Introducing Support for Multiple JMeter Files and Fragments in Azure Load Testing

[Windows Server]

We are excited to announce a significant update to Azure Load Testing that allows you to use multiple JMeter files and fragments in your test configurations. This feature empowers users to design more modular, flexible, and scalable performance tests, ensuring comprehensive testing for complex applications.

What’s New?

Previously, Azure Load Testing supported a single JMeter file for defining test scenarios. With the new update, you can now:

• Include multiple JMeter test files in a single load test configuration.
• Use JMeter fragments to define reusable components, such as authentication workflows or common request sequences.
• Seamlessly manage test modularity, enabling easier collaboration and maintenance.

This approach improves test execution and maintenance, especially for large-scale and complex applications.

Why Use Multiple JMeter Files and Fragments?

Modern applications are often complex, with multiple APIs, microservices, and diverse user workflows. A single, monolithic JMeter script can become difficult to manage, scale, or reuse across projects. Here’s how the new capability addresses these challenges:

1. Modularity for Large Workflows

Using multiple JMeter files allows you to break down test scenarios into smaller, manageable units. For instance, separate files can be created for:

• User login workflows
• API testing for specific microservices
• Database queries

This approach enhances clarity and reduces errors, especially in large-scale applications.

2. Reusability with JMeter Fragments

JMeter fragments are reusable components of test plans. By creating fragments for common functionalities (like token generation or error handling), teams can:

• Avoid duplicating efforts across different test scenarios.
• Quickly adapt test plans to changing requirements.

3. Collaboration Across Teams

With modular scripts, different team members can work on specific JMeter files or fragments simultaneously, improving collaboration and accelerating test development.

4. Easier Debugging and Maintenance

Debugging a modular test setup is more straightforward, as you can isolate and troubleshoot specific files or fragments without affecting the entire test plan.

How to Create a Test with Multiple JMeter Files

Follow these steps to create a performance test using multiple JMeter files in Azure Load Testing:

1. Prepare Your JMeter Files

Organize your test logic into multiple JMeter .jmx files. For shared functionality, such as authentication, create reusable JMeter fragments.

2. Upload Files to Azure Load Testing

• Navigate to the Azure Load Testing portal.
• Create a new test or update an existing one.
• In the Test Plan section, upload all JMeter files and fragments as part of the configuration.
• Under the file relevance section, designate the main test script from which execution should begin.

   

• Child test scripts or fragments are treated as configuration files and can be included within a zipped folder for better organization. However, the main script file must be uploaded separately, outside of the zip.

3. Set Up Parameters and Certificates

Ensure test parameters and any required certificates (managed via Azure Key Vault) are properly configured.

4. Execute and Monitor the Test

Run your load test and monitor metrics through the Azure Load Testing dashboard. You can analyze throughput, response times, and resource utilization to identify performance bottlenecks.

Get Started Today

This update opens up new possibilities for performance testing with Azure Load Testing. Whether you’re working on a microservices architecture, testing complex workflows, or fostering team collaboration, the support for multiple JMeter files and fragments is here to streamline your testing process.

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