Parameterization in Load Runner

Replacing hard coded values in the script with different values is called Parameterization.

Parameterization used for :

1. Reducing script size
2. Avoiding cache effect

Type of Parameters

1.Date/Time – Whenever we have to replace a date value with a parameter, Date/Time parameter is used. Any post with past date is not valid. To keep it updated, Date/Time parameter provides flexibility to get the current or future date. If past date is needed, it handles that too.

2.Group Name -We can generate a parameter on the basis of group that we select on controller for the script while execution. This parameter will only work while running the script on controller.

3. Iteration Number – This replaces the parameter with current iteration number. This is generally used to build some logic. For example- when we want some code in script to be executed alternatively. For this, we will use the iteration number to check whether it is even or odd number and for one of the condition we will execute the function.

4. Load Generator Name – We can also generate parameter while executing the script on controller on the basis of load generator name on which that script is running. This parameter only works while running the script on controller.

5. Vuser ID – When we run the script on controller, it assigns a unique id to each virtual user that emulate during the execution. This parameter type is used –
To print the Vuser ID in an external file for script-debugging purpose.
To segregate transaction volume based on Vuser ID

6. File – Some time we want to pass the specific value in the script. In such cases, we use file and enter the values that want to use during execution. LR provides options to run the script with provided list sequentially or randomly on next iteration.
In few cases we want to use a set of values passed to the script. In such cases, we can use same file for the other parameter value as well.

7. Random Number – As per need, Vugen also generates random value from the provided range.

8.Unique value – In few situations, script is not allowed to pass any duplicate value. In such cases, unique parameter is used to avoid failures due to duplicate value,.

9.User Defined function – Such parameter calls a function whose return value replaces the parameter name.

10. XML – XML Parameter Types are used for multiple valued data contained in an XML structure. XML parameters are widely used with Web Service scripts and with SOA services.

Capture, Filter and Inspect Packets using Wireshark Tool

Here is the demo..



Wireshark, a network analysis tool formerly known as Ethereal, captures packets in real time and display them in human-readable format. Wireshark includes filters, color-coding and other features that let you dig deep into network traffic and inspect individual packets.

This tutorial will get you up to speed with the basics of capturing packets, filtering them, and inspecting them. You can use Wireshark to inspect a suspicious program’s network traffic, analyze the traffic flow on your network, or troubleshoot network problems.

Getting Wireshark

You can download Wireshark for Windows or Mac OS X from its official website. If you’re using Linux or another UNIX-like system, you’ll probably find Wireshark in its package repositories. For example, if you’re using Ubuntu, you’ll find Wireshark in the Ubuntu Software Center.

Just a quick warning: Many organizations don’t allow Wireshark and similar tools on their networks. Don’t use this tool at work unless you have permission.

Capturing Packets:

After downloading and installing Wireshark, you can launch it and click the name of an interface under Interface List to start capturing packets on that interface. For example, if you want to capture traffic on the wireless network, click your wireless interface. You can configure advanced features by clicking Capture Options, but this isn’t necessary for now.



As soon as you click the interface’s name, you’ll see the packets start to appear in real time. Wireshark captures each packet sent to or from your system. If you’re capturing on a wireless interface and have promiscuous mode enabled in your capture options, you’ll also see other the other packets on the network.



Click the stop capture button near the top left corner of the window when you want to stop capturing traffic.

Color Coding
You’ll probably see packets highlighted in green, blue, and black. Wireshark uses colors to help you identify the types of traffic at a glance. By default, green is TCP traffic, dark blue is DNS traffic, light blue is UDP traffic, and black identifies TCP packets with problems — for example, they could have been delivered out-of-order.

Sample Captures
If there’s nothing interesting on your own network to inspect, Wireshark’s wiki has you covered. The wiki contains a page of sample capture files that you can load and inspect.

Opening a capture file is easy; just click Open on the main screen and browse for a file. You can also save your own captures in Wireshark and open them later.

Filtering Packets
If you’re trying to inspect something specific, such as the traffic a program sends when phoning home, it helps to close down all other applications using the network so you can narrow down the traffic. Still, you’ll likely have a large amount of packets to sift through. That’s where Wireshark’s filters come in.

The most basic way to apply a filter is by typing it into the filter box at the top of the window and clicking Apply (or pressing Enter). For example, type “dns” and you’ll see only DNS packets. When you start typing, Wireshark will help you autocomplete your filter.



You can also click the Analyze menu and select Display Filters to create a new filter.



Another interesting thing you can do is right-click a packet and select Follow TCP Stream.



You’ll see the full conversation between the client and the server.



Close the window and you’ll find a filter has been applied automatically — Wireshark is showing you the packets that make up the conversation.

Inspecting Packets

Click a packet to select it and you can dig down to view its details.



You can also create filters from here — just right-click one of the details and use the Apply as Filter submenu to create a filter based on it.



Wireshark is an extremely powerful tool, and this tutorial is just scratching the surface of what you can do with it. Professionals use it to debug network protocol implementations, examine security problems and inspect network protocol internals