http_load

http_load is a command line tool designed for testing and measuring the performance of web servers. It is used to conduct load testing, simulating multiple concurrent user requests to evaluate how a web server handles the load.

This tool supports both HTTP and HTTPS protocols, making it suitable for testing various types of web applications. It allows you to specify the number of concurrent connections to simulate realistic scenarios and evaluate the server's response time under different loads.

http_load is highly scalable and efficient, capable of generating thousands of requests per second on a single machine. It utilizes non-blocking I/O to ensure efficient resource utilization.

This tool provides detailed performance statistics, including requests per second, response time, and throughput, helping you identify performance bottlenecks and areas for improvement. It also supports the generation of output files in various formats, such as CSV and TSV, making it easy to analyze and visualize performance data.

http_load has built-in support for randomizing requests from a file, allowing you to simulate real-world usage patterns. It also supports specifying request rates to control the intensity of the load.

This tool is widely used by web developers and system administrators to stress test web servers before deployment, ensuring they can handle anticipated traffic and peak loads. It is available for various Unix-like operating systems, including Linux and macOS. It is open source software, allowing for customization and contribution from the user community.

In summary, http_load is a powerful and flexible command line tool that enables load testing and performance measurement of web servers, serving as a valuable resource for ensuring optimal web server performance.