--- title: "User's Manual: Getting Started" description: "Get started with Apache JMeter: install, build test plans in GUI mode, debug with View Results Tree, and run real load tests in non-GUI CLI mode." url: https://docs.jmeter.ai/getting-started/get-started/ lastUpdated: 2026-10-01 source: docs.jmeter.ai --- # User's Manual: Getting Started ## 1. Getting Started ### 1.0 Overview When using JMeter you will usually follow this process: #### 1.0.1 Test plan building To do that, you will [run JMeter in GUI Mode.](/getting-started/get-started/#running) Then you can either choose to record the application from a browser, or native application. You can use for that the menu **File → Templates… → Recording** Note you can also manually build your plan. Ensure you read this [documentation](/user-manual/test-plan/) to understand major concepts. You will also debug it using one of these options: - **Run → Start no pauses** - **Run → Start** - **Validate** on [Thread Group](/components/thread-group/) and [View Results Tree](/components/view-results-tree/) renderers or Testers (CSS/JQUERY, JSON, Regexp, XPath). Ensure you follow [best-practices](/user-manual/best-practices/) when building your Test Plan. #### 1.0.2 Load Test running Once your Test Plan is ready, you can start your Load Test. The first step is to configure the injectors that will run JMeter, this as for any other Load Testing tool includes: - Correct machine sizing in terms of CPU, memory and network - OS Tuning - Java setup: Ensure you install the latest version of Java supported by JMeter - **Increase the Java Heap size**. By default JMeter runs with a heap of 1 GB, this might not be enough for your test and depends on your test plan and number of threads you want to run Once everything is ready, you will use CLI mode (Command-line mode previously called Non-GUI mode) to run it for the Load Test. > **Note** > Don’t run load test using GUI mode ! Using CLI mode, you can generate a CSV (or XML) file containing results and have JMeter [generate an HTML report](/user-manual/generating-dashboard/) at end of Load Test. JMeter will by default provide a summary of load test while it’s running. You can also have [real-time results](/user-manual/realtime-results/) during your test using [Backend Listener](/components/backend-listener/). #### 1.0.3 Load Test analysis Once your Load Test is finished, you can use the HTML report to analyze your load test. ### 1.0.4 Let’s start The easiest way to begin using JMeter is to first [download the latest production release](http://jmeter.apache.org/download_jmeter.cgi) and install it. The release contains all of the files you need to build and run most types of tests, e.g. Web (HTTP/HTTPS), FTP, JDBC, LDAP, Java, JUnit and more. If you want to perform JDBC testing, then you will, of course, need the appropriate JDBC driver from your vendor. JMeter does not come with any JDBC drivers. JMeter includes the JMS API jar, but does not include a JMS client implementation. If you want to run JMS tests, you will need to download the appropriate jars from the JMS provider. > **Note** > See the JMeter Classpath section for details on installing additional jars. Next, start JMeter and go through the [Building a Test Plan](/user-manual/build-test-plan/) section of the User Guide to familiarize yourself with JMeter basics (for example, adding and removing elements). Finally, go through the appropriate section on how to build a specific type of Test Plan. For example, if you are interested in testing a Web application, then see the section [Building a Web Test Plan](/user-manual/build-web-test-plan/). The other specific Test Plan sections are: - [Advanced Web Test Plan](/user-manual/build-adv-web-test-plan/) - [JDBC](/user-manual/build-db-test-plan/) - [FTP](/user-manual/build-ftp-test-plan/) - [JMS Point-to-Point](/user-manual/build-jms-point-to-point-test-plan/) - [JMS Topic](/user-manual/build-jms-topic-test-plan/) - [LDAP](/user-manual/build-ldap-test-plan/) - [LDAP Extended](/user-manual/build-ldapext-test-plan/) - [WebServices (SOAP)](/user-manual/build-ws-test-plan/) - [Building Test Plan programmatically](/user-manual/build-programmatic-test-plan/) Once you are comfortable with building and running JMeter Test Plans, you can look into the various configuration elements (timers, listeners, assertions, and others) which give you more control over your Test Plans. ## 1.1 Requirements JMeter requires that your computing environment meets some minimum requirements. ### 1.1.1 Java Version > **Note** > JMeter is compatible with Java 17 or higher. > We highly advise you to install latest minor version of your major version for security and performance reasons. Because JMeter uses only standard Java APIs, please do not file bug reports if your JRE fails to run JMeter because of JRE implementation issues. > **Note** > Although you can use a JRE, it is better to install a JDK as for recording of HTTPS, JMeter needs `keytool` utility from JDK. ### 1.1.2 Operating Systems JMeter is a 100% Java application and should run correctly on any system that has a compliant Java implementation. Operating systems tested with JMeter can be viewed on [this page](https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/JMETER/JMeterAndOperatingSystemsTested) on JMeter wiki. Even if your OS is not listed on the wiki page, JMeter should run on it provided that the JVM is compliant. ## 1.2 Optional If you plan on doing JMeter development, then you will need one or more optional packages listed below. ### 1.2.1 Java Compiler If you want to build the JMeter source or develop JMeter plugins, then you will need a fully compliant JDK 8 or higher. ### 1.2.2 SAX XML Parser JMeter comes with Apache’s [Xerces XML parser](http://xml.apache.org/). You have the option of telling JMeter to use a different XML parser. To do so, include the classes for the third-party parser in JMeter’s classpath, and update the jmeter.properties file with the full classname of the parser implementation. ### 1.2.3 Email Support JMeter has extensive Email capabilities. It can send email based on test results, and has a POP3(S)/IMAP(S) sampler. It also has an SMTP(S) sampler. ### 1.2.4 SSL Encryption To test a web server using SSL encryption (HTTPS), JMeter requires that an implementation of SSL be provided, as is the case with Sun Java 1.4 and above. If your version of Java does not include SSL support, then it is possible to add an external implementation. Include the necessary encryption packages in JMeter’s classpath. Also, update `system.properties` to register the SSL Provider. JMeter HTTP defaults to protocol level TLS. This can be changed by editing the JMeter property `https.default.protocol` in `jmeter.properties` or `user.properties`. **The JMeter HTTP samplers are configured to accept all certificates, whether trusted or not, regardless of validity periods, etc.** This is to allow the maximum flexibility in testing servers. If the server requires a client certificate, this can be provided. There is also the [SSL Manager](/components/ssl-manager/), for greater control of certificates. > **Note** > The JMeter proxy server (see below) supports recording HTTPS (SSL) The SMTP sampler can optionally use a local trust store or trust all certificates. ### 1.2.5 JDBC Driver You will need to add your database vendor’s JDBC driver to the classpath if you want to do JDBC testing. Make sure the file is a jar file, not a zip. ### 1.2.6 JMS client JMeter now includes the JMS API from Apache Geronimo, so you just need to add the appropriate JMS Client implementation jar(s) from the JMS provider. Please refer to their documentation for details. There may also be some information on the [JMeter Wiki](https://cwiki.apache.org/confluence/display/JMETER/Home). ### 1.2.7 Libraries for ActiveMQ JMS You will need to add the jar `activemq-all-X.X.X.jar` to your classpath, e.g. by storing it in the `lib/` directory. See [ActiveMQ initial configuration page](http://activemq.apache.org/initial-configuration.html) for details. > **Note** > See the JMeter Classpath section for more details on installing additional jars. ## 1.3 Installation We recommend that most users run the [latest release](http://jmeter.apache.org/download_jmeter.cgi). To install a release build, simply unzip the zip/tar file into the directory where you want JMeter to be installed. Provided that you have a JRE/JDK correctly installed and the `JAVA_HOME` environment variable set, there is nothing more for you to do. > **Note** > There can be problems (especially with client-server mode) if the directory path contains any spaces. The installation directory structure should look something like this (where `X.Y` is version number): ```plaintext apache-jmeter-X.Y apache-jmeter-X.Y/bin apache-jmeter-X.Y/docs apache-jmeter-X.Y/extras apache-jmeter-X.Y/lib/ apache-jmeter-X.Y/lib/ext apache-jmeter-X.Y/lib/junit apache-jmeter-X.Y/licenses apache-jmeter-X.Y/docs ``` You can rename the parent directory (i.e. `apache-jmeter-X.Y`) if you want, but do not change any of the sub-directory names. ## 1.4 Running JMeter To run JMeter, run the `jmeter.bat` (for Windows) or `jmeter` (for Unix) file. These files are found in the `bin` directory. After a short time, the JMeter GUI should appear. > **Note** > GUI mode should only be used for creating the test script, CLI mode (NON GUI) must be used for load testing There are some additional scripts in the `bin` directory that you may find useful. Windows script files (the .CMD files require Win2K or later): **`jmeter.bat`** : run JMeter (in GUI mode by default) **`jmeterw.cmd`** : run JMeter without the windows shell console (in GUI mode by default) **`jmeter-n.cmd`** : drop a JMX file on this to run a CLI mode test **`jmeter-n-r.cmd`** : drop a JMX file on this to run a CLI mode test remotely **`jmeter-t.cmd`** : drop a JMX file on this to load it in GUI mode **`jmeter-server.bat`** : start JMeter in server mode **`mirror-server.cmd`** : runs the JMeter Mirror Server in CLI mode **`shutdown.cmd`** : Run the Shutdown client to stop a CLI mode instance gracefully **`stoptest.cmd`** : Run the Shutdown client to stop a CLI mode instance abruptly > **Note** > The special name `LAST` can be used with `jmeter-n.cmd`, `jmeter-t.cmd` and `jmeter-n-r.cmd` > and means the last test plan that was run interactively. There are a few environment variables, that can be used to customize the JVM settings for JMeter. An easy way to set those is by creating a file named `setenv.bat` in the `bin` directory. Such a file could look like: ```plaintext rem This is the content of bin\setenv.bat, rem it will be called by bin\jmeter.bat set JVM_ARGS=-Xms1024m -Xmx1024m -Dpropname=value ``` The `JVM_ARGS` can be used to override JVM settings in the `jmeter.bat` script and will get set when starting JMeter, e.g.: ```plaintext jmeter -t test.jmx … ``` The following environment variables can be defined: **`DDRAW`** : JVM options to influence usage of direct draw, e.g. `-Dsun.java2d.ddscale=true`. Default is empty. **`GC_ALGO`** : JVM garbage collector options. Defaults to `-XX:+UseG1GC -XX:MaxGCPauseMillis=250 -XX:G1ReservePercent=20` **`HEAP`** : JVM memory settings used when starting JMeter. Defaults to `-Xms1g -Xmx1g -XX:MaxMetaspaceSize=256m` **`JMETER_BIN`** : JMeter bin directory (must end in `\`). Value will have been guessed, when `setenv.bat` is called. **`JMETER_COMPLETE_ARGS`** : If set indicates, that `JVM_ARGS` and `JMETER_OPTS` are to be used, only. All other options like `HEAP` and `GC_ALGO` will be ignored. Default is empty. **`JMETER_HOME`** : installation directory. Will be guessed from location of `jmeter.bat` **`JMETER_LANGUAGE`** : Java runtime options to specify used language. Defaults to: `-Duser.language="en" -Duser.region="EN"` **`JM_LAUNCH`** : Name of the java executable, like `java.exe` (default) or `javaw.exe` **`JVM_ARGS`** : Java options to be used when starting JMeter. These will be added last to the java command. Default is empty Un*x script files; should work on most Linux/Unix systems: **`jmeter`** : run JMeter (in GUI mode by default). Defines some JVM settings which may not work for all JVMs. **`jmeter-server`** : start JMeter in server mode (calls jmeter script with appropriate parameters) **`jmeter.sh`** : very basic JMeter script (You may need to adapt JVM options like memory settings). **`mirror-server.sh`** : runs the JMeter Mirror Server in CLI mode **`shutdown.sh`** : Run the Shutdown client to stop a CLI mode instance gracefully **`stoptest.sh`** : Run the Shutdown client to stop a CLI mode instance abruptly It may be necessary to set a few environment variables to configure the JVM used by JMeter. Those variables can be either set directly in the shell starting the `jmeter` script. For example setting the variable `JVM_ARGS` will override most pre-defined settings, for example ```plaintext JVM_ARGS="-Xms1024m -Xmx1024m" jmeter -t test.jmx [etc.] ``` will override the HEAP settings in the script. To set those variables permanently, you can place them in a file called `setenv.sh` in the `bin` directory. This file will be sourced when running JMeter by calling the `jmeter` script. An example for `bin/setenv.sh` could look like: ```properties # This is the file bin/setenv.sh, # it will be sourced in by bin/jmeter # Use a bigger heap, but a smaller metaspace, than the default export HEAP="-Xms1G -Xmx1G -XX:MaxMetaspaceSize=192m" # Try to guess the locale from the OS. The space as value is on purpose! export JMETER_LANGUAGE=" " ``` The following environment variables can be defined: **`GC_ALGO`** : Java runtime options to specify JVM garbage collection algorithm. Defaults to `-XX:+UseG1GC -XX:MaxGCPauseMillis=250 -XX:G1ReservePercent=20` **`HEAP`** : Java runtime options for memory management used when JMeter is started. Defaults to `-Xms1g -Xmx1g -X:MaxMetaspaceSize=256m` **`JAVA_HOME`** : Must point at your Java Development Kit installation. Required to run the with the “`debug`” argument. On some OSes it JMeter will try its best to guess the location of the JVM. **`JMETER_COMPLETE_ARGS`** : If set indicates, that `JVM_ARGS` and `JMETER_OPTS` are to be used, only. All other options like `HEAP` and `GC_ALGO` will be ignored. Default is empty. **`JMETER_HOME`** : May point to your JMeter install dir. If empty it will be set relative to the `jmeter` script. **`JMETER_LANGUAGE`** : Java runtime options to specify used language. Defaults to `-Duser.language=en -Duser.region=EN` **`JMETER_OPTS`** : Java runtime options used when JMeter is started. Special options for operating systems might be added by JMeter. **`JRE_HOME`** : Must point at your Java Runtime installation. Defaults to `JAVA_HOME` if empty. If `JRE_HOME` and `JAVA_HOME` are both empty, JMeter will try to guess `JAVA_HOME`. If `JRE_HOME` and `JAVA_HOME` are both set, `JAVA_HOME` is used. **`JVM_ARGS`** : Java options to be used when starting JMeter. These will be added before `JMETER_OPTS` and after the other JVM options. Default is empty ### 1.4.1 JMeter’s Classpath JMeter automatically finds classes from jars in the following directories: **`JMETER_HOME/lib`** : used for utility jars **`JMETER_HOME/lib/ext`** : used for JMeter components and plugins If you have developed new JMeter components, then you should jar them and copy the jar into JMeter’s `lib/ext` directory. JMeter will automatically find JMeter components in any jars found here. Do not use `lib/ext` for utility jars or dependency jars used by the plugins; it is only intended for JMeter components and plugins. If you don’t want to put JMeter plugin jars in the `lib/ext` directory, then define the property `search_paths` in `jmeter.properties`. Utility and dependency jars (libraries etc) can be placed in the `lib` directory. If you don’t want to put such jars in the `lib` directory, then define the property `user.classpath` or `plugin_dependency_paths` in `jmeter.properties`. See below for an explanation of the differences. Other jars (such as JDBC, JMS implementations and any other support libraries needed by the JMeter code) should be placed in the `lib` directory - not the `lib/ext` directory, or added to `user.classpath`. > **Note** > JMeter will only find `.jar` files, not `.zip`. You can also install utility Jar files in `$JAVA_HOME/jre/lib/ext`, or you can set the property `user.classpath` in `jmeter.properties` Note that setting the `CLASSPATH` environment variable will have no effect. This is because JMeter is started with “`java -jar`”, and the java command silently ignores the `CLASSPATH` variable, and the `-classpath`/`-cp` options when `-jar` is used. > **Note** > This occurs with all Java programs, not just JMeter. ### 1.4.2 Create Test Plan from Template You have the ability to create a new Test Plan from existing template. To do so you use the menu **File → Templates…** or Templates icon: ![Templates icon item](/images/screenshots/template_menu.png) *Templates icon item* A popup appears, you can then choose a template among the list: ![Templates popup](/images/screenshots/template_wizard.png) *Templates popup* Some templates may need parameters input from the user. For theses ones, after a click on the create button, a new window will appear as follow : ![Parameters window](/images/screenshots/templates/template_parameters.png) *Parameters window* When you are done with parameters, click on the `Validate` button and the template will be created. A documentation for each template explains what to do once test plan is created from template. > **Note** > You can create your own templates following documentation [here](/../creating-templates/) ### 1.4.3 Using JMeter behind a proxy If you are testing from behind a firewall/proxy server, you may need to provide JMeter with the firewall/proxy server hostname and port number. To do so, run the `jmeter[.bat]` file from a command line with the following parameters: **`-E`** : [proxy scheme to use - optional - for non-http] **`-H`** : [proxy server hostname or ip address] **`-P`** : [proxy server port] **`-N`** : [nonproxy hosts] (e.g. `*.apache.org|localhost`) **`-u`** : [username for proxy authentication - if required] **`-a`** : [password for proxy authentication - if required] **Example**: ```plaintext jmeter -E https -H my.proxy.server -P 8000 -u username -a password -N localhost ``` You can also use `--proxyScheme`, `--proxyHost`, `--proxyPort`, `--username`, and `--password` as parameter names > **Note** > Parameters provided on a command-line may be visible to other users on the system. If the proxy scheme is provided, then JMeter sets the following System properties: - `http.proxyScheme` If the proxy host and port are provided, then JMeter sets the following System properties: - `http.proxyHost` - `http.proxyPort` - `https.proxyHost` - `https.proxyPort` The user and password used for a proxy can be given by the System properties `http.proxyUser` and `http.proxyUser`. They will get overridden by the above arguments or values set in the HTTP Samplers. If a nonproxy host list is provided, then JMeter sets the following System properties: - `http.nonProxyHosts` - `https.nonProxyHosts` So if you don’t wish to set both http and https proxies, you can define the relevant properties in `system.properties` instead of using the command-line parameters. Proxy Settings can also be defined in a Test Plan, using either the [HTTP Request Defaults](/components/http-request-defaults/) configuration or the [HTTP Request](/components/http-request/) sampler elements. > **Note** > JMeter also has its own in-built Proxy Server, the [HTTP(S) Test Script Recorder](/components/http-s-test-script-recorder/). > This is only used for recording HTTP or HTTPS browser sessions. > This is not to be confused with the proxy settings described above, which are used when JMeter makes HTTP or HTTPS requests itself. ### 1.4.4 CLI Mode (Command Line mode was called NON GUI mode) For load testing, you must run JMeter in this mode (Without the GUI) to get the optimal results from it. To do so, use the following command options: **`-n`** : This specifies JMeter is to run in cli mode **`-t`** : [name of JMX file that contains the Test Plan]. **`-l`** : [name of JTL file to log sample results to]. **`-j`** : [name of JMeter run log file]. **`-r`** : Run the test in the servers specified by the JMeter property “`remote_hosts`” **`-R`** : [list of remote servers] Run the test in the specified remote servers **`-g`** : [path to CSV file] generate report dashboard only **`-e`** : generate report dashboard after load test **`-o`** : output folder where to generate the report dashboard after load test. Folder must not exist or be empty The script also lets you specify the optional firewall/proxy server information: **`-H`** : [proxy server hostname or ip address] **`-P`** : [proxy server port] **Example** ```plaintext jmeter -n -t my_test.jmx -l log.jtl -H my.proxy.server -P 8000 ``` If the property `jmeterengine.stopfail.system.exit` is set to `true` (default is `false`), then JMeter will invoke `System.exit(1)` if it cannot stop all threads. Normally this is not necessary. ### 1.4.5 Server Mode For [distributed testing](/user-manual/remote-test/), run JMeter in server mode on the remote node(s), and then control the server(s) from the GUI. You can also use CLI mode to run remote tests. To start the server(s), run `jmeter-server[.bat]` on each server host. The script also lets you specify the optional firewall/proxy server information: **`-H`** : [proxy server hostname or ip address] **`-P`** : [proxy server port] **Example**: ```plaintext jmeter-server -H my.proxy.server -P 8000 ``` If you want the server to exit after a single test has been run, then define the JMeter property `server.exitaftertest=true`. To run the test from the client in CLI mode, use the following command: ```plaintext jmeter -n -t testplan.jmx -r [-Gprop=val] [-Gglobal.properties] [-X] ``` where: **`-G`** : is used to define JMeter properties to be set in the servers **`-X`** : means exit the servers at the end of the test **`-Rserver1,server2`** : can be used instead of `-r` to provide a list of servers to start. Overrides `remote_hosts`, but does not define the property. If the property `jmeterengine.remote.system.exit` is set to `true` (default is `false`), then JMeter will invoke `System.exit(0)` after stopping RMI at the end of a test. Normally this is not necessary. ### 1.4.6 Overriding Properties Via The Command Line Java system properties and JMeter properties can be overridden directly on the command lin (instead of modifying `jmeter.properties`). To do so, use the following options: **`-D[prop_name]=`** : defines a java system property value. **`-J[prop_name]=`** : defines a local JMeter property. **`-q[propertyfile]`** : additional JMeter property file **`-G[prop_name]=`** : defines a JMeter property to be sent to all remote servers. **`-G[propertyfile]`** : defines a file containing JMeter properties to be sent to all remote servers. **`-L[category]=[priority]`** : overrides a logging setting, setting a particular category to the given priority level. The `-L` flag can also be used without the category name to set the root logging level. **Examples**: ```plaintext jmeter -Duser.dir=/home/mstover/jmeter_stuff \ -Jremote_hosts=127.0.0.1 -Ljmeter.engine=DEBUG ``` ```plaintext jmeter -LDEBUG ``` > **Note** > The command line properties are processed early in startup, but after the logging system has been set up. ### 1.4.7 Logging and error messages > **Note** > Since 3.2, JMeter logging is not configured through properties file(s) such as `jmeter.properties` any more, > but it is configured through a [Apache Log4j 2](http://logging.apache.org/log4j/2.x/) configuration file > (`log4j2.xml` in the directory from which JMeter was launched, by default) instead. > Also, every code including JMeter and plugins MUST use [SLF4J](https://www.slf4j.org/) library > to leave logs since 3.2. Here is an example `log4j2.xml` file which defines two log appenders and loggers for each category. ```plaintext [object Object] ``` So, if you want to change the log level for `org.apache.http` category to debug level for instance, you can simply add (or uncomment) the following logger element in `log4j2.xml` file before launching JMeter. ```plaintext [object Object] ``` For more detail on how to configure `log4j2.xml` file, please see [Apache Log4j 2 Configuration](http://logging.apache.org/log4j/2.x/manual/configuration.html) page. Log level for specific categories or root logger can be overridden directly on the command line (instead of modifying `log4j2.xml`) as well. To do so, use the following options: **`-L[category]=[priority]`** : Overrides a logging setting, setting a particular category to the given priority level. Since 3.2, it is recommended to use a full category name (e.g, `org.apache.jmeter` or `com.example.foo`), but if the category name starts with either `jmeter` or `jorphan`, `org.apache.` will be prepended internally to the category name input to construct a full category name (i.e, `org.apache.jmeter` or `org.apache.jorphan`) for backward compatibility. **Examples**: ```plaintext jmeter -Ljmeter.engine=DEBUG ``` ```plaintext jmeter -Lorg.apache.jmeter.engine=DEBUG ``` ```plaintext jmeter -Lcom.example.foo=DEBUG ``` ```plaintext jmeter -LDEBUG ``` **Differences in Logging : Old vs New Practices**: As JMeter uses SLF4J as logging API and Apache Log4j 2 as a logging framework since 3.2, not every log level used before 3.2 can match exactly with one of the new available log levels provided by SLF4J/Log4j2. Therefore, please keep the following differences and new suggested practices in mind if you need to migrate any existing logging configurations and logging code. | Category | Old Practices Before 3.2 | New Practices Since 3.2 | | --- | --- | --- | | Logger Reference | Logger reference through `LoggingManager`: `LoggingManager.getLoggerFor(String category); LoggingManager.getLoggerForClass();` | Use SLF4J API with either category or explicit class: `LoggerFactory.getLogger(String category); LoggerFactory.getLogger(Foo.class);` | | Log Levels in Configuration or Command Line Arguments | Old Log Levels: - `DEBUG` - `INFO` - `WARN` - `ERROR` - `FATAL_ERROR` - `NONE` | Mapping to New Levels through SLF4J/Log4j2: - `DEBUG` - `INFO` - `WARN` - `ERROR` - `ERROR` - `OFF` :::note Since `FATAL_ERROR` is not supported by SLF4J API, it is treated as `ERROR` instead for existing code not to break. There is also the `FATAL` log level option. ::: :::note `TRACE` level, which is less specific than `DEBUG`, is supported additionally since 3.2. Look up SLF4J or Apache Log4J 2 documentations for details. ::: | > **Note** > JMeter does not generally use pop-up dialog boxes for errors, as these would interfere with > running tests. Nor does it report any error for a mis-spelt variable or function; instead the > reference is just used as is. See [Functions and Variables for more information](/user-manual/functions/). If JMeter detects an error during a test, a message will be written to the log file. The log file name is defined in the `log4j2.xml` file (or using the -j option, see below). It defaults to `jmeter.log`, and will be found in the directory from which JMeter was launched. The menu **Options → Log Viewer** displays the log file in a bottom pane on main JMeter window. In the GUI mode, the number of error/fatal messages logged in the log file is displayed at top-right. ![Error/fatal counter](/images/screenshots/log_errors_counter.png) *Error/fatal counter* The command-line option `-j jmeterlogfile` allow to process after the initial properties file is read, and before any further properties are processed. It therefore allows the default of `jmeter.log` to be overridden. The jmeter scripts that take a test plan name as a parameter (e.g. `jmeter-n.cmd`) have been updated to define the log file using the test plan name, e.g. for the test plan `Test27.jmx` the log file is set to `Test27.log`. When running on Windows, the file may appear as just **jmeter** unless you have set Windows to show file extensions. [Which you should do anyway, to make it easier to detect viruses and other nasties that pretend to be text files …] As well as recording errors, the `jmeter.log` file records some information about the test run. For example: ```plaintext 2017-03-01 12:19:20,314 INFO o.a.j.JMeter: Version 3.2.20170301 2017-03-01 12:19:45,314 INFO o.a.j.g.a.Load: Loading file: c:\mytestfiles\BSH.jmx 2017-03-01 12:19:52,328 INFO o.a.j.e.StandardJMeterEngine: Running the test! 2017-03-01 12:19:52,384 INFO o.a.j.e.StandardJMeterEngine: Starting 1 threads for group BSH. Ramp up = 1. 2017-03-01 12:19:52,485 INFO o.a.j.e.StandardJMeterEngine: Continue on error 2017-03-01 12:19:52,589 INFO o.a.j.t.JMeterThread: Thread BSH1-1 started 2017-03-01 12:19:52,590 INFO o.a.j.t.JMeterThread: Thread BSH1-1 is done 2017-03-01 12:19:52,691 INFO o.a.j.e.StandardJMeterEngine: Test has ended ``` The log file can be helpful in determining the cause of an error, as JMeter does not interrupt a test to display an error dialogue. ### 1.4.8 Full list of command-line options Invoking JMeter as “`jmeter -?`” will print a list of all the command-line options. These are shown below. ```plaintext --? print command line options and exit -h, --help print usage information and exit -v, --version print the version information and exit -p, --propfile <argument> the jmeter property file to use -q, --addprop <argument> additional JMeter property file(s) -t, --testfile <argument> the jmeter test(.jmx) file to run -l, --logfile <argument> the file to log samples to -i, --jmeterlogconf <argument> jmeter logging configuration file (log4j2.xml) -j, --jmeterlogfile <argument> jmeter run log file (jmeter.log) -n, --nongui run JMeter in nongui mode -s, --server run the JMeter server -H, --proxyHost <argument> Set a proxy server for JMeter to use -P, --proxyPort <argument> Set proxy server port for JMeter to use -N, --nonProxyHosts <argument> Set nonproxy host list (e.g. *.apache.org|localhost) -u, --username <argument> Set username for proxy server that JMeter is to use -a, --password <argument> Set password for proxy server that JMeter is to use -J, --jmeterproperty <argument>=<value> Define additional JMeter properties -G, --globalproperty <argument>=<value> Define Global properties (sent to servers) e.g. -Gport=123 or -Gglobal.properties -D, --systemproperty <argument>=<value> Define additional system properties -S, --systemPropertyFile <argument> additional system property file(s) -f, --forceDeleteResultFile force delete existing results files and web report folder if present before starting the test -L, --loglevel <argument>=<value> [category=]level e.g. jorphan=INFO, jmeter.util=DEBUG or com.example.foo=WARN -r, --runremote Start remote servers (as defined in remote_hosts) -R, --remotestart <argument> Start these remote servers (overrides remote_hosts) -d, --homedir <argument> the jmeter home directory to use -X, --remoteexit Exit the remote servers at end of test (CLI mode) -g, --reportonly <argument> generate report dashboard only, from a test results file -e, --reportatendofloadtests generate report dashboard after load test -o, --reportoutputfolder <argument> output folder for report dashboard ``` Note: the JMeter log file name is formatted as a SimpleDateFormat (applied to the current date) if it contains paired single-quotes, .e.g. ‘`jmeter_'yyyyMMddHHmmss'.log`’ If the special name `LAST` is used for the `-t`, `-j` or `-l` flags, then JMeter takes that to mean the last test plan that was run in interactive mode. ### 1.4.9 CLI mode shutdown Prior to version 2.5.1, JMeter invoked `System.exit()` when a CLI mode test completed. This caused problems for applications that invoke JMeter directly, so JMeter no longer invokes `System.exit()` for a normal test completion. [Some fatal errors may still invoke `System.exit()`] JMeter will exit all the non-daemon threads it starts, but it is possible that some non-daemon threads may still remain; these will prevent the JVM from exiting. To detect this situation, JMeter starts a new daemon thread just before it exits. This daemon thread waits a short while; if it returns from the wait, then clearly the JVM has not been able to exit, and the thread prints a message to say why. The property `jmeter.exit.check.pause` can be used to configure the delay before printing non-daemon threads. If set to `0` (default value), then JMeter does not print non-terminated threads at the end of the test. ## 1.5 Configuring JMeter If you wish to modify the properties with which JMeter runs you need to either modify the `user.properties` in the `/bin` directory or create your own copy of the `jmeter.properties` and specify it in the command line. > **Note** > Note: You can define additional JMeter properties in the file defined by the > JMeter property `user.properties` which has the default value `user.properties`. > The file will be automatically loaded if it is found in the current directory > or if it is found in the JMeter bin directory. > Similarly, `system.properties` is used to update system properties. | Name | Required | Description | | --- | --- | --- | | ssl.provider | No | You can specify the class for your SSL implementation if you don’t want to use the built-in Java implementation. | | xml.parser | No | You can specify an implementation as your XML parser. | | remote_hosts | No | Comma-delimited list of remote JMeter hosts (or `host:port` if required). If you are running JMeter in a distributed environment, list the machines where you have JMeter remote servers running. This will allow you to control those servers from this machine’s GUI | | not_in_menu | No | A list of components you do not want to see in JMeter’s menus. As JMeter has more and more components added, you may wish to customize your JMeter to show only those components you are interested in. You may list their classname or their class label (the string that appears in JMeter’s UI) here, and they will no longer appear in the menus. | | search_paths | No | List of paths (separated by `;`) that JMeter will search for JMeter plugin classes, for example additional samplers. A path item can either be a jar file or a directory. Any jar file in such a directory will be automatically included in `search_paths`, jar files in sub directories are ignored. The given value is in addition to any jars found in the `lib/ext` directory. | | user.classpath | No | List of paths that JMeter will search for utility and plugin dependency classes. Use your platform path separator to separate multiple paths. A path item can either be a jar file or a directory. Any jar file in such a directory will be automatically included in `user.classpath`, jar files in sub directories are ignored. The given value is in addition to any jars found in the lib directory. All entries will be added to the class path of the system class loader and also to the path of the JMeter internal loader. | | plugin_dependency_paths | No | List of paths (separated by `;`) that JMeter will search for utility and plugin dependency classes. A path item can either be a jar file or a directory. Any jar file in such a directory will be automatically included in `plugin_dependency_paths`, jar files in sub directories are ignored. The given value is in addition to any jars found in the `lib` directory or given by the `user.classpath` property. All entries will be added to the path of the JMeter internal loader only. For plugin dependencies using `plugin_dependency_paths` should be preferred over `user.classpath`. | | user.properties | No | Name of file containing additional JMeter properties. These are added after the initial property file, but before the `-q` and `-J` options are processed. | | system.properties | No | Name of file containing additional system properties. These are added before the `-S` and `-D` options are processed. | The command line options and properties files are processed in the following order: 1. `-p propfile` 2. `jmeter.properties` (or the file from the `-p` option) is then loaded 3. `-j logfile` 4. Logging is initialised 5. `user.properties` is loaded 6. `system.properties` is loaded 7. all other command-line options are processed **See also the comments in the `jmeter.properties`, `user.properties` and `system.properties` files for further information on other settings you can change.** ## Continue Learning → ### Next Practical Step Build your first test plan with the [Building a Test Plan](/user-manual/build-test-plan/) guide. 📖 ### Related Reference - [Best Practices](/user-manual/best-practices/) - essential guidelines before running load tests - [Boss](/user-manual/boss/) - how to scope a performance testing effort 🔧 ### Troubleshooting - If JMeter fails to start, verify you have Java 17+ installed (`java -version`) - Use View Results Tree in Validate mode to debug before running full tests