TOOL SIGNAL / UNKNOWN

httperf

HP Labs

Micro-benchmark CLI Open Source Self-hosted
Pricing model
Free; GNU GPLv2.
First released
1998
Last verified
Answer

httperf is a C-based HTTP benchmarking utility that measures server throughput, response behavior, and connection handling under controlled load. Its repository is quiet, so its lifecycle is recorded as unknown rather than assumed active or discontinued.

About

httperf is a C-based HTTP benchmarking utility that measures server throughput, response behavior, and connection handling under controlled load. Its repository is quiet, so its lifecycle is recorded as unknown rather than assumed active or discontinued.

Best for

  • Quick HTTP or protocol micro-benchmarks from a single machine
  • Teams that prefer open-source licensing and self-hosting options
  • Groups comfortable scripting in C

Not the best fit when

  • Full multi-protocol enterprise journeys and rich business-flow reporting
  • Teams unwilling to operate generators, results storage, and scaling

Architecture and concurrency

httperf is typically driven as a CLI micro-benchmark with C. It favors single-host or simple distributed runs rather than enterprise controller grids.

Specs

CATALOG LAST VERIFIED · 2026-08-12 · CURATED BY NAVEENKUMAR NAMACHIVAYAM

Frequently asked

ANSWER-SHAPED
Who is httperf for?

httperf is best for developers who need fast HTTP or protocol micro-benchmarks from a terminal. It is open source, so teams can self-host and extend it. Vendor: HP Labs. Deployment model: self-hosted. Free; GNU GPLv2. Confirm details against the official site and a short proof-of-concept in your environment.

How does httperf differ from Vegeta?

Compared with Vegeta, scripting centers on C rather than Go. httperf lists protocols HTTP, HTTPS; Vegeta lists HTTP, HTTPS. Status is unknown versus active. Use the Test Rig to compare full specs side by side before a proof-of-concept. Confirm details against the official site and a short proof-of-concept in your environment.

What scripting language and concurrency model does httperf use?

httperf uses C for scripting or scenario definition. Runtime model: CLI-driven request generation with a lightweight concurrency model suited to single-host benchmarks. OS support: Linux, macOS. Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS. Match these to how your team already authors tests and which systems you must drive under load.

What is the cloud or enterprise path for httperf?

httperf is primarily self-hosted; teams typically run generators on their own machines, CI runners, or private cloud. Plan for generator capacity, network access to targets, and result storage yourself. As open source, commercial support or hosted siblings may exist separately. Check the official site. Pricing note: Free; GNU GPLv2.

What are known limitations of httperf?

httperf limitations to weigh: CLI micro-benchmarks excel at raw HTTP throughput but usually lack enterprise scenario orchestration, rich reporting, and multi-protocol suites; self-hosted tools require you to provision, scale, and observe load generators yourself. Status: unknown. Always validate against your target protocols and scale with a proof-of-concept.