Parameterization in LoadRunner

Parameterization in LoadRunner is the process of making a script more flexible and reusable by replacing hard-coded values with variables. This allows you to simulate a wider range of user behavior, and to run the same script with different sets of data.

There are several types of parameterization in LoadRunner, including:

1. Random Number Generation: In this type of parameterization, LoadRunner generates a random number that can be used in place of a hard-coded value. For example, you might use a random number to simulate a unique identifier for each user in your script.

2. Data-driven testing: In this type of parameterization, LoadRunner reads data from an external source, such as a file or a database, and uses it to replace hard-coded values in your script. For example, you might use data-driven testing to simulate users entering different login credentials.

3. Correlation: Correlation is a type of parameterization that involves extracting dynamic values from a server response and using them as parameters in subsequent requests. For example, if a server response includes a unique session ID that needs to be used in subsequent requests, LoadRunner can extract that value and use it as a parameter in your script.

Here's an example of how parameterization can be used in LoadRunner:

Suppose you have a script that logs in to a web application and searches for a product. In the script, you have hard-coded the username and password for the user. With parameterization, you could replace the hard-coded username and password with variables, and then use data-driven testing to read the username and password values from an external file. This would allow you to test the application with different sets of login credentials, simulating multiple users logging in with different usernames and passwords.

Overall, parameterization is an essential component of load testing with LoadRunner, as it allows you to make your scripts more flexible and to simulate a wider range of user behavior. By using parameterization, you can ensure that your load tests are more realistic and accurate, and that your results reflect the real-world performance of your application.