It’s like TiVo for Java EE apps. At least, that’s what Replay Solutions says about ReplayDirector for Java EE, which began shipping today. According to claims, it’s unlike other software playback/record products because it virtualizes the execution environment and records not only code, but also program inputs, database transactions and all other server interactions.
No changes to source code are required, the company says, and on playback, everything executes as it did during the original execution, recreating precisely any bugs, faults or issues, simplifying root-cause analysis. The tool adds just a little overhead during recording, and plays back execution faster than the application alone, without the need to recreate the original execution environment, according to claims.
ReplayDirector for Java EE records and replays “Servlet and JSP code execution, database transactions request and results, transactions involving other app servers” such those employing representational state architecture (REST) and other Web servers, authentication systems and complex production environments, read a company white paper. The result is a recreation of application execution that includes the GUI and all its interactions, “not just a log file that needs to be parsed for root cause,” as offered by competitive solutions.
Here’s how it works. ReplayDirector isolates, captures and records the non-deterministic inputs and events that affect the application under test during execution. The tool employs “light-weight byte-code instrumentation” as it records running AUT code, ensuring that actual code is executed during replay, the company says. Recorded sessions can be played back and viewed through a Web browser, and reproduced and debugged using the company’s Eclipse plug-in with code drill-down. It works with standard debuggers, profilers and diagnostic tools. Pricing was not disclosed.