Load Testing

Need for Load Testing

• It helps in enhancing the scalability of the system.
• It helps in identifying the time of each transaction of an application.
• It helps in identifying different load conditions of system and database components.
• It helps in identifying network delays between server and client responses.
• It helps identify issues in software configuration such as web-server, application-server, database server, etc.
• It helps identify hardware limitations such as maximum CPU capacity, memory limitations, etc.
• It helps in identifying systems bottlenecks before deployment.
• It guarantees the system’s consistency and performance.
• It helps in reducing the system’s failure cost for an organization.

Types of Load Testing Tools

Load Testing tools can be divided into four categories:

Open-Source Tools

There are various types of open-source load testing tools available in the market for free, which can be used by any organization facing financial issues to test their application. But these tools are not fully functional and advanced compared to the paid tools. That’s why they are not recommended in every situation. E.g., Jmeter.

Manual Testing Tools

The most effective way to perform load testing is to do it manually. However, it is a most effective method that helps assess the application’s performance on all possible parameters but simultaneously increases the workload on the tester and requires a lot of workforces, which is quite expensive compared to the paid tools.

Paid-Testing Tools

Paid-testing tools can support various protocols. Therefore, it can be implemented on multiple applications like streaming media, ERM/CRM, etc., E.g., LoadRunner.

Customized Testing Tools

Some organizations build their load testing tools based on their application's different needs. E.g., LoadComplete from SmartBear.

Common Load Testing Tools

• LoadRunner
• Jmeter
• NeoLoad
• LoadNinja
• WebLoad
• LoadView

Steps to perform Load Testing

• Setup of the test environment: The test environment should be set up as close to the production environment as possible in terms of software, hardware, and the network.

• Specify the performance criteria: It contains the load time, transaction time, response time, throughput, number of users accessing the application, determining the connection speed, etc. After that, we create load test scenarios that help in determining the success criteria. In this step, the transaction is decided for an application. And data is set for each transaction.

• Execution of test scenarios: After creating the load test scenarios we will execute them. In this step, we set different configurations and matrices to collect the information. Virtual server users match the load on the server to complete the task concurrently.

• Analysis of the test results: After executing the test cases. The stored results are analyzed and, the same process is repeated until all the test cases are passed and all the issues are fixed.

Selecting a Load Testing Tool

Selecting a tool that best fits the application is crucial. Some of the basic aspects on which a tool can be chosen are:

1. Ease of use: The tool should be easy to use under different load parameters.
2. Accuracy: The tool should be independent of the browser and must run on all possible options of browsers available.
3. Scalability: The tool should be independent of users and work for a wide range.
4. Integrations: The tool should be integrable with other tools and devices.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Load Testing

Advantages of Load Testing

• Load testing enhances the performance and scalability of the application before making the application available to the end-user.
• It helps in reducing the cost of system failures.
• It helps detect the possible vulnerabilities and threats present in an application and allows developers to rectify them.
• It helps in improving overall customer satisfaction.

Disadvantages of Load Testing

• It requires a good knowledge of programming languages and testing tools by the developer to test an application.
• The process of load testing can be expensive.

Difference between Performance Testing and Load Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the load capacity test?

Ans: Capacity testing is done, keeping in mind that the application can handle the amount of traffic it was designed to handle. It also helps in strategic planning, so one can proactively work on the infrastructure required to avoid a poor impact on the user’s experience. It is used to set a benchmark or the number of transactions a system can handle in the given environment.
 

Q2: What is UAT in SDLC?

Ans: UAT stands for User Acceptance Testing. This is the final step in a software development life cycle before making it available to the end-user. Actual users test the application against different parameters to ensure that the application works as expected. Real-world scenarios can reveal hidden vulnerabilities and ensure the final product meets the organization’s requirements.

Q3: Explain load testing on load view.

Ans: LoadView is a cloud-based load testing platform that determines how an application responds to various traffic without the hassle of managing or maintaining any other additional infrastructure. It helps control the tedious tasks and allows developers to invest more time in designing, executing, and analyzing their test cases.

Key Takeaways

Load testing cannot be disregarded while we are discussing web- testing. Proper performance analysis of the application helps learn the effectiveness and ability of an application. Using the various load testing tools, an organization can ensure the delivery of a quality product to the end-user.

This blog discussed load testing and its importance in developing a well-functioned application.

If you are a beginner interested in learning and exploring other fields, you can follow our guided path to understand the core subjects of computers and get a good grip on DSA concepts. In case of any suggestions, feel free to post them in the comments section.