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Virtual User Types

Eggplant Performance virtual users are available in a variety of types with each type being suited to a particular technology. For example, you would use web virtual users to emulate web browser clients.

Virtual user scripts differ in structure and language depending upon the virtual user type. For example, web virtual users employ either Java or C#, whereas Citrix virtual users use C#. However, all virtual user scripts share access to a common set of functions or methods. Eggplant Performance virtual user types are implemented using the object oriented programming paradigm. Underlying each virtual user type is a base set of classes that provide common functionality.

Overview of VU Types in Eggplant Performance​

You can use several types of VUs in performance testing. The different VU types and their capabilities are described in brief below:

Web VU - C# or Java​

  • Protocol-level (HTTP) automation
  • Script recorder
  • Lightweight; highly scalable

Selenium VU - Java​

  • Browser automation
  • Executes client-side JavaScript
  • Requires more hardware than Web VU

Citrix VU - C#​

  • Image-based automation
  • Script recorder
  • Any version of Citrix

Eggplant Functional VU - SenseTalk​

  • Image-based automation
  • True end-to-end response times
  • Any SUT that supports RDP or VNC server

WinDriver VU - C#​

  • Object-based automation (with image-based fallback)
  • Suitable for most Windows rich clients
  • Each VU requires its own session

TCP/IP VU - C++​

  • Low-level network (packet) record and replay
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