By inserting a synchronization point, you can coordinate
the activities of a number of virtual users by pausing and resuming
activities. You can synchronize all virtual users at the beginning
of a test and stagger the release times so that the users do not overload
the system. Synchronization points are also useful in stress testing.
You can insert a synchronization point into a schedule or
a test. You typically insert synchronization points into schedules,
because they are more visible at the schedule level and you can set
the Release and Timeout options
within a schedule only, not within a test. However, in the following
cases, insert a synchronization point into a test:
- You must control where the synchronization point is encountered.
For example, you can insert a synchronization point just before a
test sends a request to a server.
- You have edited a test, and the execution of a synchronization
point depends on the logic that you have added.
Synchronization points within loops are
not reset. In other words, after a synchronization point has been
released (in the first iteration of a loop), the synchronization point
stays released for all further iterations.
To insert a synchronization point into a test:
- In the Test Navigator, browse to the test, and double-click
it.
The test opens.
- Click the test element just below the place to add the
synchronization point, and then click . Depending
on the nature of the test element, you can insert a synchronization
point at some points in the test hierarchy but not at others.
- Type a name for the synchronization point, or select the
name of an existing synchronization point.
The synchronization
point opens in the test. Note that Release Type and Timeout are
not available for synchronization points in tests. Release
Type and Timeout are available
only for synchronization points in schedules.
- To change the Release Type or Timeout,
open the synchronization point within a schedule, and make the changes.
The changes affect all instances of the synchronization point.