This article is written to introduce LoadRunner tool for testing
performance of software application. Through this article we will
learn about performance testing, different types of performance
testing, common performance problems and different type of automated
tool used for testing performance of software application.
Performance testing is not a simple task that can be learned through
this short article hence it required an external training to get a
detailed practical knowledge of performance testing using LoadRunner
tool. You can enrol yourself into a special 'Test Automation Performance' training program that will help you achieve industry
based practical knowledge and implementing best measures to improve
software's performance.
About
performance testing and LoadRunner tool
:
Performance
testing focuses on three main points
:
Speed : It determines the application's response time in loading or
displaying output.
Scalability : It determines the maximum limit of user's load that a
software can handle.
Stability : It determines whether software application will be stable
in continuously varying load.
Types
of performance testing
:
Load
Testing
: During this test application's performance has been checked under
checks the application’s ability to perform
under expected work load. The objective of this test is to identify
performance based issues before the release of software application.
Stress
Testing : During this application has been tested in extreme
workloads to check how application handles a large number of traffic
or transactions. The objective of this test is to analyse breaking
points of software application.
Endurance
Testing : In this test, application has been tested to ensure
that it can handle expected load for a long time period.
Spike
Testing : In this test, software has been tested to check its
behaviour due to a sudden increase of user's load on application's
interface.
Scalability
Testing : In this test, effectiveness of software application
in continuous increasing load has been tested.
Volume
Testing : In this test, large no. of data is inserted in
database using scripts or queries and the overall behaviour of system
has been monitored. The objective of this testing is to check
performance of application under changing database volumes.
Common
performance related problems :
- Long load time
- Poor response time.
- Bottlenecking
- Scalability
Benefits
of LoadRunner tool :
- LoadRunner is the best automated tool used for performance testing.
- ANSI C is the default programming language used by LoadRunner tool. Java and VB are also used by this tool.
- Since it use native monitors hence there will be no need to install LoadRunner on server that is being tested.
- It supports different protocols such as HTTP, SMTP and FTP.
- Easy to create scripts and analyse results of LoadRunner testing.
The
details mentioned above will be beneficial for understanding
performance testing and the advantages of LoadRunner tool for
analysing and improving performance of software application. To get
practical knowledge of performance testing it is recommended to go
for a dedicated training that helps software professionals develop
their skills for ensuring quality of an application.
