performance testing

Performance testing can verify that a system meets the specifications claimed by its manufacturer or vendor. The process can compare two or more devices or programs in terms of parameters such as speed, data transfer rate, bandwidth, throughput, efficiency or reliability.

Performance testing can also be used as a diagnostic aid in locating communications bottlenecks. Often a system will work much better if a problem is resolved at a single point or in a single component. For example, even the fastest computer will function poorly on today's Web if the connection occurs at only 40 to 50 Kbps (kilobits per second).

Slow data transfer rate may be inherent in hardware but can also result from software-related problems, such as:

• Too many applications running at the same time
• A corrupted file in a Web browser
• A security exploit
• Heavy-handed antivirus software
• The existence of active malware on the hard disk.

Getting started with use performance testing

Learn more about Software performance, load and stress testing

	Testing for performance, part 1: Assess the problem space: In the first article of this series on testing for performance, Mike Kelly outlines ways for you to understand your content and the system and figure out where to start testing.
The challenge of performance testing SOA applications: Software testing and QA groups already pushed to the limit face even more challenges with SOA applications. Automation through modeling can help monitor and test such applications.
	The state of performance testing: Scott Barber takes a look back at what happened in the performance testing field in 2007 and what we can expect in 2008.
Free load and performance testing tools: Can you suggest a load testing tool which is freeware? Currently we are using OpenSTA but we are facing difficulties in understanding the generated result as they are in graphical form without ...
Watch the metrics during your load tests: In this member-submitted tip, Steve Cam says monitoring the metrics during your load tests will help you detect performance-related issues.
Top 10 performance testing tips: Are you properly testing your applications for performance? These performance testing tips can help you make sure you're covering all your bases.
Software testing fundamentals: Performance testing: Software performance testing is crucial to software development and very easy to mess up. These tips and expert opinions illustrate how to conduct performance tests effectively.
Ways to approach application performance testing on a tight budget: App performance pro explains how to achieve quality performance testing on the cheap in this tip. Being familiar with the tools, processes and original test data is key.
Calculating mean time to failure in performance testing: Calculating MTTF (mean time to failure) can be difficult on software testers who are attempting to develop a performance test pass, this tip will guide you through the process.
Using Microsoft VSTS .loadtest: Customize and use the .loadtest tool in Microsoft Visual Studio Team System 2008 with this how-to.

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know. Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

More resources from around the web: - Scott Barber outlines the basics of performance testing. - Robert L. Bogue describes some of the limitations of performance testing. - PerfTestPlus provides performance testing services and training. - PerformanceEngineer.com offers resources and links to relevant publications.

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