Load testing is part of the bigger performance test family. It allow us to prepare our system for an upcoming release and to eliminate any major errors, which may otherwise arise under a huge user load. What does a website load test look like? What load testing tools do we use? Why should you load test your website? What can you learn from performing a website load test? How to load test your website or app? Let’s find out.
Load testing
Performing load tests is part of the performance testing process. They provide insight into what levels of user traffic the client’s product is prepared for. Additionally, a will allow you to identify any problems requiring an immediate fix. Using load testing software tools is an opportunity to test the endurance capabilities and performance of your website or app under the intended user load. This also includes the ability of your system to process large amounts of concurrent, identical requests.
Load testing allows you to determine the endurance capabilities of your app or website under traffic. These can then be improved upon by eliminating any occurring errors. If a client wishes to release quality product quickly, running a website load test proves to be necessary.
Read further: Software performance testing
What do you learn from a website load test?
A page load test focuses on the endurance capabilities of your system under the intended traffic. They should be ran during development and before release. Why? They allow you to reduce the risk of losing potential users or corrupting your system after the app or website has been released. Load testing tools let you check:
- Stability and reliability of your app or website under load
- Request response times under traffic
- Bottlenecks in the tested app or website
- Whether your product meets the planned efficiency requirements
- Functionality errors when under the intended load
- Problems with the system’s responsiveness when multiple concurrent users send the same request.
This is only the tip of the iceberg of testing possibilities. A page load test will also answer some significant business-related question. But more on that later. Additionally, load testing allows you to check any server errors or lacking code optimization. If these issues are not resolved by the client, errors with content loading on your website or app may happen.
How to run load testing?
As with any other test, a page load test requires proper preparation. Most importantly, this means gathering information about the intended load of the website or app. You need to know what traffic is to be expected at normal and peak times. The testing environment must be as similar to the expected ones as possible. During load testing we should simulate user actions. Setting clear goals for your test is just as important.
How to load test your website? You can do it by booting your system and leaving it under maximum load for a few hours. You may also choose the “single hump” method. This means turning on the system, increasing the intensity and leaving it at the maximum capacity, until eventually dropping it. This is the most common method, though others are also possible. For one, increasing and lowering the intensity a few times over a lengthy time period. Secondly, you can do the same but in a short timeframe.
At Testspring we take every testing effort very seriously.
The entire process includes:
1. Defining the scope of testing
2. Estimation of risks
3. Testing plan
4. Testing!
5. End of testing and gathering information
6. Collecting data
7. Result analysis
8. Creating a load testing report
9. Defining the problems
10. Proposing solutions, improvements and changes
Find out more about our offer: Software testing .
What are the benefits of a website load test?
A website page load test is an excellent way to analyze your system from a business perspective. For example, you may compare data from before and after you implement the new changes. Load tests allow you and the client to decide if the product is ready for release, or whether addition steps should be made. Increased performance can positively influence your company’s image and put you a step in front of your competitors. Furthermore, you can check if your system matches the budget plan.
Load testing tools
What load testing software tools can you use? For example, programs that create testing scenarios or automatically detect bottlenecks. Some load testing tools allow you to manage user interactions in real time, as well as test the load inside the cloud. Before you begin testing, you should decide which accesses you require from the client and what load testing tools you will be using.