Different Load Testing Templates
When load testing a web server, you need to use different load conditions to see how the server handles them. Here are some questions that your load tests should answer:
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What number of users can work with the server at the same time?
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How long can users work with the server before the restart is needed?
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What if a high number of users are working with the server for an extended period?
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What happens if a sudden spike of users that the server cannot handle happens?
Below are some mostly used load testing strategies that help you find answers to these questions:
| Strategy | What a strategy involves |
|---|---|
| Default testing | Testing the service with default load settings. |
| Baseline testing | Finding out whether your server handles an expected load and creating a baseline for later tests. |
| Peak testing | Finding out how well your server handles the increased load that can happen during rush hours. |
| Stress testing | Finding out the maximum load your server can handle. |
| Soak testing | Finding out how long your server can work without outside interference. |
| Spike testing | Finding out whether your server handles a sudden short spike of a high load. |
| Smoke testing | Finding out whether your test is configured correctly and your server responds to requests. |
Follow the above links to learn more.