Recording a TN3270 performance test

You can record a TN3270 test from a terminal emulation client. When you record, the recording wizard automatically starts the terminal emulation client and records all the screen and input activity that transits the socket connection.

Before you begin

Ensure that you have a TN3270 terminal emulation program installed on the local computer.

Tests are stored in performance test projects. If your workspace does not contain a performance test project, the test-creation wizard creates one with a name that you can change. To store a test in a specific project, verify that the project exists before you record the test.

Ensure that the session that you are recording is reproducible. This means that when the recorded actions are replayed by the test, the same responses from the server will be received.

Procedure

To record a socket test:
  1. Open Rational® Performance Tester.
  2. Click the New Test from Recording icon New Test from Recording toolbar button, and then click TN3270 Test.
    Note: You can also click File > New > Test From Recording, and then select TN3270 Test. You can then select the encryption level, if required and click Next to open the Select Location page.
    The Select Location page is displayed.
  3. Create a test by performing the following steps:
    1. Select a project, and then select a folder from the project.
    2. Enter a name for the test.
    3. Optionally, click Recording encryption level, and then select the encryption level when you are recording any sensitive data.
  4. Click Next.

    The Select Client Application page is displayed.

  5. On the Select Client Application page, select any of the following type of client program to use to record the test, and then click Next:
    • In most cases, select IBM Personal Communication or Attachmate EXTRA! X-treme.

      If required, specify a session file to start the TN3270 session.

    • If you are using other TN3270 terminal emulation software, select Managed Application.
    The Recording Method page is displayed.
  6. Select the required method from the Recording Method page when you select Managed Application in step 5 for your recording.
    • Proxy Recorder method

      Select Proxy Recorder to record the HTTP activity of a client set up by using a proxy, and click Next.

      The Managed Application Options page is displayed.Specify the application to launch by performing the following action, and then click Next:
      1. Click Browse and specify the program path.
      2. Click Browse and specify the working directory, if required.
      3. Specify the command-line arguments that the program requires in Arguments, if needed.
      4. Select the Open console for user input check box if the program requires user input from a command-line interface.

      You can then specify the settings on the Proxy Recorder Settings page.

    • Socket I/O Recorder method

      Select Socket I/O Recorder to record the client I/O operations, and then click Next.

      The Managed Application Options page is displayed.Specify the application to launch by performing the following action, and then click Next:
      1. Click Browse and specify the program path.
      2. Click Browse and specify the working directory, if required.
      3. Specify the command-line arguments that the program requires in Arguments, if needed.
      4. Select the Open console for user input check box if the program requires user input from a command-line interface.
      Specify the required secure options from the Socket I/O Recorder Secure Settings page:
      • Enable recording of SSL/TLS encrypted communication to enable the recording of the SSL/TLS encrypted communication.
      • Use MS-Detour for launching processes to use the Microsoft Detour library when recording with the Socket I/O recorder.
  7. Click Finish to start recording.
    A progress window opens while the TN3270 terminal program starts.
  8. Use the TN3270 terminal program to perform the actions to test.
    You can use the Recorder Test Annotations toolbar to add comments, record synchronizations, or take screen captures during the recording.
    • To add a comment to the recorded test, click the Insert comment icon Insert comment icon.
    • To add a screen capture to the recorded test, click the icon Capture screen icon Capture screen. Screen and window captures make your tests easier to read and help you visualize the recorded test. You can change the settings for screen captures and add a comment to the image.
    • To manually add a test synchronization to the recording, click the Insert synchronization icon Insert synchronization icon.
    • To manually add a transaction folder to the recording, click the Start Transaction icon Start Transaction icon and Stop Transaction icon Stop Transaction icon to start and stop the transaction.
    • To insert a split point into the recorded test, click the Split point icon Split point icon. With split points, you can generate multiple tests from a single recording, which you can replay in a different order with a schedule. See Splitting a test during recording for more information about splitting a test.
  9. When you have finished test actions in the program, stop the recorder. You can do this by closing the TN3270 terminal program or by clicking the Stop push button Stop push button in the Recorder Control view.
    A progress window opens while the test is generated. On completion, the Recorder Control view displays the Test generation completed message, the Test Navigator lists your test, and the test opens in the test editor.