WebLOAD is an open source load testing application developed as a continuation of an older proprietary product. WebLOAD is marketed as a free alternative to costly proprietary solutions, such as the LoadRunner suite offered by Hewlett Packard. The product also offers tools that are compliant with common standards, such as testing scripts that are written in JavaScript. This allows unit testing engineers and the core team to communicate effectively, without any need to overcome a language barrier. The interactive test building capability of WebLOAD is also a highlight of the program. Users that want to build a quick test, or have no knowledge of JavaScript, can easily make tests by interacting directly with the website.
The WebLOAD environment consists of the Authoring, Execution, and Reporting modules. While in the Authoring module, users can interact directly with the website to develop a test, or code one in JavaScript. The Proxy Recorder develops a test as the user interacts with the website, generating the necessary JavaScript automatically. Users may also write the testing JavaScript, making use of the well defined WebLOAD API. Once created, the JavaScript test events are editable through a drag and drop tree.
The Execution module allows the user to control the load test as it runs via the WebLOAD Console. The load test can be started, stopped, and adjusted for volume during the test. The Performance Measurement Manager displays detailed statistics on response times and hardware usage during the test. The results are recorded to allow later generation of even more detailed reports. The Load Generator creates the virtual users that provide the load, while also minimizing usage of the client hardware.
WebLOAD provides an open source alternative to popular proprietary systems such as LoadRunner. WebLOAD also claims to run very efficiently, allowing a single machine to provide potentially hundreds of virtual users. This kind of ability makes WebLOAD an excellent choice for cost conscious organizations.
