> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://developer.harness.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://developer.harness.io/resilience-testing/load-testing/get-started.md).

# Get Started with Load Testing

Learn how to create and run your first load test in Harness Resilience Testing

Load Testing simulates user traffic to validate your system's performance under expected and peak load conditions. Identify bottlenecks, validate scalability, and ensure your applications can handle production workloads before they face real users.

{% hint style="info" %}
**FEATURE FLAG**

Load Testing is behind a feature flag (`CHAOS_LOAD_TESTING_ENABLED`). Contact your Harness sales representative to enable it for your account.
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## Before you begin <a href="#before-you-begin" id="before-you-begin"></a>

* **Module access:** Access to the Harness Resilience Testing module.
* **Infrastructure:** A Linux VM or Kubernetes chaos infrastructure. Go to [Infrastructure](/resilience-testing/chaos-testing/infrastructure.md) to configure one.
* **Environment:** An environment in your project for the infrastructure.
* **Service:** At least one onboarded service on that infrastructure.
* **Target access:** Application endpoints that the test infrastructure can reach.

***

## Create your first load test <a href="#create-your-first-load-test" id="create-your-first-load-test"></a>

Perform the following steps:

1. Go to **Resilience Testing** > **Load Testing**.
2. Click **+ New Load Test**, select **Create from scratch**, then complete the guided flow.

![The + New Load Test menu open on the Load Tests tab, listing Create from scratch above Try Python-based Sample Test, Try JavaScript-based Sample Test, and Try Java-based Sample Test](https://3217710372-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FRmV5EkLS9r45VPaoUnJZ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-55e30d61a791c3feb41c788cc8d3dcd9f177d474%2Fnew-load-test-menu.png?alt=media)

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**START FROM A SAMPLE TEST**

Each sample test in that menu arrives with endpoints and realistic load settings already filled in, so it is the fastest way to see a complete run before you build your own test.
{% endhint %}

Use the guide for your Load Test Engine:

* Go to [Python](/resilience-testing/load-testing/create-a-load-test/locust.md) to run Locust on a Linux VM or Kubernetes.
* Go to [JavaScript](/resilience-testing/load-testing/create-a-load-test/k6.md) to run k6 with script-defined thresholds on Kubernetes.
* Go to [Java](/resilience-testing/load-testing/create-a-load-test/jmeter.md) to run existing JMeter `.jmx` plans on Kubernetes.

***

## Next steps <a href="#next-steps" id="next-steps"></a>

Continue with these related tasks:

* Go to [Load testing key concepts](/resilience-testing/load-testing/key-concepts.md) to understand virtual users, load profiles, engines, thresholds, and infrastructure.
* Go to [Analyze results](/resilience-testing/load-testing/analyze-results.md) to interpret load test execution results.
* Go to [Chaos Testing](/resilience-testing/chaos-testing/get-started.md) to combine load tests with chaos experiments.

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