What is Load Testing?
Load testing is a critical aspect of manual testing within the software development lifecycle, especially in the realm of software testing. It involves assessing how a system performs under expected load conditions.
Purpose of Load Testing
The primary aim of load testing is to ensure that the software can handle anticipated user traffic and data processing demands. This is vital for maintaining optimal performance levels and ensuring a smooth user experience.
Key Objectives
- To identify the maximum operating capacity of an application.
- To determine the system's behavior under both normal and peak load conditions.
- To examine how the system responds to increased user traffic.
- To uncover any bottlenecks that may adversely affect performance.
Methodology
In manual load testing, testers simulate user interactions with the application to observe its behavior under load. This includes executing tasks that a real user would perform while monitoring the system for responsiveness, error rates, and resource utilization.
Importance
Load testing is essential to ensure that software applications are robust and scalable, particularly before launch. By identifying and addressing performance issues early, companies can enhance user satisfaction and minimize the risk of system failures under load.