In this blog post, we are going to delve into the details of my brand-new app, Hamster. Designed specifically for JMeter users, Hamster aims to streamline the process of launching and managing JMeter test plans, saving you valuable time and increasing your productivity.
Table of Contents
The Nightmare of Launching JMeter
Launching JMeter can be a tedious task. You typically have to open a terminal on Mac or command prompt/PowerShell in Windows, navigate to the JMeter directory, and execute the JMeter.bat or JMeter.sh file. If you have environment variables set up, you can launch JMeter from anywhere. However, when it comes to launching a specific test plan, the process becomes repetitive. You have to go back to the terminal or command prompt, navigate to the directory, and launch JMeter again. You either have to open the test plan from within JMeter or use the hyphen-T argument in the CLI.
A Solution: Introducing Hamster
To alleviate this frustration and boost productivity, I developed Hamster. This app allows you to launch JMeter and your most recent test plan directly from your Windows status bar or Mac menu bar. With Hamster, you’ll spend significantly less time on these repetitive tasks and focus more on testing and analysis.
Getting Started with Hamster
To get started with Hamster, head over to my GitHub page: qainsights/hamster. On this page, you’ll find all the information you need to become familiar with Hamster. Let’s examine the important features of the app and how you can use it to be more productive.
The User Interface
In the Mac menu bar or the Windows status bar, you’ll find the Hamster icon. Clicking on this icon allows you to launch JMeter and access your recent test plans. You can also view and edit your JMeter and Hamster configurations.
Configuring JMeter Home
After installing Hamster, the first step is to configure your JMeter home. Simply click on “Edit JMeter Home” in the Hamster menu and enter the path to your JMeter installation. You don’t need to include the “/bin” directory as Hamster will automatically detect it. All the configurations you make through the Hamster menu will be reflected in the hamster.properties file located in your home directory.
Launching JMeter Made Easy
With Hamster, launching JMeter is just a click away. Click on “Launch JMeter” in the Hamster menu to quickly launch your configured JMeter instance. Hamster will automatically detect your JMeter installation, taking into account your JVM settings and flavor.
Harnessing the Power of Recent Test Plans
One of the most powerful features of Hamster is the ability to access your recent test plans with ease. No more navigating to the JMeter bin directory or your GitHub repository. Simply open the Hamster menu and click on the test plan you want to launch. Hamster keeps track of your most frequently used test plans, displaying them in the menu. You can also manually refresh the list to ensure you have the latest test plans available.
Boosting Productivity with Hamster
By leveraging Hamster’s intuitive interface and features, you can significantly improve your productivity when working with JMeter. Say goodbye to repetitive terminal commands and hello to seamless test plan launching. With just a few clicks, Hamster simplifies and accelerates your JMeter workflow, allowing you to focus on what really matters: creating and executing efficient test plans.
Installation Process
Installing Hamster is a breeze. Head over to the Releases page on the GitHub repository and download the latest version (currently 0.3.0). The assets include an MSI package for Windows and a .dmg file for Apple devices. If you have an Intel-based architecture, download the respective package. For Apple Silicon, choose the ARM64 flavor.
Once the download is complete, follow the installation instructions for your operating system. On Mac, simply drag and drop the app to your Applications folder. When launching Hamster for the first time, you may encounter a security warning. Click “OK” and proceed. Go to System Settings, navigate to Privacy and Security, scroll down, and click “Open Anyway.” Enter your password, click “Modify Settings,” and finally, click “Open.”
Exploring Additional Features
In addition to its core functionalities, Hamster offers a range of features to enhance your JMeter experience. By clicking on “View Config” in the Hamster menu, you can view your JMeter configuration, ensuring you’ve selected the right version and flavor. By default, Hamster collects telemetry data on app usage. If you prefer not to share this information, you can easily disable it by editing the properties file.
Future Plans: Hamster Pro
I have exciting plans for the future of Hamster. A Pro version is in the works, which will introduce additional functionalities, including the ability to add custom commands for Hamster and multiple JMeter instances. Hamster Pro will be available as a paid app for both Windows and Mac users.
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read about Hamster, the JMeter productivity booster. I encourage you to download and try out the app from the GitHub repository. Your feedback is valuable, and I’m keen to hear about your experience with Hamster. If you encounter any issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out.