How to run effective performance tests

To plan for an effective performance test, follow the below four important steps

1.The first step is to understand the web site’s actual usage pattern. Mostly this information can be collected from the web server log files which are considered as the ‘gold mines’ to know every possible detail about the server load. The ‘log analyzers’, tools which helps to analyze the web log files and provide the analysis report in terms of number of user sessions, number of unique users, number of errors, peak day traffic, peak hour traffic, user request arrival pattern, frequently accessed pages, user navigation pattern, etc. From this analysis, the actual usage of the server can be identified.

2.The second step is to design the performance test approach. Based on the business forecast of the user load increase, develop service level agreement (SLAs) that has to be met by the application in order to handle the user load in the target environment. The analysis done in the first step helps to set quantitative SLA for the application. Design the test cases that needs to be tested along with the parameters like ramp up strategy, test duration, think time settings, test scenarios to be tested, different load conditions & types of tests along with the pass/fail criteria. Baseline the test approach & use this as the reference for the rest of the activities.

3.The third step is to identify the performance test tool to help us in simulating the user load on the server. Look for performance test tools available in the market (Licensed or freeware tools) based on the budget constraints & technologies supported by the test tool. Using the test tool of choice, develop the test script which simulates the actual user access pattern. Have enough test data available in the test script in order to simulate different users using different data available in the script.

4.The fourth step is to look for the readiness of the test environment. The test environment includes the application’s server infrastructure & also the load test environment. Enough care should be taken to ensure that no other users access the application during the test run & the servers are isolated from any other usage. In the case of load test environment, ensure that load generators are in place to generate the required load, the availability of test tool license to support the load to be simulated, test scripts are developed and ready with the required test data & think time, server monitors are configured with the required performance counters & the server admins are informed for their assistance in case of server failures.