Database Load Testing With JMeter

Most applications’ performance can be tested by triggering HTTP, FTP, or some other protocols. But there are some cases where we want to directly test the database system without interfering the HTTP calls. Apache JMeter has a built-in JDBC Request module. We can do database testing with JMeter. Let’s see how!

JMeter can connect to any database and run SQL queries concurrently. In order to do so, it’s mandatory to have necessary JDBC drivers in the lib folder of your installation.

The most important part of the Database performance testing is to have valid connection strings in the JDBC Connection Configuration.

Just add a JDBC Connection Configuration by using Add-> Config Element menu. There are some fields that should be filled out.

• Variable Name: This value will be used in our JDBC Sampler. In case there is more than one SQL connection, JDBC request will use the right DB Connection by using this value.
• Connection Pool Configuration: Leave it as it is. These values are good enough for a performance test. In case it’s needed, increasing or decreasing the values is a possibility.
• Database URL: It’s obvious isn’t it?
• JDBC Driver Class: It’s different for every Database vendor
  • Mysql uses com.mysql.jdbc.Driver
  • Oracle uses oracle.jdbc.driver.OracleDriver
  • Microsoft uses com.microsoft.sqlserver.jdbc.SQLServerDriver
• Username & Password: Another obvious configuration, isn’t it?

Last, add a JDBC Sampler using Add->Sampler menu. Just fill out the Variable Name property you defined in the configuration. It must be exactly the same. Every request should be bound to a JDBC Configuration. If it’s not, the statement will not be executed by JMeter.

Then you are ready to go. Just run your JMeter plan and execute the performance test in your database directly.

Moreover, I kindly recommend checking our Defining KPIs in Performance Testing article.

Happy load testing!