How is the CSV Data Set Config Element used in JMeter?

The CSV Data Set Config element is used to send the unique values to each user in JMeter test by utilizing a CSV data file. The CSV Data Set Config element reads the data from the CSV file and splits them into variables, and these variables are used in the test plan to send unique data to each user during test execution.

When we use the CSV Data Set Config element it gives us the flexibility to make the values dynamic which is helpful in simulating the real world scenarios closely.

Suppose you are running the test with 100 users on the login functionality of an E-Commerce website then executing the test with the same credentials for all 100 users does not reflect a real-world scenario instead of that we can create a CSV file with unique credentials for all 100 users and then we can integrate that file in our JMeter with the help of CSV Data Set Config element.

Advantages of using CSV Data Set Config element

• Parameterization – It helps us in testing with different data sets instead of hardcoding the values. We can use a CSV data file to store the data and data Set Config element to read and split those data into variables and this way we can make our test more dynamic.

• Realistic Approach – While doing Performance Testing Data Set Config element helps us in simulating real-world scenarios closely, because with the use of the Data Set Config element, we can send different data to the test plan.

• Easy Maintenance – If we want to change the input data, we can directly do that by updating the CSV file without touching the test. This makes the test easier to maintain.

• Reusability – Once we create a test that uses the Data Set Config element but later if we want to test the same scenario with a different data set then we just need to change the CSV file or just need to update the data in the existing CSV file.

• Scalability – When we do Performance Testing with 100 users and we use the Data Set Config element it helps us in sending the unique values to each user and this helps us in simulating a wide range of user behaviors which is like a real-world user.

How to Add Data Set Config element in JMeter Test?

• Right-click on the thread group

  

• Hover the cursor to “Add”.

  

• Hover the cursor to “Config Element” and select CSV Data Set Config.

  

How to Configure CSV File in CSV Data Set Config Element?

To read the CSV file into JMeter test adjustments must be made in the CSV Data Set Config Element.

• Filename – If the CSV data file is present in the bin folder of Apache JMeter then we can directly add the file name with an extension and if the CSV data file is present somewhere else then we can add the file path in the File Name field.

• Variable Names – In this, we add the variable's name, column-wise which we have given in .CSV file by separating them with a comma.

• Delimiter – Delimiter in CSV Data Set Config Element is used to differentiate each record in the CSV file. A comma is the default Delimiter but in the file, if we are using a tab then we need to define the same here.

• Allow Quoted Data – You can place values within double quotes (""), which enables them to hold a delimiter if this option is enabled.

• Recycle on EOF – If you want to use a CSV file only for one iteration then youcan set it False or else if you want to use a CSV file for multiple iterations then set it True.

• Stop Thread on EOF – If you want to stop the test after reading the whole CSV file then set it True or else set it False.

• Sharing Mode – In sharing mode, JMeter gives us 3 options.

  • All Thread – The CSV file is shared with all threads and this is the default option.

  • Current Thread Group – Each file is opened for every thread group, in which elements appear.

  • Current Thread - For every thread, a separate file is opened.

Conclusion

CSV Data Set Config element in JMeter plays an important role in enhancing the performance testing. By using the CSV Data Set Config element we can parameterize the test and send the different data to each user by making it dynamic instead of hardcoding the values in the test and this helps us in simulating and understanding the real user behavior.