Performance Testing: Challenges & Best Practices

Performance testing helps test a software application’s stability, reliability, speed, and scalability under a given workload.

The goals of this non-functional software testing include evaluating application output, data transfer velocity, maximum concurrent users, workload efficiency, memory utilization, and command response times.

This helps you –

a. Reduce productivity costs
b. Identify system crashes
c. Determine performance bottlenecks
d. Manage multiple users concurrently

However, detecting real-world performance bugs and evaluating software responsiveness is an afterthought. Performance testing, therefore, is a process that begins only after functional testing is completed or after the code is ready to deploy.

In this blog post, you will learn the types of performance testing, the challenges associated and the best practices while testing.

So, let’s get started!

Before we discuss the best practices, let’s take a look at the challenges and solutions of performance testing.

Performance Testing Best Practices

Determine the Load Testing Objective

Before you begin performance testing, it’s crucial to understand the objective of testing the performance of your application.

Identify whether you want to test the application performance during peak load times or you want to test how stable is the application under heavy load.

The performance testing checklist recommends including both these types. Here’s what they can help you do:

1. Peak load time is the duration during which an application receives more requests than normal. QA testers can replicate the peak load time and analyze the metrics.

2. Testing heavy loads evaluates the stability of your software application on receiving a high volume of requests.

Decide Which Type of Application Needs Performance Testing

Firstly, your team of QA testers should know which type of application requires performance testing. Your testing plan should be relevant to the software that needs to be tested.

Ensure that you have answers to the following questions before you begin performance testing:

a. Is your application for the web, mobile, or desktop?
b. What’s the operating system of your application?
c. Which environments are available for testing?
d. Which performance testing software do you have?
e. Do you have a defined priority of API scenarios?
f. How are test scenarios assigned to the QAs?

As per the best practices, you should have a well-defined plan ready to avoid delays in testing.

Identify the Special Software/Plug-ins Required

If your application uses any special software or plug-ins, then it’ll require a specialized performance testing software that makes testing successful.

You’ll also need a test plan with expert guides and manuals that helps you learn how to use the software and plug-ins for testing.

Performance testing software can easily adapt to complex application configurations such as ‘Flash Player’ and ‘Java Swing Objects’.

Therefore, ensure that your performance testing checklist definitely makes use of these testing tools.

Which Specific KPIs to Be Monitored

Determine the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that guide your QA team throughout the testing process. These KPIs will help you monitor –

a. Application server metrics
b. Response times
c. Database server metrics
d. System behavior

While conducting performance testing, tracking the following KPIs is recommended –

Wrapping Up

Performance testing is a critical element to determine the success of any application or software.

This testing process helps you create high-performing apps and software by helping you –

a. Develop error-free software/applications
b. Detect bugs early on
c. Save time and money

Consequently, it enables your business to scale up and deliver better to the customers.

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