Load Testing
Load Testing is a critical performance testing technique used to assess how a system, application, or website performs under a specific, anticipated load. The primary goal is to ensure the system operates effectively when multiple users or processes interact with it simultaneously. By simulating real-world conditions, load testing helps identify bottlenecks, latency issues, and capacity limits before deployment.
Key areas tested include response times, server throughput, database performance, and overall system stability under normal and peak load scenarios. For example, an e-commerce platform might undergo load testing before Black Friday to ensure it can handle a spike in transactions.
Tools commonly used for load testing include Apache JMeter, LoadRunner, and Gatling, each offering unique features to simulate user interactions and generate detailed reports.
Benefits of load testing include increased customer satisfaction, improved system reliability, and reduced risks of downtime or crashes during critical operations. It is an essential part of software development and operations, ensuring scalability and high availability for users.