Performance testing tools address application and system design issues by testing reliability and scalability. Unlike bug testing tools, performance testing tools establish a performance baseline and then attempt to discover bottlenecks by adding stress. Specific tests include load tests, soak or endurance tests, spike tests, and others.
The goal of performance testing apps is to establish benchmarks for a target system. A target might be a web app, a server or group of servers, or a whole network. Performance tests can be monitored in real-time for test validity. Results should supply root cause analysis and locate bottlenecks. Additionally, performance test tools evaluate SLA compliance and provide an overall view of system resilience.
Performance testing tools are designed to apply the below capabilities to targets such as servers, groups of servers, web applications, and network devices.
Test scenario creation
Load generation & virtual user simulation
Test environment monitoring, validation
Real-time test monitoring dashboard
Automated test data collection
Test result presentation, interpretation
Correlation, parameterization
Bottleneck identification
IDE integration
APM integration
Predictive capability
SLA baseline setting
Software release risk reduction
Free performance testing tools are available as well as free trials for paid platforms. Most testing tools are priced according to the number of virtual users available for a testing scenario. Additionally testing legacy systems or varied and sophisticated systems can increase cost. Number of tests to be conducted, the type of test, and reporting capabilities often do not influence price.
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