Performance testing: 5 best practices for top-notch results

Test it well or do not test it at all. This provocative statement holds a powerful truth: bad tests can do more harm than good. In the world of software development, conducting ineffective or flawed tests can lead to disastrous consequences. Here are 5 key best practices in performance testing:

#1: Collaborate with client

We know you choose to work in IT to avoid talking to people but trust us, it's better to engage in conversation right from the start to avoid future misunderstandings. To obtain the best results in performance testing, it is crucial to establish a strong collaboration with clients or business analysts and understand their expectations. Regular communication and feedback exchange will enable you to focus on the most critical aspects of the application and provide the desired outcomes.

#2: Use analytical tools

Numbers can be overwhelming, like trying to understand your ex's mixed signals, but don’t worry, we are here to help you (with software ;-)). Analyzing the results of performance tests is essential for identifying areas that require optimization. It is also crucial to choose a tool adapted to your needs that will also provide in-depth insights. And we know this is not an easy task. We’ve tried many testing platforms, but with one project, none gave the expected results, so we decided to build our own tool: Bolt. Believe us, no one wanted to reinvent the wheel, using our experience and knowing the limitations of available solutions, we created something truly unique, which we ourselves are happy to use.

Bolt is an open-source tool that empowers you to write test cases in pure Python using the Locust format. Deploy it within your cluster app without the need for external sharing, customize test configurations and link with your repository for more complex scenarios. You can integrate Boilt with monitoring tools to conduct unified app and infrastructure tests and benefit from advanced data analysis capabilities to gain deep insights and generate reports for error analysis. Learn more about Bolt here>

Practice 3: Create realistic test environments

Just like crafting breathtaking worlds in your favorite game transports you to immersive experiences, building test environments allow you to replicate the production environment and challenge your application with real-world usage. Bolt will help you with that, as you can go beyond standard scenarios and overcome the limitations.

Practice 4: Prioritize scenarios

Just like organizing your Netflix watchlist, prioritizing scenarios is crucial to avoid getting caught up in a never-ending testing marathon. Not all areas of an application have the same level of criticality when it comes to performance. Taking care of proper test logic and prioritizing scenarios based on the user experience and business objectives is crucial. By focusing on the most critical areas, you can allocate resources effectively and ensure the application performs optimally where it matters the most.

Practice 5: Gather all information and repeat tests

Last but not least, you have to follow the "test, analyze, repeat" mantra! During performance testing, collecting as much information as possible is essential. This data includes system metrics, logs, and user behavior patterns. The more comprehensive information you gather, the easier it will be to identify performance issues. And do not forget to run tests multiple times to get reliable results.

What would you add to this list? Let us know what your secrets are to successful performance testing. And, of course, try Bolt and share your feedback!?