How to get random row from file in JMeter

Question

I'm looking for way how to get random row from file in JMeter. I would be appreciate for any suggestions.

Answer 1

Not sure regarding groovy, maybe there is an easier way, but for instance you can do it with Beanshell Sampler using the following code:

import org.apache.commons.io.FileUtils; //necessary import

List lines = FileUtils.readLines(new File("/path/to/your/file"));  // read file into lines array   
int random = new Random().nextInt(lines.size()); // get random line number
String randomLine = lines.get(random); // get random line

vars.put("randomLine", randomLine); // store the random line into ${randomLine} variable

• substitute /path/to/your/file with relative or absolute path to the file you want the random line from
• you will be able to access the random line as ${randomLine} where required

See How to Use BeanShell: JMeter's Favorite Built-in Component guide for more information on using JMeter and Java APIs from Beanshell test elements in your JMeter test

N.B. The above code is valid groovy code as well

Answer 2

This should be possible using a bean shell controller. Here you will need to do bit of programming to achieve the desired behaviour.

There is an easy way to achieve the desired outcome. Introduce a ransom timer into your thread group. The timer will ensure the randomness of the threads. Configure a CSV confit element to read data from a file. Ensure the file is shared with all the threads.

Answer 3

you can get a random var

random__Random(1,9)
//syntax: __Random(start,end)

Then you can pull out

File fileInstance = new File("path/yourfile.txt");
readerInstance = new IndexedFileReader(fileInstance);
lines = readerInstance.readLines(randomIdx, randomIdx+1);

readLines takes a start and an end line number..

However if you are using anything other then very small files, with low iterations I really suggest you read the entire file into a buffer, and use the random var to pull lines from that

Answer 4

You can also use the Random CSV Data Set Config Plugin Jmeter plugin by Blazemeter. It has all the randomising a regualr user will want on top of the conventional JMeters CSV Data Set Config.