This guide explains how to create a data item containing pieces of data we want to use when executing the sequences. Performance offers many different types of data items; however, for this introduction, we start by creating a data item with Microsoft Entra / Azure AD users.
These users can be applied inside your Performance sequences and timelines to simulate authenticated activity. Instead of only exercising endpoints, Performance can perform full processes using real logged-in user accounts.
Create an AD users data item
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To begin, add a new data item.
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Use the Add New Item button and select Data Item.
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Give it a name that reflects its purpose.
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Choose AD users as the data type and create it.
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This opens a form where you can define one or more user accounts.
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Some values may be prefilled to match your environment.
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Enter the details you want Performance to use when logging in during a test.
After entering the information, confirm and save.
Use the data item
The data item is now available in your project and can be referenced in both sequences and timelines. When included in a load test, Performance will log in using these accounts and execute requests as authenticated users, allowing you to validate performance and behaviour under realistic conditions.
This completes the creation of an AD user data item. Let’s move on to more advanced techniques for editing our created sequences.