Best Practices for Continuous Performance Testing

To develop a top-notch product, your development teams need to engage in continuous performance testing because it allows for quick identification of key functional bugs, as well as those load-handling and performance bugs that are challenging to detect. If you’re ready to implement continuous performance testing, familiarizing yourself with these 11 best practices will prove invaluable:

Focus on Performance SLAs

Introducing codes into an application for testing purposes should never cause it to fall apart or fail to meet the Service Level Agreements (SLAs). It's crucial to use performance SLAs as acceptance criteria for each iteration. This means validating those changes made in an iteration, which only affect a small part of the overall code, are acceptable. On the other hand, for broader SLAs covering the entire application, an extensive set of constraints should be added and examined for each iteration to ensure it meets all necessary requirements without breaking any constraints.

Embrace a Test-Driven Approach

To give your project a head start, create product features and test scripts simultaneously. This approach ensures that testers won't need to recreate or revise test scripts whenever changes are made to the software.

Foster Collaboration Between Developers and Testers

Testers should work closely with developers to understand how the software or application being coded will ultimately be tested. Developers should think like testers when working on their projects, while testers should stay updated on development tasks by attending scrum-like meetings. This collaborative effort ensures a smooth and continuous testing process.

Develop Story/Scenario-Based Test Cases

In modern development processes, detailed specifications are often unavailable to users. In such cases, it's beneficial to create story- or scenario-based tests rather than relying on rigid test cases. This allows testers to cover a broad range of tests that may not be explicitly documented.

Utilize Dynamic Tests for Dynamic Environments

Today's fast-changing environments require tests to be dynamic as well. The "infrastructure as code" approach is gaining popularity, where virtual hardware, computing assets, and applications are represented as software. This allows the creation and configuration of virtual environments based on real-time requirements. The IT staff can develop scripts that create and adjust the necessary virtual environments to run tests effectively.

Increase Test Automation

Automation is often limited to early stages of unit testing. However, it should be applied throughout the deployment process, particularly in the later stages. Test scripts can be encapsulated into distinct software services/components, allowing them to be reused as needed, thus increasing test automation.

Leverage Application Performance Monitoring (APM) Tools

APM tools are critical components of several testing processes today. Their use should be expanded to facilitate shift-right performance monitoring continually.

Initiate Recurring Tests via a Build Server

Make performance tests a recurring part of every build. By initiating tests through the build server and incorporating the test results within the build tool, the person initiating the build can observe the results and understand the changes made in that specific build. Any performance issues that arise can be promptly addressed.

Plan Tests for CI, Post-Sprint, and Nightly Builds

Tests for nightly builds, CI builds, and post-sprint builds may differ significantly based on the scope of changes made. Performance tests for these builds should start small, utilizing available internal loads. For instance, you can run a quick performance test covering the most common scenarios using typical load generated by internal load generators. CI builds' tests should also be executed promptly to analyse how changes in the build impact the system.

Repurpose Testing Assets

Efficiency in continuous performance testing can be improved through the repurposing of testing assets. Some companies employ AI to examine operational system logs, identify frequently accessed user paths, and prioritize them for testing through automation. Others repurpose functional assets for testing targets later in the deployment pipeline, reducing testing overheads and promoting greater efficiency.

Opt for Mocking in Component Testing

By using mocking in component testing, you can isolate and test individual components effectively. This practice ensures high-quality tests that facilitate continuous delivery.

By following these best practices, your development teams can elevate the quality of their products and deliver outstanding performance to outrank competitors in today's dynamic digital landscape. Continuous performance testing becomes a powerful tool in achieving excellence and customer satisfaction.