In Part 1 of this blog, we discussed the need for, types and some examples of performance testing. Now in Part 2, we will delve deep into performance testing activities and the various tools used for it.
Some activities involved in testing include test environment and configuration, acceptance criteria, planning and designing, implementing, executing and analyzing. These steps will help validate the product and outcome.
Identify the test environment
The test environment is the exact replica of the end-result environment with the addition of load-generation and resource-monitoring tools. The test environment is identified for the physical test and production environment for the software. The environment, tools and resources available here provide reference regarding the configuration and settings of the hardware, software and network. An in-depth understanding of the test environment helps prepare for better web and mobile application testing plan and design.
Identify performance acceptance criteria
In the early lifecycle development of the application, businesses need to identify performance criteria. The main characteristics of a stable operation are response time, resource utilization and throughput. The key factors for determining performance criteria are client expectations, business requirements, risks and performance goals.
Plan and design tests
Businesses also need to create real-world simulations for designing and planning a test and measuring functional characteristics. This will offer relevant and useful results that can help them make productive decisions. They should also consider key components like unit tests, application usage scenario and performance acceptance criteria to determine planning and designing tests.
Configure the test environment
Countless issues arise from software compatibility, hardware, network and servers. Businesses should configure the test environment at an early state, to ensure issues are resolved before testing. Prime factors they should consider for configuration are a ready environment, load-generation and resource-monitoring tools.
Implement the test design
Executing a pragmatic test design that ensures applications cannot differentiate between real data and artificial data can be a challenge. The key factors for implementing test designs are available tools, environment, features and designed tests.
Execute the test
Executing test cases is dependent on tools, resources and environment. Task execution plan, availability of tools, features, validation and executable tests also are factors.
Analyze results, report and retest
The primary aim of conducting tests is to have full-length detailed analysis, comparisons and reports on the results and retest if any errors are found. The focus is more on conclusions and consolidated data to support the conclusions rather than on results. Components like task execution results, issues, concerns and performance criteria also need to be considered.
• Apache JMeter performs load test functional behavior and performance. It is primarily utilized on static and dynamic resources.
• CloudTest by Soasta provides complete testing flexibility from development to production. Websites and applications can be tested at any scale with unmatched real-time insights into end-to-end performance.
• LoadComplete performs web application testing for load and stress scalability . It works on running load tests from many different locations, distributing tests between on-premise, virtual machines, or the cloud, then gets end-to-end visibility and detects issues on both the client and server side.
• LoadRunner performs test applications, such as measuring system behavior and performance under load. It gives a precise picture of end-to-end system functioning and resolves issues before applications go live.
• Webload performs load, performance and stress tests for web applications. It combines performance, scalability and integrity as one single process for validation of web and mobile applications. It can imitate hundreds of thousands of concurrent users to test large loads and report congestions.
• Rational Performance Tester measures web and server-based application scalability. It is used by quality assurance teams by subjecting a web server or an application to a massive volume of transactions to measuring server response times. The response times are collected to identify potential congestion reasons.
• Silk Performer runs multi-user tests to verify multiple application environments under various load conditions. It offers varying approaches designed for web technology.
Performance testing activities happen at different stages of testing. It’s important to understand the significance and objective of each individual operational activity to design and plan the best fit for the project environment.
If you are evaluating partners for performance testing or are in the process of modernizing your legacy applications, we would be happy help you through the process. Contact us today.