JMeter - How to retrieve child sample data in output JTL file?

Rupesh Garg

August 3, 2023

5 mins

Generally, when we want to load test a website, we want to select the 'Retrieve Embedded / Resources' option with 'Parallel Download' as a real user scenario in Jmeter.

But to visualize the embedded / resources like JS, CSS, images, etc. in JMeter, we only have the 'View Result Tree' listener which we can't use for huge load tests.

So, to get the various performance attributes of the child elements like sample times and response codes, save the jtl file in XML format as follows:

  • Go to jmeter.properties and set jmeter.save.saveservice.output_format=xml.
  • Save it and restart JMeter.
FrugalTesting blog on how to get child samples in jmeter
  • Or you can pass it in command line as -Jjmeter.save.saveservice.output_format=xml
FrugalTesting blog on how to get child samples in jmeter
  • And here you get a jtl file in XML format:
FrugalTestin blog on how to get child samples in jmeter
  • On changing the format of the jtl file to xml, and choosing 'View Result Tree' listener, you can see Sampler result data related to all child elements as well.
FrugalTesting blog on how to get child samples in jmeter

Know how huge load on website can impact your application's performance here!

Rupesh Garg

✨ Founder and principal architect at Frugal Testing, a SaaS startup in the field of performance testing and scalability. Possess almost 2 decades of diverse technical and management experience with top Consulting Companies (in the US, UK, and India) in Test Tools implementation, Advisory services, and Delivery. I have end-to-end experience in owning and building a business, from setting up an office to hiring the best talent and ensuring the growth of employees and business.

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