Parameterize test data

Test steps often rely on data parameters, variable values such as menu item names, usernames, or numeric values. You have the following options to store such values:

• Hard-coded values
• Load Test Data from spreadsheets (parameterization)
• Generate synthetic test data (parameterization)

or any combination thereof.

Parameterization means replacing hard-coded values with Data Parameters that load data from other sources. BlazeMeter stores Data Parameters in Data Entities.

When to choose which option?

Parameterize your test cases to be able run the same test with different values:

• Is your test data a list of fixed values? Are there fixed dependencies between columns?
  Collect your data in spreadsheet columns and attach the CSV file to the test.
  
• Do you need varied, dynamic test data?
  Generate test data synthetically that looks like real or random data, but you have full control over its form.

Name Data Parameters uniquely

Test Data Parameter names have to be unique across all Data Entities in your test. If two parameters have the same name, one overrides the other in an arbitrary order. Therefore, especially after uploading CSV files, review the loaded parameter names in the Test Data Management pane, and rename them, if needed. You can edit Data Parameters for a specific test, or edit shared data for everyone who uses it.