Difference Between QTP and LoadRunner


Micro Focus (previously Mercury Interactive) developed the popular software testing tools QTP (QuickTest Professional) and LoadRunner. Despite their distinct functions, both technologies are widely used in the software testing industry. QTP is commonly used for software application functional testing. LoadRunner is commonly used to evaluate software application performance, scalability, and dependability

Read this article to find out more about QTP and LoadRunner and how they are different from each other.

What is QTP?

Micro Focus (previously Mercury Interactive) developed QTP (QuickTest Professional), which is now known as UFT (Unified Functional Testing). It is commonly used for software application functional testing. QTP allows testers to automate the testing process, create and execute test scripts, and check an application's intended behavior

Features of QTP

Here are some of the important features of QTP:

  • Test Creation and Execution: Testers can use QTP to create automated test scripts by recording user behaviors or manually coding the test steps. It has an easy-to-use interface that allows testers to interact with the program under test, capture object characteristics, and generate test scripts. These scripts can be run against the application to replicate user behaviors such as data entry, button clicks, and result verification.

  • Object-Based Testing: QTP uses an object-based testing strategy. It identifies and verifies the attributes and behavior of objects within the application under test, such as buttons, text boxes, and menus. QTP's Object Repository allows testers to manage and store object information, making it easier to maintain and update test scripts.

  • Record and Playback: QTP includes a record and playback feature that allows testers to record their interactions with the application and instantly generate test scripts. QTP records the activities done on the application's user interface, such as mouse clicks, keystrokes, and data entry. The script can then be replayed to perform the same activities.

  • Test Scripting and Customization: QTP's scripting language preference is VBScript, which is used to extend and customize test scripts. Testers can use VBScript to alter recorded scripts or develop test scripts from scratch, adding conditional statements, loops, variables, and error handling to create more robust and adaptable test scenarios.

QTP (UFT) provides a set of functional testing features, making it a popular choice for testers and quality assurance professionals. Its ability to automate test cases, provide customization, and streamline test execution helps teams ensure the quality and stability of their software applications

What is LoadRunner?

LoadRunner is a performance testing tool developed by Micro Focus (previously Mercury Interactive) that is commonly used to evaluate software application performance, scalability, and dependability. It allows testers to simulate real-world user loads and assess the system's performance under various scenarios. LoadRunner has a robust collection of features for generating load, monitoring system behavior, and analyzing performance indicators.

Features of LoadRunner

Following are some of the important features of LoadRunner

  • Load Generation: LoadRunner generates load on the system under test by simulating virtual users. To simulate real-world user interactions, testers can determine the number of virtual users, their behavior, and workload patterns. LoadRunner can simulate heavy loads by spreading virtual users among many load generators, which results in realistic performance testing scenarios.

  • Protocols and Scripting: LoadRunner supports a number of protocols for simulating various types of applications, including web-based, mobile, and client-server applications. It consists of HTTP/HTTPS, Web Services, Java,.NET, Citrix, SAP, and other protocols. LoadRunner test scripts are written in specialised scripting languages such as C, Java, and Visual Basic, allowing testers to customize and enhance test scenarios.

  • Scenario Design: LoadRunner allows performance testers to create test scenarios that determine the workload and user behavior. Parameters such as the number of virtual users, think time (user wait time), pacing, and transaction flow can be modified by testers. In order to represent different user profiles, usage patterns, or peak load circumstances, multiple scenarios can be created

  • Performance Monitoring: During test execution, LoadRunner monitors the system under test to collect performance data and monitor resource utilization. Response times, throughput, CPU and memory usage, network traffic, and database performance are all tracked. This monitoring helps in the identification of performance bottlenecks, the analysis of system behavior, and the identification of areas that require optimization.

LoadRunner is used in businesses that require high performance and scalability, such as web applications, e-commerce, banking, and enterprise software. It offers a comprehensive performance testing environment, allowing testers to examine and optimize system performance to provide a smooth and reliable user experience.

Difference between QTP and LoadRunner

The following table highlights the major differences between QTP and LoadRunner

Characteristics

QTP

LoadRunner

Scripting Language

VBScript

C, Java, Visual Basic, and more

Test Execution

Client-side execution

Server-side execution

Test Types

Regression testing, GUI testing, etc.

Load testing, stress testing, etc.

Protocols

Not applicable

Supports various protocols for different application types

Analysis and Reporting

Basic reporting features

In-depth analysis and comprehensive reporting

Integration

ALM, Jenkins, version control, etc

ALM, Jenkins, performance monitoring, etc.

Scalability Testing

Not applicable

Not applicable

Testing Focus

Individual component behavior

Performance, scalability, and reliability

Conclusion

In conclusion, QTP (UFT) is used for functional testing, focusing on individual component behavior, whereas LoadRunner is used for performance testing, evaluating system performance under different loads. Both technologies serve distinct functions and address various parts of software testing.

Updated on: 13-Jul-2023

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