Using CLIF as a Modular and High Volume Testing Solution

Developed as an open source project by ObjectWeb, CLIF is a stress testing tool designed to provide a high level of load for web services.

In addition to generating a high level of load on demand, CLIF also emphasizes its flexibility as an advantage. Designed according to a “Fractal” framework, CLIF modules may be developed without requiring an understanding of the entire architecture. This may be an attractive feature for organizations looking to develop a dedicated testing tool for their web application.

CLIF is capable of producing millions of virtual users in a single test run. Remote load injectors allow CLIF tests to create millions of virtual users without overwhelming the hardware involved. CLIF can be controlled from the command line, as a Swing based GUI, or as a plugin to the popular Eclipse IDE. A suite of powerful utilities allow the user to insert counters, timers, and other controls into their testing scenarios.

Load scenarios are represented in an XML format. XML is a popular format, and a number of software testing utilities currently employ this storage medium. This means that engineers can use sessions or scenarios recorded in other tools to produce realistic tests on a large scale with CLIF. Performance probes create an accurate picture of server response, without producing a significant footprint on the machine. Response times, error messages, and other information is represented via graphical results.

The CLIF environment allows testers to determine the scalability of their application. With an emphasis on sheer testing volume, the number of virtual users is limited only by the restrictions of the protocol and the hardware involved. CLIF allows the user to remotely control an array of load injectors, spreading out the stress on the hardware resources. Remote load injection also allows the tester to use geographically disparate locations, producing a more realistic scenario. Load injectors can be controlled dynamically during a test, giving the engineer the ability to increase and decrease the load on the server as appropriate.

As an open source project, CLIF is an excellent choice for engineers that need heavy duty testing without the hefty price of some utilities. On the other hand, CLIF does not have some of the bells and whistles found in enterprise software. Although it is capable of producing large test groups, CLIF does not have the same level of reporting detail that might be found in a proprietary product.