LoadRunner scripts as it avoids buffer overflow issues.
  • sprintf() requires manual memory management and can lead to buffer overflow if not used carefully.

33) What is the role of load generators in LoadRunner?

Load Generators are used to simulate virtual users and generate load on the system under test:

  • Load Generators execute the Vuser scripts and send requests to the system.
  • Multiple Load Generators can be distributed geographically to simulate users from different regions.
  • They help in distributing the load to mimic a real-world scenario where multiple users interact with the application from various locations.

34) How can you handle dynamic correlation in LoadRunner when the server response contains multiple instances of the same value?

To handle dynamic correlation with multiple instances of the same value:

  1. Use the web_reg_save_param() function with the ORDINAL parameter.
  2. Set ORDINAL to "ALL" to capture all instances.
  3. Use web_get_int_property() to get the count of captured values.
  4. Iterate through the captured values using a for loop and lr_paramarr_random() or lr_paramarr_idx() to access specific instances.

35) How do you analyze bottlenecks in LoadRunner test results?

Bottleneck analysis in LoadRunner involves:

  • Analyzing Response Time Graphs: Identifying which transactions have high response times.
  • Monitoring Resource Utilization: Checking CPU, memory, and disk I/O for the application server and database servers.
  • Using Performance Monitors: LoadRunner allows the integration of monitoring tools like PerfMon, AppDynamics, or New Relic to identify slow services, queries, or endpoints.

36) Explain the concept of think time in LoadRunner and how it affects performance testing results.

Think time in LoadRunner simulates the delay between user actions in a real-world scenario. It's important because:

  1. It makes the load test more realistic by mimicking actual user behavior.
  2. It affects server resource utilization, as it allows the server to process requests and recover between actions.
  3. It impacts concurrency levels and the number of virtual users required to simulate a given load.

Think time can be controlled using:

  • lr_think_time() function
  • Replay think time options in runtime settings (e.g., Ignore think time, Use recorded think time, Limit think time)

37) How does LoadRunner handle multiple test environments?

LoadRunner handles multiple test environments through Controller Scenarios:

  • You can define multiple test environments by specifying different sets of Load Generators.
  • The Scenario Scheduling feature allows you to simulate different environments by configuring ramp-up, ramp-down, and steady-state durations.
  • LoadRunner also supports cloud-based load generators for running tests in diverse geographic regions.

38) What are rendezvous points in LoadRunner?

Rendezvous points in LoadRunner are synchronization mechanisms used to coordinate multiple virtual users (Vusers) to perform an action simultaneously. They help in:

  1. Simulating sudden spikes in load on the system.
  2. Testing the application's behavior under peak concurrent user actions.
  3. Coordinating complex multi-user scenarios.

39) How does LoadRunner manage memory leaks?

LoadRunner can detect memory leaks by:

  • Monitoring the system’s resource usage: LoadRunner’s Controller and Analysis components track memory usage over time.
  • Running long-duration tests: By performing extended load tests, you can identify gradual increases in memory usage that may indicate leaks.
  • Collecting and analyzing diagnostic data: Integrating LoadRunner with monitoring tools like Dynatrace or AppDynamics can help pinpoint the source of memory leaks.

40) How can you integrate external data sources into a LoadRunner script for data-driven testing?

To integrate external data sources in LoadRunner:

1. Parameter files:

  • Create a CSV or Excel file with test data.
  • Use Parameters List in VuGen to link the file.
  • Access data using {parameter_name} syntax.

2. Database integration:

  • Use lr_db_* functions to connect to and query databases. Example:
lr_db_connect("ConnectionString", "db1");
lr_db_query("db1", "SELECT * FROM users", "result");
lr_db_getvalue("result", 1, 1, "username");

3. XML files:

  • Use lr_xml_* functions to parse and extract data from XML files. Example:
char *xml_file = lr_read_file("data.xml");
lr_xml_get_values("XML={xml_file}", "ValueParam=Name", "Query=/Root/User/Name", LAST);

4. Custom plugins:

  • Develop C functions to read from specific data sources.
  • Use lr_load_dll() to load the custom DLL in the script.

Choose the method based on data volume, format, and test requirements.

LoadRunner MCQ Questions

1. Which protocol is not supported by LoadRunner by default?

A. HTTP/HTTPS

B. FTP

C. WebSocket

D. MySQL

Answer: D. MySQL

2. What is the function of the ‘Think Time’ in LoadRunner?

A. To pause the execution of Vusers

B. To simulate the time between user actions

C. To create a delay between test execution steps

D. To measure response times

Answer: B. To simulate the time between user actions

3. Which of the following is a primary component of LoadRunner?

A. Controller

B. Analyzer

C. Vugen

D. All of the above

Answer: D. All of the above

4. What does parameterization help achieve in LoadRunner?

A. Simulate real-world scenarios by eliminating hard-coded values

B. Capture dynamic data from the server

C. Synchronize Vuser execution

D. Generate reports for test analysis

Answer: A. Simulate real-world scenarios by eliminating hard-coded values

5. What is the primary purpose of correlation in LoadRunner?

A. To record user actions

B. To handle dynamic values in responses

C. To measure throughput

D. To configure load generators

Answer: B. To handle dynamic values in responses

6. Which function is used to start a transaction in LoadRunner?

A. lr_start()

B. lr_start_transaction()

C. lr_transaction()

D. lr_begin_transaction()

Answer: B. lr_start_transaction()

7. What is a Load Generator in LoadRunner?

A. A machine that simulates user load

B. A tool to generate test reports

C. A monitor for system performance

D. A server that runs the application

Answer: A. A machine that simulates user load

8. What does the ‘Controller’ do in LoadRunner?

A. Records scripts for testing

B. Analyzes test results

C. Configures and manages load tests

D. Captures dynamic server responses

Answer: C. Configures and manages load tests

9. What are Rendezvous Points used for in LoadRunner?

A. To pause the script execution

B. To synchronize Vusers to perform tasks at the same time

C. To capture real-time data from the server

D. To start new virtual users during test execution

Answer: B. To synchronize Vusers to perform tasks at the same time

10. Which of the following monitors can be integrated with LoadRunner?

A. AppDynamics

B. New Relic

C. Dynatrace

D. All of the above

Answer: D. All of the above

Conclusion 

In this article, we learned about Loadrunner Interview Questions. LoadRunner is a powerful performance testing tool widely used to assess the scalability and reliability of applications under load. Mastering LoadRunner requires a strong understanding of its various components, such as Vugen, Controller, and Analysis, as well as the ability to effectively implement parameterization, correlation, and error handling in scripts.

To learn, see JCL Interview Questions, DNS Interview Questions, Operating System Interview Questions, and Power BI interview questions Basic.

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