Chapter 2: Preparing and Planning for the Performance Test

Chapter 2

Preparing and Planning for the Performance Test

Often Web applications fail to meet their customers needs and expectations. When a Web application generates errors, has poor response times, or is unavailable, customers can easily become frustrated. If your performance test procedure or methodology is not well thought out and properly planned, the odds of a successful Web application launch are significantly reduced. This chapter identifies the key processes and planning required before you execute a single performance test. By following these steps you will enhance your odds of executing an effective Web application performance test. These steps include identifying performance goals, creating a user activity profile, and defining the key metrics to monitor and analyze when creating a performance test plan.

NOTE
We have found that many performance test projects fail because testing begins too late in the Web application development cycle or have requirements that are too complex to complete in the allotted time. Focus on the key elements of your Web application and on user scenarios that will occur most often. If time permits, you can always go back and execute a performance test on the other features that are rarely used.