How to: Run a Test Using Test Controllers and Test Agents

After you create a test and run the test and it passes, you might want to proceed with more exhaustive performance testing, or run the test remotely on a regular basis, by using a test controller and test agents. For more information, see Setting Up Test Machines to Run Tests or Collect Data.

This topic is about using Visual Studio. However, if you have to plan your testing effort and run your tests as part of a test plan, you can use Microsoft Test Manager. For more information about how to use Microsoft Test Manager, see Defining a Test Plan [retired].

Your tests can be run from the following windows in Visual Studio:

• Test Explorer

• Web Performance Test Editor

• Load Test Editor

You use the same windows to run your test using a test controller and test agents, but first you must specify which test controller and test agents to use in the test settings.

To run unit tests, coded UI tests using a test controller and test agents

1. Either open a Visual Studio 2010 solution that included a test project with a .testsettings file.

   -or-

   Add a test settings file to your solution containing either a unit test project or coded UI test project. For more information, see How to: Add a Test Settings File from Microsoft Visual Studio.

2. In Solution Explorer, double-click the .testsettings file in the solution.

   The Test Settings dialog box is displayed. On the Roles page, you can specify the test controller that you want to use. For more information about selecting the test controller, roles, and test agents, see Specifying Test Settings for Visual Studio Tests.

3. In Solution Explorer, right-click the .testsettings file in the solution and choose Active Load and Web Test Settings.

4. Run your test using the Test Explorer or one of the run options under the Test menu.

   Your test runs on the remote controller and agents. To view tests that have run on a controller, use the Test Run window on the Test menu. For more information, see How to: Save and Open Web Performance and Load Test Results in Visual Studio.

To run a Web performance or load test using a test controller and test agents

1. In Solution Explorer, double-click the .testsettings file in the solution.

   The Test Settings dialog box is displayed. On the Roles page, you can specify the test controller that you want to use. For more information about selecting the test controller, roles, and test agents, see Specifying Test Settings for Visual Studio Tests.

2. In Solution Explorer, right-click the .testsettings file in the solution and choose Active Load and Web Test Settings.

3. In the Web Performance Test Editor, choose Run Test from the toolbar.

   -or-

   In the Load Test Editor, choose Run Load Test from the toolbar.

   Your test runs on the remote controller and agents. To view tests that have run on a controller, use the Test Run window on the Test menu. For more information, see How to: Save and Open Web Performance and Load Test Results in Visual Studio.

See Also

Tasks

How to: Run Tests from Microsoft Visual Studio

[retired] How to: Run a Load Test Using Test Controllers and Test Agents Specified in a Test Setting