User Performance Monitoring Using Ruby Watir

by Ken Miller Tech Writer

Whenever the application, hardware or network is modified, it may have a positive or negative impact on the system’s performance. Each application needs be tested on a constant basis to cope with the changing habits and choices of the modern users. Many developers use specialized tools to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of the updated system. Some people even rewrite some portion of the code to maximize the user experience.

In comparison to the conventional user performance monitoring tools, Web Application Testing in Ruby (Watir) is hugely popular among application developers and quality analyzers. Along with being an open source functional testing tool, Watir also enables developer to avail the advantages of Ruby libraries. You can use the simple and dynamic tool to easily write, read and maintain tests. The tool is also effective in driving web browsers just like a normal user.

While testing a web application, Watir performs normal actions like clicking on individual hyperlinks, filling the web forms in, and pressing button. So you can easily view the text as it appears on the real web pages. This feature also makes it convenient for you to incorporate the desired changes, and enhance the user experience. Also, you can use a number of specialized features offered by Ruby to connect the backend system and UI. These features make it easier for you to connect to various data sources, read data from spreadsheets and data files.

Further, you can export the output in XML format, and store the code as reusable libraries. Watir originally supports only a single web browser, i.e., Internet Explorer on Windows. But a developer can use the Watir-WebDriver that supports a variety of web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Opera. The efficiency of open source tool can be determined from its list of reputable user list that includes renowned brands like Facebook, Yahoo, Honeywell, HP, Oracle and SAP.

Using Watir for Performance Monitoring
As a simple and lightweight performance monitoring tool, Watir enables you to test the application simply by incorporating timestamps throughout the script. However, the timer must be started based on the nature and usage of the specific portion of the script. For instance, if you are monitoring the page loading time, the timer must be started after loading the web browser. But Watir makes it easier for developers to capture the data, store the information in a database, and access the results in graphical format.

Starting the Timer
While inserting timeline, you must ensure that the browser object is properly created. Normally, the amount of time required for creating and loading a web browser is no way related to the performance of your web application. As the choice of web browsers vary from one user to another, you need to consider the amount of time required for creating the browser object. The step can be compared to the amount of time required by a user to turn his PC on, and load Internet Explores, Firefox, Chrome, or Opera.

Defining Your Web Application Test
Before monitoring user performance, the test must be defined clearly in terms of caching. It is also important to differentiate between individual actions, and independent user experiences. For instance, you have to start the timer immediately after the browser object creation, while testing the web page loading time in a clear cache. On the other hand, the timer need to be started after creating the browser object and then processing a goto command, if you are planning to replicating the action of a returning visitors. Each action will have a different impact on the user, while changing the website loading time.

Doing Competitive Analysis
While doing competitive analysis of your website, you must be realistic, and compare your web application with a similar and identical website. However, the comparison may not always get you exact and accurate results. For example, if you are comparing the loading time of your website and the competitor’s website, it is important to set the test up to report back. Also, the report back must occur once the DOM is loaded fully for each website. The results will make it easier for you to beat your competitors, while enhancing the user experience and satisfaction. Hence investing in watir automated testing reaps huge benefits.

If you are using Watir for the first time, it is a good idea to avail the support offered by the active community of Watir users. There are also several online sources to get the required information, and test the performance of your web application just in a few minutes.

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