Performance testing is a non-functional testing technique that exercises a system and then, measures validate, and verify the response time, stability, scalability, speed, and reliability of the system in a production-like environment. It also identifies any performance bottlenecks and potential crashes when the software is subjected to extreme testing conditions.
Performance testing adds great value to the overall Quality Assurance process of any organization. However, if not planned and executed properly, it can also lead to issues later after software delivery. In this article, we will take a look at some of the mistakes that testers commit while doing a performance test on a software.
Not defining Key Performance Indicators properly
Every system has certain Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) or metrics that are evaluated against the baseline during Performance testing. For example, if the expected response time of a system is 1 second and it is taking extra milliseconds, then it indicates an issue that needs to be addressed.
Ideally, KPI’s should be identified and defined before testing commences.
Scheduling Performance testing at end of development and test cycle
There is a misconception that it is good to test the software as a whole for performance. This leads to placing performance testing at the end of the development cycle. This is a serious fault in the testing process. With shorter delivery cycles, it is prudent to check every deliverable, however small, for performance. Integrating performance tests in the continuous testing process is a great way of ensuring that every deliverable is tested well for functionality as well as performance.
Incorrect Workload Model
Workload deals with concurrent usage of the software. It includes the total number of users, concurrent active users, data volumes, and volume of transactions per user, etc. For performance testing, the workload model has to be defined keeping in mind various possible scenarios. If the workload model is defined erroneously, then it directly impacts the testing process. The testing team should work closely with stakeholders to understand the realistic scenarios of usage and plan the workload model accordingly. The workload model should be tweaked and modified to reflect any changes in the software. It should also encompass peak hour usage scenarios and network congestion scenarios.
Failure to create a realistic test environment
A software could pass all the tests with flying colors but may get stumped in a real usage environment. This could be the result of a failure in simulating a realistic test environment. In reality, there are multiple components that interact with the software, like servers, 3rd party tools, a variety of hardware and software, etc. If all these factors are not taken into consideration while designing a test plan, then there are high chances that the software’s performance is low when launched in the real world. For example, if there are multiple transactions by multiple users at the same time and network bandwidth and CPU performance are not taken into consideration, then the software will slow down significantly. Hence, it is highly recommended to create a test environment that closely emulates the environment in which the software will eventually function, keeping in mind all possible load scenarios.
Ignoring system errors
System errors are indicators of underlying issues. For example, erratic browser errors may seem insignificant and may not be replicated every time. In another instance, there are times when the response time for software is perfect under load conditions but there could be a stack overflow error that occurs randomly. But, every error has to be investigated for any potential issue. Ignoring such errors due to non-replication while running multiple tests leaves a gaping hole in the whole testing exercise.
Conclusion
Performance testing reports and analyses aid the stakeholders to understand the functioning and performance of the product in a real-life scenario. They can accordingly make strategic business decisions on improvements before it is launched in the market. Therefore, it is imperative to consider all possible testing aspects and avoid the above-mentioned mistakes while planning for software testing.
Webomates has optimized testing by combining our patented multi-channel functional testing with performance testing where the same functional tests can be used for load testing. The user just needs to define the following performance parameters:
- Number of concurrent virtual users
- Duration of load
- Expected execution time
These parameters can be defined at the suite level or individual test case level. Once parameters are set, the functional test is enabled for server-side performance verification with a single click.
Click to read more of this article: Agile vs DevOps, Intelligent Automation, Requirements Traceability Matrix, API Testing
