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. 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.

Docs