Using HAR Files for Debugging

A HAR file (HTTP Archive file) is a log of network activity between a browser and a server. It captures detailed information about requests and responses, including headers, payloads, timings, and more. In CheckView, you can download a HAR file for each test run to debug issues or provide additional context to CheckView support for troubleshooting.

What is a HAR File?

A HAR file is a JSON-formatted file that records network requests made during a browser session, including:

  • Request and response headers.
  • HTTP methods (e.g., GET, POST).
  • Status codes (e.g., 200 OK, 404 Not Found).
  • Timing information (e.g., DNS lookup time, connection time).

HAR files are essential for debugging web application issues such as:

  • Slow page load times.
  • Missing or incorrect server responses.
  • JavaScript errors impacting test flows.
  • Redirects or blocked resources.

Downloading a HAR File

  1. Run a Test: Execute a scheduled or manual test in CheckView.
  2. Navigate to the Test Results page for the completed test.
  3. In the test details section, locate and click the Download HAR File button underneath the video:

  4. Save the file to your local device.

Debugging a HAR File

To analyze a HAR file, you can use tools like Google HAR Analyzer. Here’s how to debug using this tool:

  1. Open the HAR Analyzer
  2. Drag and drop your HAR file or click to upload it.
  3. Examine Network Activity:
    • Look for failed requests, such as those with 4xx or 5xx status codes.
    • Analyze slow requests or bottlenecks (e.g., large payloads, long connection times).
    • Review blocked resources or errors related to third-party services (e.g., APIs, CDNs).
  4. Focus on Key Areas:
    • Check requests related to the test flow (e.g., form submissions, AJAX calls).
    • Validate that the expected data was sent and received.
    • Identify unexpected redirects or authentication failures.

Pro Tip: Use the HAR file alongside the CheckView video recording and test logs for a comprehensive view of what went wrong during the test.

How HAR Files Help Support

If you’re unable to resolve an issue using the HAR file:

  • Share the HAR file with CheckView support when reporting a problem. The file provides detailed context about:
    • Errors or unexpected server behavior.
    • Slow or incomplete responses from the server.
    • Missing elements or resources that impacted the test flow.

Pro Tip: When sending a HAR file to support, include additional details such as the Test ID, a description of the issue, and any relevant steps taken during troubleshooting.

HAR files are a valuable resource for diagnosing test-related issues in CheckView. Contact our support if you have any questions regarding HAR files.

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