Load Testing APIs with Postman Collection Runner

Configuration Options

Virtual Users

• Indicates number of concurrent users making requests.
• Can be set between 50 and 500.

Test Duration

• Duration during which virtual users make requests.
• Default: 10 minutes, but adjustable.

Load Profile

• Fixed: Number of virtual users remains constant throughout the test duration.
• Ramped Up: Number of virtual users gradually increases during the specified duration.

Running the Load Test

• Select movie API collection and click the Collection Run button.
• Navigate to Performance settings.
• Configure virtual users, test duration, and load profile.
• Example: 50 virtual users, 1-minute test duration, ramped up.

Performance Metrics and Graphs

• Total Requests Sent: Total number of requests sent.
• Requests per Second (Throughput): Number of requests processed per second.
• Average Response Time: Time taken to respond, constantly adjusting.
• Error Rate: Percentage of failed requests.

Graph Details

• Horizontal Axis: Timestamp for each request.
• Left Vertical Axis: Error rate.
• Right Vertical Axis: Response time.

Toggling Graph Lines

• Can toggle the display of virtual users, throughput, average response time, and errors.

Analyzing the Results

• Virtual users increased from 0 to 50 in the first minute.
• Throughput, average response time, and error rate can be closely analyzed.
• Spikes in response time and error rate can be identified.
• Performance details for each request (e.g., create movie endpoint).

Additional Options

• Filter graphs by specific requests, average response, minimum/maximum response, and percentiles.
• Button to run the test again or reset filters.
• Example: Increase to 500 virtual users, 2-minute test duration, and ramp up.