Interview preparation takes time, especially when it comes to technical roles like performance testing with LoadRunner. To help with that, this guide covers 30+ commonly asked LoadRunner interview questions along with clear and simple answers.
It includes important topics such as core concepts, scripting techniques, and performance analysis, guaranteeing a well-rounded understanding of the tool.
Going through these questions will make your preparation smoother and more structured.
So, let’s begin!
Fun Fact: Professionals skilled in LoadRunner earn an average salary of ₹20.7 lakh per year, with most salaries ranging between ₹17 lakh and ₹47.7 lakh annually.
LoadRunner Interview Questions for Freshers
Here is a list of basic Load Runner interview questions and answers for freshers:
- What is LoadRunner, and why is it used in performance testing?
LoadRunner, now under OpenText, is a comprehensive performance testing tool that simulates virtual users to emulate real-user interactions with applications. It identifies performance bottlenecks by analyzing metrics such as response times, system resource utilization, and throughput under varying load conditions.
- What are the key components of LoadRunner?
LoadRunner consists of three main components:
- VuGen (Virtual User Generator): Used for scripting user actions.
- Controller: Manages test execution by defining scenarios and load conditions.
- Analysis: Generates detailed reports and graphs to analyze performance results.
- What is the difference between LoadRunner and JMeter?
LoadRunner and JMeter are both performance testing tools, but LoadRunner is a commercial tool with robust features for enterprise-level applications, while JMeter is open-source and widely used for web and API testing. LoadRunner supports more protocols, whereas JMeter is mainly used for web applications and APIs.
- What is parameterization in LoadRunner, and why is it needed?
Parameterization in LoadRunner replaces hardcoded values with dynamic data, allowing scripts to simulate real user interactions. This helps test different inputs and avoids caching issues during test execution.
- How does LoadRunner simulate real user behavior in performance tests?
LoadRunner simulates real users by generating multiple virtual users (Vusers) that execute predefined test scripts. It includes features like think time, pacing, and parameterization to mimic real-world user behavior and interactions.
Also Read - Top 20 JMeter Interview Questions and Answers
LoadRunner Interview Questions for Experienced
These are some important LoadRunner interview questions and answers for experienced candidates:
- What are different types of correlation in LoadRunner?
Correlation is used to handle dynamic values in scripts. There are two types:
- Automatic Correlation: LoadRunner detects and applies correlation automatically.
- Manual Correlation: Testers manually identify dynamic values and extract them using functions like web_reg_save_param.
- How do you analyze LoadRunner test results to identify performance bottlenecks?
“I analyze test results by checking key metrics like response time, throughput, transaction failure rate, and server resource utilization. I compare these metrics across different load conditions to identify performance issues such as slow database queries, inefficient server processing, or network delays.”
LoadRunner Interview Questions for 3 Years Experienced
Let’s take a look at LoadRunner interview questions and answers for 3 years experienced candidates:
- What is the difference between manual and automatic correlation in LoadRunner?
Manual correlation involves identifying dynamic values in scripts and using functions like web_reg_save_param to capture them. Automatic correlation is handled by LoadRunner’s inbuilt correlation rules, but it may not always work accurately, requiring manual adjustments.
- How do you handle dynamic values in LoadRunner scripts?
“I identify dynamic values by comparing recorded and replayed script requests. Then, I use correlation functions like web_reg_save_param to capture dynamic values and replace them in subsequent requests.”
LoadRunner Interview Questions for 4 Years Experienced
- What are the different types of performance testing, and where does LoadRunner fit in?
Performance testing includes:
- Load testing: Evaluates application performance under expected load.
- Stress testing: Tests system behavior under extreme conditions.
- Endurance testing: Checks stability over a long duration.
- Scalability testing: Determines how well the system scales.
LoadRunner is used for all these types by simulating user loads and analyzing system performance.
- How do you design an effective load test scenario in LoadRunner Controller?
“I define clear test objectives, select appropriate scripts, configure load generators, and set think time and pacing. I also define test schedules, ramp-up/ramp-down times, and monitor server performance during execution.”
LoadRunner Interview Questions for 8 Years Experienced
- How do you troubleshoot errors in LoadRunner scripts?
“I check logs, debug messages, and server responses. I validate correlation, parameterization, and think times. If needed, I replay scripts step by step and monitor real-time test execution to identify errors.”
- Explain the role of think time and pacing in LoadRunner scripts.
Think time simulates user delays between actions, making the test more realistic. Pacing controls the interval between iterations to regulate the load on the server.
LoadRunner Interview Questions for 10 Years Experienced Candidates
- How do you optimize LoadRunner scripts for better test performance?
“I optimize scripts by reducing redundant steps, using proper correlation and parameterization, setting realistic pacing, and adjusting think times. I also monitor resource usage and adjust test configurations accordingly.”
- What are some advanced correlation techniques used in LoadRunner?
“I use regular expressions, boundary-based correlation, and correlation rules in LoadRunner. I also customize correlation by extracting values from JSON, XML, or custom responses.”
LoadRunner Performance Testing Interview Questions
Here are commonly-asked interview questions on performance testing using LoadRunner:
- What are the key metrics monitored during a LoadRunner performance test?
Key metrics include response time, throughput, transaction pass/fail rate, error rate, CPU/memory usage, and network latency.
- How do you determine the right number of virtual users for a performance test?
“I analyze business requirements, expected user traffic, and server capacity. I start with a baseline test and gradually increase users while monitoring system performance.”
- What factors can impact a LoadRunner test’s accuracy and reliability?
This is one of the most important performance testing interview questions LoadRunner engineers face.
Factors include improper test design, incorrect correlation, unrealistic think time, network fluctuations, and server resource limitations.
- What are some common challenges in LoadRunner performance testing, and how do you handle them?
You might also come across such performance testing interview questions on LoadRunner for experienced candidates.
“Common challenges include script failures due to dynamic values, unexpected server errors, network instability, and unrealistic test configurations. I handle them by debugging scripts, monitoring server logs, and adjusting load settings.”
Loadrunner Functions Interview Questions
- What is the difference between web_reg_save_param and web_reg_save_param_ex?
web_reg_save_param captures dynamic values from responses using boundaries, while web_reg_save_param_ex provides advanced options like capturing multiple values, specifying ordinal positions, and using regular expressions.
- How does the lr_think_time function work, and when should it be used?
lr_think_time(seconds) introduces a pause between actions to simulate real user behavior. It is used to mimic the delay users take while interacting with an application, preventing unrealistically fast execution.
LoadRunner Interview Questions on Vugen
- What is VuGen in LoadRunner, and what is its role in performance testing?
VuGen (Virtual User Generator) is used to record and edit test scripts that simulate user actions. It captures network traffic and generates scripts for performance testing.
- What are different types of recording modes in VuGen?
- HTML Mode: Records user actions at a high level.
- URL Mode: Captures detailed network requests.
- GUI Mode: Records user interactions with graphical interfaces.
Also Read - Top 40+ HTML CSS JavaScript Interview Questions and Answers
Ajax True Client Protocol in LoadRunner Interview Questions
- What is Ajax True Client in LoadRunner, and when is it used?
Ajax True Client protocol records and executes tests at the browser level, allowing real-time user interaction. It is used for web applications that rely on client-side rendering.
- How does True Client protocol differ from Web HTTP/HTML protocol in LoadRunner?
True Client simulates real browser actions, executing JavaScript and AJAX calls, while Web HTTP/HTML protocol captures network-level requests without rendering the UI.
Perfmatrix LoadRunner Interview Questions
- What are different runtime settings in LoadRunner, and how do they impact test execution?
Runtime settings include pacing, think time, iteration count, log levels, and network emulation. These settings control script execution speed, load generation, and data logging.
- How do you debug a failing LoadRunner script?
“I enable logging, replay the script step by step, validate correlation and parameterization, and check server responses for errors.”
- What is pacing in LoadRunner, and how is it different from think time?
Pacing controls the interval between iterations to regulate load, while think time simulates user delay between actions.
- How do you monitor server performance during a LoadRunner test?
“I use LoadRunner’s built-in monitors and external tools like PerfMon to track CPU, memory, disk usage, and network activity.”
LoadRunner Interview Questions in Accenture
- How do you correlate dynamic session values in LoadRunner?
“I identify dynamic values in server responses and use web_reg_save_param or regular expressions to capture and reuse them.”
- What are the best practices for scripting in LoadRunner?
“I use proper correlation, parameterization, error handling, modular scripting, and realistic test scenarios.”
LoadRunner Interview Questions in Infosys
- How do you create and manage test scenarios in LoadRunner Controller?
“I define test objectives, select scripts, configure virtual users, set pacing and think time, and analyze real-time test execution.”
- How do you handle failed transactions in LoadRunner test results?
“I check error logs, validate data inputs, debug scripts, and analyze server responses to identify root causes.”
HP LoadRunner Interview Questions
- What is the significance of error handling in LoadRunner scripts?
Error handling prevents script failures by managing unexpected responses using functions like lr_error_message and lr_continue_on_error.
- How do you analyze server resource utilization using LoadRunner?
“I use LoadRunner monitors, system logs, and APM tools to track CPU, memory, disk, and network usage during test execution.”
Wrapping Up
These 30+ LoadRunner interview questions and answers cover key concepts, scripting techniques, and performance testing best practices. Reviewing them will help you feel confident in your next interview.
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