Performance Testing and Types

Performance testing is the part of software testing which deals with the speed of performance or the effectiveness of a particular software under a specified workload. It basically checks the stability of the software along with its responsiveness when it is being put under extensive workload. The detailed study of the performance testing has divided the same into various parts which may be used to check various aspects of the software’s performance.

1.     Capacity Test: This is the method of performance testing of a software which is related to the number of users that can be handled by the specific application at any particular time. It helps you to enhance the capability of your application in terms of handling larger number of users at the same time.
2.     Load Test: Load test is done to check the work ability of the software under various loads which ranges from normal capacity of the software to the high end loads which may indicate the breaking point of the software. This helps in measuring the normal working capacity of the application that is being tested.
3.     Stress Test: Just as the name suggests, stress tests are usually performed by applying excessive working load on the application or software which is being examined. It determines how the application would respond in case of the increased stress environment. This helps the developer in increasing the test capacity of the application or to make it respond in a better way while under such situations.
4.      Soak Test: Soak test is usually performed o check the working capability of the software when it is being used for a long period of time. An application may be working well over short period of time and may mal function when it is being run for a longer time period. Soak test helps in enhancing the working ability of the software under prolonged period of work.
5.      Spike Test: Spike test is performed in order to check how the software responds when the load is repeatedly increased during the examination process, over a short period of time. The repeated application of load beyond anticipated capacity brings forth any kind of mal functions which needs rectification.
6.    Component Test: Component tests helps in checking the working ability of the various components of the software when featured under stress. When you need to check how the individual components or certain component of the software performs under normal or increased work load, you need to perform this test.
7.     Smoke Test: This is one of the simplest performance tests that the software is put under. This checks the functionality of the software under normal work load to check if it functions as desired. If the application fails the smoke test, it requires no further testing unless it has been rectified to work normally under the minimal load possible.
8.     Scalability Test: Scalability test is done on a software to check how the software has scaled up in terms of performances after the errors have been rectified or as compared to the previous tests done.
9.     Volume Test: Volume test is performed to check how the application works when it is allowed to process a large number of data.

These are the various types of performance tests that can truly evaluate the workability of the software under examination. 

What is the Need for Software Performance Tests?

If you are a software developer, you will be well aware of the fact that you can’t deliver a full proof and good software to your customers without the involvement of software testing procedure. The success of a particular software is hugely dependent on the various software testing procedures which helps in development of a better software by rectification of the glitches that are detected during the software testing procedure.

Performance testing is one of the major parts of the whole software testing procedure which is to be implemented during the software development life cycle. In performance testing, the software is checked for the various flaws that may affect the performance of the software and hence cause problems when the customers are going to use it.

Performance testing complies of a number of various testing procedures which checks the performance of the whole software as well as the different small parts of the software which are integrated together to make the whole software. Performance tests are also performed to check how the software is reacting in case of normal conditions as well as when excess load is applied to the system or during other unfavorable conditions that may crop up during real time use of the software. Performance testing also helps in checking how the software will react during the unfavorable conditions. It provides the testers with a detailed report of the various results that are produced by the tests so that these results can be utilized for producing a better software by mending the flaws which may appear during the various software tests.

Today’s world is solely depended on speed and people have a lack of time. So they want applications which load fast and produce faster results under any and every circumstances. Performance testing ensures that the software under test performs with the desired speed under the various loads that may be applied on it in the real world. It also helps in testing whether the software produces the desired effect under pressurized conditions or not. Another main reason to perform the software testing is to see whether the software can spring back to its original self or not even after it has been malfunctioning or has hung up.

As the results of performance testing of the software will solely depend on the product being tested, hence you have to take the build up of the software as well as the desired effects that it is to produce while planning the various test procedure of the software so that you get the best possible results of the testing procedure which will be precise and accurate. You further development of the software will depend on these test results. You also have to maintain a log of all the reports so that you can keep a track of the mistakes that occur multiple time hence you will be able to pay special attention to rectify them. You also need to check the performance of the various elements of the software as well as the whole package.

Now that you have a fair idea of all the benefits of performance testing of a software and its need in the success of the software in real world, we hope you will be introducing the tests as early as possible in the development life cycle of your software in order to ensure that quality product is being delivered to your customers so that they are fully satisfied with your product and recommend it to other people which in turn will ensure the popularity of the same.

BEST PRACTICES IN LOAD TESTING

Load testing is a process where through a load tester a product development is tested. Various practices have their individual unique experience in the process. But the outcome expected is all the same. Thus, it is very essential that the practices that are carried out during the process and in turn the right ones in order to determine the most accurate output.
Every tester looks forward to conduct a test through the testing apparatus and then provide the best possible conclusion. Thus, there are general under lining strategies that are required to be followed to make your effort more successful. So let’s breeze through it in quick time.
Their best practice to conduct a successful load testing involves:
Planning: Planning the expectations must be pretty realistic. One must not expect a gigantic outcome which isn’t possible. Newbie’s must realize that a reasonably accurate result right now is much more worth than an accurate one. Slowly and steadily the cost factor starts to increase and thus the project becomes expensive. But the smaller the investment, the less complex the project turns out to be and easier to solve if there arises any problems.
A successful Planning involves thinking about all the aspects and forthcoming questions in order to deal with it. A prediction about the analysis should be done and realistic results are expected to be required.
Configuration: Configuration involves the proper configuration of the planned ideas. Successful configuration involves asking successful questions at the right time. Like what was predicted in the planning stage needs to be met appropriately. Configuration is the most important aspect when it comes to a successful load testing. For a configuration to work efficiently, it is essential to carry out the test in a controlled environment.
Dedicated servers and good configurations are pretty much essential to derive an optimum result. It is quite important for a tester to have a ready access to those things so that he can reproduce the current project whenever the need to access it arises in future.
Scripting: Scripting follows configuration. While configuration takes a look at everything is going as per planned. Scripting just about gives life to the planning and configuration part. Various scenarios are developed in Scripting and are played with. Selection of scenarios is done, the configuration is done, and the scenario done through scripting is tested. It is runned for a few times more to check the accuracy.
Scripting is one of the most challenging aspects when it comes to testing and especially when the test scenario is long, it becomes considerably difficult for the scriptwriter to script the following. But overall without proper scripting the effective load testing cannot take place.
Execution: Execution is one of the final strings in the tale where for is it any idea or concept, for it to be experienced in reality, its need to be executed. One cannot simply have a foresight or just a plan to experience and outcome. An outcome is when the execution of the plan takes place.
A proper execution brings about distinctive and efficient result. Proper execution is the key to a successful load testing and thus it forms an important part of good practice that is required to conduct a successful test.
Analysis: Analysis is the final phase of the testing process where before starting the process there, is a run in, through which the test is seen as an opportunity to understand the site performance and thus remove any constraints, if there exists any.