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wrk

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description wrk Overview

wrk is a command-line load testing tool designed to assess web server performance. It simulates multiple concurrent users accessing websites via HTTP, generating realistic traffic patterns. This allows developers and system administrators to benchmark website speed and identify potential bottlenecks. Its open source nature makes it accessible for individuals and organizations seeking efficient performance analysis without proprietary software costs.

help wrk FAQ

Does wrk render pages like a browser?

No. wrk is an HTTP benchmarking tool, not a real-browser performance tool, so it does not render HTML, run JavaScript, or produce a waterfall chart. It measures server throughput, latency, and request handling under load.

What does a typical wrk command measure?

A command such as `wrk -t12 -c400 -d30s https://example.com` runs 12 threads, 400 connections, and a 30-second test. The output reports requests per second, latency distribution, and transfer rate.

When should someone use wrk instead of k6 or JMeter?

wrk is best for quick, low-overhead HTTP load tests from the command line. k6 and JMeter are better when you need scripted user journeys, richer reporting, or multi-step test scenarios.

Can wrk test authenticated APIs?

Yes, but you usually need headers or Lua scripting for realistic authenticated requests. wrk supports Lua scripts, which can customize requests beyond a single plain URL.

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