What
A HAR file is a file format for tracking and recording a web browser's interaction with a website. By looking at the data in a HAR file, we can determine what items are taking a long time to be processed. This can then inform our decision-making when trying to resolve issues regarding slow system performance.
Where
Google Chrome web browser > click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner > More tools > Developer tools > click the arrow icon > select Network tab > Stop recording > right-click Refresh icon > Empty Cache and Hard Reload > Start Recording > Navigate to URL you wish to traffic > Download > Save
How
Opening Developer tools and preparing to record a HAR File
1. Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the web browser:
2. Click More tools > Developer Tools:
3. Click the arrow icon and select the Network tab:
4. Click the Stop icon to stop recording - it will turn black when stopped:
5. Right-click on Refresh icon > select Empty Cache and Hard Reload:
Capturing the HAR File
1. Click the Stop icon again to start recording - it will turn red when recording:
2. Then navigate to the URL for which you want to monitor the traffic - e.g. if you have been experiencing problems with Placements not loading, then click into a Placement record. Or if you have had problems with saving changes to Contacts, then try making a change to a Contact record and save the changes. The idea is to demonstrate the performance issue you are experiencing.
3. Finally, click the Download button > Export HAR... appears when you hold your mouse pointer over it:
4. Click Save:
Authored by Jacob Stevens - Service Desk Analyst @ Mercury