Performance testing is something that every company in the software development industry should be doing. It is a crucial step of this process, testing the system as thoroughly as possible before releasing it to the public. In this article, we will explain what performance testing is and the specific reasons it is so important in software development.
What is performance testing?
As the name already reveals, performance testing is about evaluating the performance of the software. However, it’s not just the usual tests that an in-house team of developers may complete to get rid of any issues. It is a range of different tests that put the system under various different conditions, in order to see how it behaves in a variety of scenarios.
The main goal of performance testing is to ensure that the software is stable and meets all performance criteria. It also often results in identifying and fixing bottlenecks, which may only become clear in unique scenarios. This in-depth testing helps developers to understand if their software is capable of handling not just the expected user loads, but also the unforeseen user behaviour, maintaining a good performance.
Types of performance tests
Performance testing aims to check the software from a variety of different angles, which is why multiple types of tests are typically completed. Here are the most common:
- Load testing – Checks how a system behaves under expected user loads. It ensures the software can handle normal usage without any issues.
- Stress testing – Pushes the system beyond its normal capacity. It finds the breaking point and helps understand how the system fails.
- Endurance testing – Runs the system at high load for a long time. It checks for issues that might only appear after extended use.
- Spike testing – Simulates sudden, large increases in users. It tests how well the system copes with rapid changes in load.
- Scalability testing – Evaluates how well the system can grow to meet demands that may be increasing with time.
Why is it important?
Performance testing is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps make sure that users have a smooth experience with the app or software at all times, increasing their satisfaction. Slow or unresponsive software, errors, and other issues can cause user frustration, which would then damage the company’s reputation.
Moreover, performance testing prevents problems like downtime and failures during high traffic periods that cannot always be foreseen. For instance, during a major sale event that ends up receiving more interest than anticipated. Therefore, these tests are there to enhance the reliability of the software in different scenarios.
Lastly, performance testing can also save software developers money in the long run. This is because fixing issues after he launch can often result in higher costs, and it is also more difficult to address with people already using it. It also allows for better capacity planning, meaning that the company acquires all the necessary hardware and resources well in advance, as opposed to last minute.
How to get started?
Unless you have a big in-house team of developers and enough resources, you will be looking at third-party performance testing services. There are many different providers, specialising in various types of tests.
One of such examples is QAlified performance testing services. Using a certified methodology and numerous trusted tools, they offer all the essentials tests to evaluate how the system performs and find any bottlenecks.
QualityLogic is another company, specialising in performance testing, including load, stress, and scalability tests. They use commercial and open-source tools to conduct their tests.
Aspire Systems offer performance testing as one of their services, helping businesses optimise their applications for speed, scalability, and stability. They also use a combination of manual and automated testing techniques.
These companies have all the necessary technology and resources to run the tests properly. They are also unbiased towards your software, so you can expect a reliable analysis. Pick a provider that best aligns with your objectives and needs.
Best practices
To get the most out of performance testing stage, there are a few things you can do:
- Start early in the development cycle – this makes it easier and cheaper to fix issues.
- Test continuously, not just right before release – regular testing catches problems sooner.
- Use a mix of manual and automated tools for reliable, consistent, and repeatable tests.
- Define clear performance goals and metrics before testing begins, so you can compare the expected results to the actual numbers.
- Analyse test results thoroughly and communicate findings clearly to all stakeholders. If you are using a third-party service, they will provide you with analysis and reports.
- Keep your test environment as close to the production environment as possible for accurate results.
Conclusion
Performance testing plays a critical role in delivering high-quality, user-friendly software. It helps ensure that systems work well under various conditions, including the unexpected. Software developers should, therefore, make performance testing a standard part of their process.