In the ever-evolving landscape of information technology, the advent of new concepts such as Agile, Artificial Intelligence, IoT (Internet of Things), Cloud, and intelligent Application Performance Management (APM) has brought about significant disruptions. Additionally, companies’ cost-cutting measures on IT outsourcing have sparked speculations about the future relevance of performance testing and the roles associated with it. This article aims to shed light on the fundamental pillars of performance testing that have eroded over time, contributing to these speculations, and proposes corrective measures to bring performance testing back on track.
The Role of Performance Testing in the Software World:
The performance tester is likened to a “software doctor” in the realm of software development. Just as a patient consults a doctor for health assessments and diagnostics, organizations turn to performance testing teams to evaluate application performance or address specific issues. This involves gathering requirements, recommending relevant tests (e.g., load tests, stress tests), and proposing solutions based on test results. The article draws parallels between the medical and software worlds to emphasize the crucial role of performance testers in ensuring the optimal functioning of applications.
The Four Pillars of Performance Testing:
Before addressing disruptions, it is essential to understand the four foundational pillars of performance testing: Data, Time, Resource, and Cost.
- Data:
- Requirements Gathering: Emphasizes the importance of detailed non-functional requirements (NFR) beyond simplistic response time targets.
- Test Execution: Highlights the often overlooked need for bulk test data, urging project management to integrate test data management into project plans.
- Result Analysis: Discusses the challenges of handling large volumes of performance data and the necessity for manual analysis despite APM tools aiding server-side analysis.
- Time:
- Stresses the need for adequate timelines in project planning, avoiding last-minute squeezes that can impact the morale of the performance testing team.
- Explores the evolving position of performance testing within project timelines, emphasizing the historical erosion of the non-functional testing phase.
- Resource and Cost:
- Addresses the resource challenges faced by performance testing teams and proposes solutions.
- Discusses the impact of inadequate planning on project costs and suggests strategies to optimize performance testing efforts.
Conclusion:
This article serves as a primer on the challenges facing performance testing and the associated roles in the contemporary IT landscape. By understanding and addressing the erosion of fundamental pillars like Data, Time, Resource, and Cost, organizations can reinvigorate their approach to performance testing. The second part of this article will delve deeper into resource and cost considerations, offering practical solutions to the issues raised, ultimately guiding organizations on a path to more effective performance testing practices.
