When it comes to the testing, Selenium and Apache JMeter are among the popularly used modern testing tools. The growing number of application development projects necessitates appropriate automation testing to ensure enhanced performance. With increased competitiveness in the software industry, it has become highly important to select the right testing tool in order to get the desired outcomes.
While both Selenium and JMeter are designed to simplify as well as enhance the testing process, choosing one can be challenging. It is the testing scenario that determines which tool will facilitate the process the best. Both Selenium and JMeter are open source testing tools, developed in JAVA and meant for well application testing. Here are some detailed insights about both the tools, along with their pros and cons. Understanding the comparison based on their functionality can help you get an idea about the optimum use of the testing tools in the appropriate scenarios.
About Selenium
Selenium is a testing tool that is employed for performing the automation testing of web applications. It is a popular open-source framework that helps in automating the browser and testing the functionality of web applications. It offers a number of facilities to test web applications across various platforms and browsers. Selenium extends support to multiple programming languages, browsers, and operating systems. While Selenium also facilitates the cross-browser testing of web applications, it does not offer support to the mobile application testing.
Selenium is actually not a single testing tool but a suite of software that includes Selenium IDE and Selenium WebDriver. While Selenium WebDriver is the language-specific APIs that enable browser automation, Selenium IDE refers to a Chrome/ Firefox extension that offers a feature of “record & replay.” With the use of the free Chrome extension, you can easily record the Selenium scripts.
Also Read: JMeter Vs. Locust- Performance Testing Tools
Pros of Selenium
Here are some of the top benefits that using Selenium can provide.
Here are some of the top benefits that using Selenium can provide.
- Ease of Use
Selenium is a testing framework that is very easy for users to learn as well as use. Recording the Selenium scripts is easy for the users. Having a simple UI, you can easily use the tool even without extensive programming knowledge.
- Parallel Testing
The Selenium grid enables the testers to perform a number of tests at the same time. Parallel testing helps in speeding up the test process and allows you to save a lot of time.
- Stronger Solution
With Selenium, the enterprises can build a framework of their own. They can then connect the framework with other tools using the keywords and frameworks.
- Offer Flexibility
Selenium offers ample flexibility to users. It does not limit you by licensing. Instead, the users can easily customize the codes and create unique features that suit their specific purpose.
- Enables Complex Testing
Selenium is one of the best testing tools that can help in performing complex tests much easier. With Selenium, the users can perform production monitoring as well as load testing much easier.
Also Read: Top 10 Automation Testing Tools For Testers In 2020
Cons of Selenium Testing
Selenium testing has some cons too. Here are the potential challenges that the testers may come across while using Selenium.
- If Selenium is not properly implemented, it may lead to the slowing down of the testing process.
- Test maintenance is, at times, difficult with Selenium.
Areas of Application
Selenium finds wide use in performing the cross-browser testing of web applications. For instance, when you want to test multiple numbers of features on different browsers at the same time, Selenium proves to be useful.
About JMeter
Apache JMeter is an open-source functional testing tool that is designed to perform load testing of web applications. JMeter enables the testers to create a large number of virtual concurrent users in order to simulate a heavy load on the server for effective load testing. It supports a number of protocols, including FTP, WebSocket, JDBC database connections, HTTP, LDAP, web services, generic TCP connections, RTE, and JMS.
The functionalities of the JMeter are specifically organized into different components. Each of the components falls under a particular category having a specific role. In the test script, the components are used according to their hierarchy. With the help of the JMeter GUI, the JMeter scripts are developed in the components tree form.
Also Read: 10 Things You Should Know Before Starting Automation Testing
Pros of JMeter
Here are some of the top benefits of using the Apache JMeter.
- Ease of Use
When you choose JMeter as a testing tool, you won’t find any difficulty in use. Even without extensive programming knowledge, you can easily use this testing tool. The user-friendly UI is the main reason for its ease of use. Moreover, JMeter can also be easily installed. Irrespective of the operating system you have, you can easily install the JMeter.
- Key Features
JMeter has a number of key features that prove to be beneficial for the testing process. One of the significant features is the Thread Group. With the help of the Thread Group, you can easily find out whether the performance of the software is good or not. The Test IDE of JMeter enables the test recording from different native applications as well as browsers.
- Effective Integration
JMeter enables effective integration. With the Apache JMeter, you can ensure easy integration with Jenkins and effective reporting.
- Perform Different Tests Easily
JMeter enables you to perform a number of testing at much ease. Whether you want to perform the MQ testing, API testing, or Database testing, JMeter can help in providing better outcomes.
Also Read: Top Bug Tracking Tools for Successful Software Testing
Cons of JMeter
Some of the potential cons of the JMeter are:
- JMeter does not offer support to the AJAX and JavaScript requests.
- Automation and Customization are difficult in the case of JMeter.
Area of Application
JMeter finds use in performing popular types of performance testing like load testing and stress testing. It helps in finding the number of concurrent users that a particular web application is able to handle. By simulating the website load, JMeter enables the testers to determine the maximum load capacity of the webserver.
Comparison of JMeter and Selenium by Test Case
Now that you have sufficient knowledge about both the testing tools of Selenium and JMeter, knowing when to use which tool is important. Here are some test cases that will help you understand the suitability of the tools in specific conditions.
Here is a hypothetical architecture of a web application.
- User Desk – It indicates a personal computer of the user or a mobile device.
- Web Browser – The application that the user uses in order to access the required information on the World Wide Web.
- Front End – The layer of the World Wide Web that is contacted by the Server.
- Back End – The layer that provides the required service.
- RDBMS – The data layer that will return data in the form of SQL.
Web Browser Testing
Web browser testing is done in order to validate how the application is presented to the user on the browser. It is also referred to as cross-browser testing as the testing phases are conducted on multiple browsers. The web browser testing helps in verifying the way in which the web pages are rendered; user sessions are handles and the overall user experience quality. To carry out all such tests effectively, Selenium proves to be the appropriate tool.
Front End Testing
The front end testing includes two types of testing – testing the communication channels and testing the user experience.
Front End Testing: Testing the Communication Channels
When you want to test the machine-to-machine interfaces, JMeter is the right tool to use. With the help of the different elements of JMeter, the JMeter Script helps in performing the front end testing effectively for accurate testing outcomes.
Front End Testing: Testing the User Experience
With modern web applications, testing the user experience has become very important. Having a visually appealing yet simple user interface helps in providing more convenience to the users. To test such aspects, Selenium is the right tool. Selenium can help in testing the user experience of web applications effectively.
Back End Testing
The back-end testing phase usually involves a machine-to-machine interface. In such a case, JMeter proves to be the most suitable tool for performing the test.
Also Read: Top Cross Browser Testing Tools
Prerequisites of Technological Knowledge for Selenium and JMeter
The technological knowledge prerequisites are yet another area where Selenium and JMeter can be compared. In order to perform the Selenium testing, you need to have knowledge of the WebDriver API. Having proficiency in the toolchain (MS Visual Studio, Ant, etc.), developing languages (JAVA, Python, etc.), and testing framework (TestNG, JUnit, etc.) is also important. For JMeter Testing, you need to have good knowledge of the JMeter Component Organization. The new developers also need to acquire training about the environment setup in order to meet the objectives of the testing process.
Conclusion
On a concluding note, it is evident that both Selenium and JMeter are equally important testing tools. While Selenium is a preferred option for certain test cases, JMeter is suitable for others. With unique features and abilities, both the tools prove to be very useful. In certain situations, both the tools are even used together in order to ensure appropriate outcomes. Based on the type of testing, you can choose between Selenium and JMeter to ensure positive outcomes.
