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Apache JMeter vs Flood IO: What are the differences?
# Introduction
Apache JMeter and Flood.io are both performance testing tools widely used in the industry. Despite having similar functionalities, they have key differences that make them suitable for various testing requirements.
## 1. Pricing Model:
Apache JMeter is an open-source tool, making it free to use with no licensing costs involved. On the other hand, Flood.io follows a subscription-based model where users need to pay for the services based on their usage and requirements.
## 2. Cloud-based Testing:
Flood.io offers a cloud-based solution that allows users to simulate large-scale virtual users to test applications under heavy load. Apache JMeter, on the other hand, requires users to manage their infrastructure or utilize third-party cloud services for large-scale testing.
## 3. Test Scripting:
Apache JMeter requires users to create test scripts manually, which can sometimes be time-consuming and complex. In contrast, Flood.io provides a more user-friendly interface for creating test scripts, making it easier for even non-technical users to conduct performance tests.
## 4. Test Reporting:
Flood.io offers detailed and visually appealing test reports that provide insights into system performance and bottlenecks. While Apache JMeter also generates test reports, they may not be as intuitive or visually appealing as Flood.io's reports.
## 5. Scalability:
Flood.io allows users to scale up their tests quickly by provisioning additional virtual users, making it suitable for testing applications under extreme loads. Apache JMeter's scalability is limited to the resources available on the user's machine or server, which may restrict testing capabilities for larger applications.
## 6. Support and Community:
Apache JMeter benefits from a large and active community that provides support, updates, and plugins to enhance functionality. Flood.io offers dedicated support to its users, along with documentation and resources, to help them utilize the platform effectively.
In Summary, Apache JMeter and Flood.io differ in pricing models, testing scalability, test reporting, test scripting complexity, cloud-based testing solutions, and support offerings.
I have a team that is not heavy on programming skills. I am looking for a load testing tool that is easy to use. Preferably, the tool should be a record and playback tool without much programming. Also, the tool should be able to test APIs apart from web-based applications. What tool should I opt for?
My choice would be Apache JMeter, It's free and opensource plus it comes with lots of plugins and extendability. Apache JMeter needs a small amount of a learning curve and a basic understanding of Network, Protocols (TCP/IP ports, HTTP(S) and REST/SOAP, etc.) for initial setup. But it doesn't require programming skills. it has a nice record and playback option. You can still carry on without the developer skillset if you follow these steps. 1. Take backup. 2. Start recording and interact with the application. 3. stop recording and save the test case. This will give you your test-bed, after this, after these steps, every time just do Restore from backup and then Playback and observer results.
If you have longer recordings then an understanding of how to modify the recorded scripts will come handy.
For some of the advanced features such as Configuring variables, implementing loops, throttling adding think time, and automating test scaling to the number of users will require good planning of test scenarios and a Developer experience but this is true for any tool (even loader.io)
Disclaimer: I work at k6, and I recommend you try our tool.
It might require some coding skills, but we support a few options to record a user session to autogenerate the load test. Read How to record a browser session with k6 OSS.
The k6 Cloud also supports recording a user session with a Browser Extension. Additionally, it provides a Test Builder UI to generate a load test for testing APIs.
If you have questions or need help, you can ask on Slack and the Community forum.
Pros of Flood IO
- Great feature set2
- Affordable2
- Easy to use1
Pros of Apache JMeter
- Requires no programming knowledge5
- Supports distributed3
- Open-source2
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Cons of Flood IO
Cons of Apache JMeter
- It's GUI-first1
- Too complicated1