Loadrunner to JMeter

Organizations seeking to reduce performance testing expenses have shifted from Loadrunner to JMeter. This guide provides a comprehensive mapping of features and functions to facilitate this migration.

Architecture Differences

Loadrunner

Loadrunner comprises three separate components:

• VUGen - IDE for script development
• Controller - Scenario execution
• Analysis - Post-test data review

JMeter

JMeter consolidates these functions into a single GUI with built-in reporting via HTML reports.

Script Development

VUGen handles recording, correlation, parameterization, and validation. JMeter offers visual script assembly alongside recording capabilities, incorporating the same validation and parameterization features.

Scenario Configuration

• Loadrunner Controller manages execution parameters
• JMeter Thread Group controls virtual users, ramp-up duration, iterations, and test duration

Reporting

• Loadrunner Analysis provides detailed post-execution analysis
• JMeter exports CSV data by default and generates HTML performance reports with standard testing metrics

Function Mapping Table

Loadrunner	JMeter
Record Script	Recording Template
web_reg_save_param	Boundary/Regular Expression Extractor
web_custom_request	HTTP Request Sampler
web_reg_find	Response Assertion
lr_think_time	Constant Timer
web_add_header	HTTP Header Manager
web_concurrent_start	Parallel Controller (plugin)
lr_start_transaction	Transaction Controller
if/while/for/switch	Corresponding JMeter Controllers
variables	User Defined Variables
web_add_cookie	HTTP Cookie Manager
soap_request, web_service_call	HTTP Request Sampler
lr_exit	Result Status Action Handler
rand	__Random function
lr_save_datetime	__timeShift function
web_convert_param	__urlencode function

Citrix Testing with JMeter

Blazemeter’s Citrix Plugin for JMeter enables Citrix test plan recording.

Setup Steps

1. Access File Menu and select Templates
2. Select “Blazemeter Citrix Recording” template
3. Enter Citrix connection credentials
4. The auto-generated test plan structure includes User Defined Variables, Cookie Manager, and pre-configured Test Fragment

The template provides a foundation with configurable recording options and handles Citrix protocol negotiation through JMeter.

Further Reading

• Blazemeter Citrix Plugin GitHub Repository
• JMeter Documentation
• Loadrunner Documentation