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As the year 2023 gradually comes to a close, I find myself at the crossroads of contemplation, prepared to unravel the narrative of a year that was complex, unpredictable, and full of unexpected victories and concealed obstacles. The chapters of 2023 in my journey as a quality assurance engineer are filled with experiences that tested not only software, but also the limits of creativity, resiliency, and adaptability. Join me as I traverse through the labyrinth of experiences, wins, fails, experiments, and invaluable learnings that have shaped my journey in the ever-evolving field of software testing.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_Beginning">1 The Beginning</a></li><li><a href="#My_Experience_as_a_Quality_Assurance_Engineer">2 My Experience as a Quality Assurance Engineer</a></li><li><a href="#My_Wins">3 My Wins</a></li><li><a href="#My_Failures">4 My Failures</a></li><li><a href="#My_Learnings">5 My Learnings</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-the-beginning">The Beginning</h2>



The year kicked off with a mix of excitement and concern for me as a Nigerian who just completed her National Youth Service program, and was not sure of what next. Applying for the Graduate Trainee Program at Helium Health as a Quality Assurance Engineer marked the beginning of my journey in the field of software testing. Working in a health tech company, and being in charge of ensuring that the digital health solutions are reliable and of high standards was the highlight of the year 2023.&nbsp;



Before I became a QA Engineer, I never knew that a field such as QA or software testing existed, as opposed to the popularity of other tech areas like Web Development, Product Design, and others. Although I was a bit skeptical about the niche because I was yet to fully understand the role that QA engineers and software testers play in the software industry, now, I can confidently say that “Software testers and Quality Assurance Engineers are the unsung heroes in software development.”



<h2 id="my-experience-as-a-quality-assurance-engineer">My Experience as a Quality Assurance Engineer</h2>



My experience in the field of QA has been nothing short of amazing, definitely came with a lot of challenges. However, I would say that my already established background in Software Development as a Front-End Developer made my journey easier and more enjoyable. I took some courses to fully immerse myself in the niche, a big shoutout to Tarek Roshdy, who I believe is one of, if not the best tutor on Udemy when it comes to Software Testing. I found his style of teaching really enjoyable and I really love how he is able to explain concepts in a way that makes it easy for even beginners to understand.&nbsp;



Fast forward to when the Senior QA Engineer started assigning projects to me, I felt like I was not ready to start taking on projects, which was one of the lessons I learnt that you can never validate your learning and knowledge if you do not apply them. Writing test cases definitely shaped my way of thinking because one thing I learnt is that, as a tester, you have to put yourself in the shoes of every potential user of an application or product, to achieve optimal results.



Also in the year 2023, I got a job opportunity as a Freelance Technical Writer at Testsigma, and this also marked the beginning of my career in Technical writing. Writing on the different blog articles increased my level of knowledge and research in software testing, because as a technical writer, you have to convey technical information in the simplest and uncomplicated way possible.



<h2 id="my-wins">My Wins</h2>



Celebrating wins is an integral part of my QA journey. The wins of 2023 were not just moments of celebration, they were also milestones that signaled the triumph of innovation, hard work, and resilience. In 2023, I was offered a full-time employment at Helium Health as a Junior Quality Assurance Engineer after the six-month Graduate Trainee program. At the end of the program, I could proudly say that I had gained significant skills in <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a>. I could write and execute test cases, bug reports, and test reports and also conduct performance, regression, and usability testing. This might not seem like a lot of progress, but I count it as one because I knew where I started from, and it was only evident that I had put in a lot of work.



Collaboration emerged as a key theme in my wins column. Creating efficient tools for cross-functional collaboration—especially with developers—led to a more unified approach to quality assurance. The testing team was able to establish a symbiotic relationship with the development team, resulting in faster bug resolution and smoother integration of new features.



Perhaps one of the most satisfying wins was the successful execution of a complex performance testing strategy. Simulating real-world scenarios and stress-testing applications under heavy loads revealed potential bottlenecks and vulnerabilities. Mitigating these issues before deployment not only enhanced the overall user experience but also prevented costly downtimes, marking a significant win for both the testing team and the organization.



<h2 id="my-failures">My Failures</h2>



In the pursuit of triumphs, failures are inevitable. Several testing approaches that looked good on paper fell apart when confronted with practical situations. Also as someone who was still struggling, I found it difficult to understand some of the tasks given to me by the Senior QA Engineer. There were times when it would take a long time for me to complete certain tasks because it took a while for me to understand the concepts. I remember vividly when he asked me to conduct a load test on a certain application. I had to utilize a lot of resources to get the job done, however, the good feedback I got from him was more than enough to compensate for the tons of work I had to do. Acknowledging failures became a stepping stone for improvement for me. Embracing failure not as a setback, but as a guide to refinement, proved to be a key takeaway from the year.



<h2 id="my-learnings">My Learnings</h2>



Amidst the ups and downs of experiences, the wins, and the failures, the true essence of 2023 lies in its profound lessons. Each challenge, setback, and triumph became a chapter in the ongoing saga of growth and self-discovery.&nbsp;



I learnt that adaptability is the cornerstone of successful testing in an ever-changing technological landscape. In a field where rapid technological advancements can quickly rewrite the laws, being adaptable and welcoming of change has become more than a survival ability. One lesson ingrained in my professional ethics is the capacity to adapt approaches, tools, and strategies in reaction to evolving trends. Continuous upskilling and staying abreast of industry trends became non-negotiable, ensuring that I remained at the forefront of cutting-edge testing practices.



I also learnt that my relationship with people will determine how good I am at my job, because if you are not productive with people, there is a limit to how far you can go.



The remote work revolution demanded a recalibration of communication strategies. Navigating the nuances of virtual collaboration became an art in itself. Learning to convey complex testing scenarios and insights effectively through digital channels wasn&#8217;t just a necessity for me, it was a revelation in the power of clear, concise communication, a skill that extended beyond testing scenarios into everyday professional interactions.



Perhaps the most transformative learning of 2023 was the recognition that being a QA engineer wasn&#8217;t just about finding bugs, it was about being a proactive contributor to the entire software development lifecycle. Shifting from a gatekeeper mentality to a collaborative partner in quality became a paradigm shift that altered the way I approached testing.



<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



As I pen down my reflections on the year 2023, I realize that being a tester is not just a profession but a dynamic journey of growth, resilience, and perpetual learning. Each experience, win, fail, and experiment has contributed to the evolving narrative of my testing odyssey. Here&#8217;s to embracing the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead, as I navigate the ever-shifting currents of software testing in the years to come.

MY REFLECTIONS OF THE YEAR 2023 AS A TESTER

Top 10 Agile Myths and Facts for Software Testers

In this article, we will delve into the differences between performance testing and load testing, shedding light on their specific objectives, key metrics, and use cases. By understanding these distinctions, software professionals can better navigate the testing landscape and make informed decisions to optimize their systems for peak performance.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Performance_Testing_vs_Load_Testing_8211_Overview">1 Performance Testing vs Load Testing &#8211; Overview</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Performance_Testing">1.1 What is Performance Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Load_Testing">1.2 What is Load Testing?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Performance_Testing_vs_Load_Testing_8211_Key_Differences">2 Performance Testing vs Load Testing &#8211; Key Differences</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">3 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">4 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#1_What_is_the_difference_between_performance_testing_stress_testing_and_load_testing">4.1 1. What is the difference between performance testing, stress testing, and load testing?</a></li><li><a href="#2_Does_load_testing_come_under_performance_testing">4.2 2. Does load testing come under performance testing?</a></li><li><a href="#3_Are_there_other_types_of_testing_under_performance_test_aside_from_load_testing">4.3 3. Are there other types of testing under performance test aside from load testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="performance-testing-vs-load-testing-overview">Performance Testing vs Load Testing &#8211; Overview</h2>



<h3 id="h-what-is-performance-testing">What is Performance Testing?</h3>



Performance testing is a type of non-functional <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a> that evaluates the performance  and behavior of a software application or system under various conditions. The primary objective of performance testing is to assess a system’s responsiveness, stability, scalability, and speed under various loads, and also to identify performance bottlenecks or issues. 



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/performance-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Performance testing</a> also ensures that the software meets its performance requirements and can provide a satisfactory level of user experience in real-world scenarios. Performance testing involves different aspects &#8211; including load testing, stress testing, endurance testing, etc.



<h3 id="what-is-load-testing">What is Load Testing?</h3>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/load-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Load testing</a> is a type of performance testing that focuses on assessing how a system or application performs under a specific level of data or user load. The primary objective of load testing is to determine whether the system can maintain its performance and responsiveness when subjected to the anticipated volume of users, transactions, or data that it is expected to handle in real-world scenarios.&nbsp;Read here &#8211;<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/load-testing-vs-stress-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Load Testing vs Stress Testing</a>



<h2 id="performance-testing-vs-load-testing-key-differences">Performance Testing vs Load Testing &#8211; Key Differences</h2>



Take a look at the Key Differences in the table below:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Aspect</td><td>Performance Test</td><td>Load Test</td></tr><tr><td>Objective</td><td>Evaluate system performance under various conditions, identify bottlenecks, and ensure it meets performance requirements.</td><td>Assess the system&#8217;s behavior under a specific level of user or data load to ensure it can handle expected real-world usage.</td></tr><tr><td>Scope</td><td>Broader category encompassing various subtypes, including load testing, stress testing, scalability testing, and endurance testing.</td><td>A subset of performance testing focused on simulating expected user or data loads.</td></tr><tr><td>Primary metric</td><td>Various performance metrics, including response time, throughput, resource utilization, latency, and error rates.</td><td>Metrics related to response times, system stability, and performance under a predefined load level.</td></tr><tr><td>Scenarios</td><td>Includes peak load, stress (beyond normal load), scalability (ability to handle increased load), and endurance (testing over an extended period), among others.</td><td>Typically involves scenarios that simulate expected user loads under normal usage conditions.</td></tr><tr><td>Resource utilization</td><td>Examines resource utilization but also considers other performance aspects.</td><td>Primarily focuses on assessing system performance under different load levels.</td></tr><tr><td>Data</td><td>Can use real or synthetic data depending on the test type.</td><td>Typically uses synthetic data to simulate expected user behavior.</td></tr><tr><td>Complexity</td><td>Can be more complex to set up and execute due to the variety of scenarios.</td><td>Generally easier to set up and execute due to the focus on specific load levels.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Environment</a></td><td>Requires a representative environment that mimics production conditions, including hardware, software, network, and data.</td><td>Similar to performance testing, but may focus on specific load levels.</td></tr><tr><td>Frequency</td><td>Performed throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and ongoing monitoring.</td><td>Typically conducted before major deployments or system upgrades.</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits</td><td>Helps identify performance issues and weaknesses early, improving system reliability and user experience.&nbsp;Ensures the system can handle the expected load without performance degradation, reducing the risk of crashes or slowdowns.&nbsp;Provides insights into system bottlenecks and scalability limitations.</td><td>Helps validate system capacity for expected usage, and prevents outages during peak traffic periods.Builds user confidence in the system&#8217;s performance.</td></tr><tr><td>Results</td><td>Comprehensive analysis of performance metrics, identification of bottlenecks, and recommendations for improvement.</td><td>Focuses on assessing system behavior under the specified load level, including response times, stability, and resource utilization.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



In conclusion, while both performance testing and load testing play vital roles in ensuring the robustness of software systems, they differ in their primary objectives and scopes. Performance testing provides a comprehensive evaluation of system behavior under diverse conditions, while load testing specifically focuses on confirming a system&#8217;s ability to handle anticipated loads, collectively contributing to a more reliable and responsive user experience.



<button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Automate your tests for web, mobile, desktop applications and APIs, 10x faster and from the same place with Testsigma</a></button> 



<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="1-what-is-the-difference-between-performance-testing-stress-testing-and-load-testing">1. What is the difference between performance testing, stress testing, and load testing?</h3>



Performance testing, <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-stress-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress testing</a>, and load testing are distinct forms of performance evaluation for software systems. Performance testing assesses system behavior under various conditions to ensure it meets performance requirements, considering metrics like responsiveness and resource utilization.&nbsp;



Stress testing pushes systems beyond normal capacity to identify breaking points and assess resilience under extreme conditions.&nbsp;



Load testing, on the other hand, evaluates system behavior under predefined user or data loads to ensure it can maintain performance and stability under typical usage conditions. Each type of testing serves a specific purpose in assessing a system&#8217;s performance and reliability.&nbsp;



<h3 id="2-does-load-testing-come-under-performance-testing">2. Does load testing come under performance testing?</h3>



Yes, load testing is a subset of performance testing. Performance testing is a broader category that encompasses various <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-different-software-testing-types-explained/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing types</a>, including load testing, stress testing, scalability testing, and endurance testing.



<h3 id="3-are-there-other-types-of-testing-under-performance-test-aside-from-load-testing">3. Are there other types of testing under performance test aside from load testing?</h3>



Yes, there are other types. In addition to load testing, performance testing includes several other subtypes, such as stress testing (assessing the system under extreme conditions), scalability testing (evaluating the system&#8217;s ability to handle increased load), <a href="https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/software-testing-endurance-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endurance testing</a> (evaluating stability over time), and benchmark testing (comparing performance against industry standards). These subtypes help identify different aspects of a system&#8217;s performance and ensure it meets specific requirements under various conditions.

Performance Testing vs Load Testing Key Differences

Performance Testing vs Load Testing | Key Differences

<p id="h-imagine-your-application-is-like-a-bustling-metropolis-with-vast-numbers-of-users-navigating-its-virtual-streets-and-alleys-how-do-you-ensure-that-your-digital-city-can-withstand-the-ever-growing-traffic-and-unexpected-surges-that-is-where-load-testing-and-stress-testing-come-into-play-are-they-different-yes-let-s-talk-about-load-testing-vs-stress-testing">Imagine your application is like a bustling metropolis, with vast numbers of users navigating its virtual streets and alleys. How do you ensure that your digital city can withstand the ever-growing traffic and unexpected surges? That is where load testing and stress testing come into play. Are they different? Yes! Let&#8217;s talk about load testing vs stress testing.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Load_Testing_VS_Stress_Testing_8211_Overview">1 Load Testing VS Stress Testing &#8211; Overview</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Load_Testing">1.1 What is Load Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Stress_Testing">1.2 What is Stress Testing?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Top_10_Key_Differences_Between_Load_Testing_and_Stress_Testing">2 Top 10 Key Differences Between Load Testing and Stress Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Load_Testing_Vs_Stress_Testing8211_Summary">3 Load Testing Vs Stress Testing &#8211; Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Load_Testing_VS_Stress_Testing_8211What_are_the_Best_Practices">4 Load Testing VS Stress Testing &#8211;What are the Best Practices ?</a></li><li><a href="#Tools_for_Load_Testing_and_Stress_Testing">5 Tools for Load Testing and Stress Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">7 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#1_What_is_the_difference_between_load_testing_and_reliability_testing">7.1 1. What is the difference between load testing and reliability testing?</a></li><li><a href="#2_What_is_a_stress_test_in_load_testing">7.2 2. What is a stress test in load testing?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="load-testing-vs-stress-testing-overview">Load Testing VS Stress Testing &#8211; Overview</h2>



In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of load testing and stress testing, uncovering their fundamental differences and shedding light on how they contribute uniquely to refining software performance.



<h3 id="what-is-load-testing"><a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/load-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What is Load Testing?</a></h3>



Load testing is a type of performance testing that focuses on the behaviour and responsiveness of an application under normal load conditions. It simulates the expected workload on the application, such as the number of concurrent users or transactions, to evaluate its performance metrics. 



Load Testing helps you gauge the breaking point where performance remains optimal, and user experience doesn&#8217;t take a hit. It helps identify performance bottlenecks, uncover any inefficiencies, and ensure that the application can handle the projected load without compromising its speed, stability, or user experience.



<h3 id="what-is-stress-testing"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-stress-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What is Stress Testing?</a></h3>



Stress testing is another fundamental performance testing technique aimed at assessing an application&#8217;s robustness and reliability under extreme and challenging conditions.&nbsp;



Unlike load testing, stress testing pushes an application beyond its normal load conditions.&nbsp;



The primary objective of stress testing is to identify the breaking point of the system, understand how it behaves under extreme stress, and evaluate its ability to recover gracefully from any failures or crashes.&nbsp;



This type of testing helps uncover vulnerabilities, bottlenecks, and weaknesses in the application&#8217;s architecture, enabling developers to fortify the system and enhance its overall performance and stability.



<h2 id="top-10-key-differences-between-load-testing-and-stress-testing">Top 10 Key Differences Between Load Testing and Stress Testing</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Difference</td><td>Load Testing</td><td>Stress Testing</td></tr><tr><td>Definition</td><td>Evaluates system behavior under expected normal load.</td><td>Tests the system&#8217;s robustness under extreme conditions.</td></tr><tr><td>Purpose</td><td>Identify performance bottlenecks and optimize resources.</td><td>Discover the system&#8217;s breaking point and assess recovery.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-different-software-testing-types-explained/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Type of Testing</a></td><td>Sub-category of <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/performance-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">performance testing</a></td><td>Sub-category of performance testing</td></tr><tr><td>Testing Attributes</td><td>Focuses on response times, throughput, and resource use.</td><td>Emphasizes system stability, scalability, and recovery.</td></tr><tr><td>Limit</td><td>Operates within expected operational parameters.</td><td>Pushes the system beyond its normal operational limits.</td></tr><tr><td>Advantages</td><td>&#8211; Helps identify performance bottlenecks and allows for optimization of system resources, resulting in better application performance. &#8211; It enables the early detection of performance-related issues, allowing for preemptive fixes before they impact users. &#8211;&nbsp; Load testing helps assess how well an application can scale with increased user loads, aiding in capacity planning. &#8211; It confirms that the application can handle expected user loads without crashing or experiencing excessive delays. &#8211; By ensuring efficient response times, load testing enhances the overall user experience.</td><td>&#8211; Stress testing uncovers vulnerabilities that may not be apparent under normal conditions, helping to fortify the application against unexpected events. &#8211; It assesses how well the system can recover from adverse situations, improving its overall robustness. &#8211; Stress tests can validate the effectiveness of failover mechanisms, ensuring minimal downtime during critical events. &#8211; It evaluates the system&#8217;s ability to recover and maintain data integrity after sudden interruptions or failures. &#8211; Stress testing often reveals critical issues that could lead to system failures or data corruption.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="load-testing-vs-stress-testing">Load Testing Vs Stress Testing &#8211; Summary</h2>



Load testing is primarily focused on assessing the performance of a system under anticipated or typical user loads. The primary objective is to ensure that the system functions smoothly and efficiently under regular, expected conditions. Think of it as evaluating how well your car runs during everyday city driving or highway cruising.&nbsp; Load testing helps answer questions like:



<ul><li>Can the application handle the expected number of users without slowing down?</li><li>Is the system responsive under typical user interactions?</li><li>Are the response times within acceptable limits under normal usage?</li></ul>



In essence, load testing assures that your application will perform adequately when it encounters the expected traffic load, ensuring a good user experience under usual circumstances.



On the flip side, stress testing is all about pushing the system to its limits and beyond. The main aim here is to evaluate how well the system copes with extreme and adverse conditions that exceed its standard operational boundaries. Imagine testing how your car handles the harshest off-road terrain or extreme weather conditions. Stress testing seeks answers to critical questions such as:



<ul><li>What happens when the system faces an unexpected surge in user traffic?</li><li>How does the application behave when hardware components fail unexpectedly?</li><li>Can the system recover gracefully from sudden and intense stress?</li></ul>



Stress testing goes beyond everyday scenarios to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could lead to system failures under exceptional circumstances. It&#8217;s like stress-testing a bridge to ensure it can withstand the most severe earthquakes or storms.



<h2 id="load-testing-vs-stress-testing-what-are-the-best-practices">Load Testing VS Stress Testing &#8211;What are the Best Practices ?</h2>



Some of the best practices for load and stress testing, or any type of performance testing, are as follows,



<ul><li>Always begin with a performance baseline. A solid baseline is crucial to identify and measure performance bottlenecks for improvements or declines over time.</li><li>Prioritize your performance tests since covering every user workflow is impractical, given the various types available. Focus on the most essential workflows initially.</li><li>Integrate performance testing into your CI/CD pipeline. Run performance tests as part of <a href="https://testsigma.com/continuous-integration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continuous integration</a> and deployment to ensure continuous testing. Ad hoc approaches are rarely effective in practice.</li><li>Allocate time for addressing any performance issues. Performing performance tests in the early stages of development allows much time for fixing issues before the product goes to production. Implementing a shift left approach has a remarkable impact on testing.</li></ul>



<h2 id="tools-for-load-testing-and-stress-testing">Tools for Load Testing and Stress Testing</h2>



Load testing and stress testing are critical activities in software testing that help ensure the performance and stability of applications under different conditions. To conduct these tests effectively, you&#8217;ll need the right tools. Here are some popular tools for load testing and stress testing: 



1. Apache JMeter: Apache JMeter is an open-source tool that can perform load testing on a variety of applications, servers, and protocols. It allows software testers to simulate a heavy load on a server, network, or object to analyze overall performance under different conditions. Apache JMeter supports both load testing and stress testing.



2. LoadRunner: &nbsp;LoadRunner, developed by Micro Focus, is a powerful tool for performance testing. It supports a wide range of protocols and can simulate thousands of virtual users to test your application&#8217;s scalability and performance. LoadRunner supports both load testing and stress testing.



3. Gatling: Gatling is an open-source, highly customizable load testing tool. It is particularly well-suited for testing asynchronous scenarios and can generate detailed reports to help you analyze performance bottlenecks. Gatling supports both load testing and stress testing.



4. BlazeMeter: BlazeMeter is a cloud-based load-testing platform that allows users to create and execute tests easily. It integrates with various <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/ci-cd-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CI/CD tools </a>and provides real-time reporting and analytics. BlazeMeter supports both load testing and stress testing.



5. Neoload: Neoload is a user-friendly tool for performance testing. It supports a wide range of technologies, including mobile and IoT, and offers features like <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-design/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test design</a>, <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-maintenance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test maintenance</a>, and performance analysis. Neoload supports both load testing and stress testing.



6. Locust:&nbsp; Locust is an open-source load testing tool that allows you to write test scenarios in Python. It&#8217;s easy to set up and can simulate thousands of users. It focuses on simplicity and scalability. Locust supports both load testing and stress testing.



7. WebLOAD: WebLOAD is a load testing tool designed for web and mobile applications. It offers a wide range of testing capabilities, including peak load testing and <a href="https://testsigma.com/continuous-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continuous testing</a>. WebLOAD supports both load testing and stress testing.



8. Artillery: Artillery is an open-source, modern, and flexible load testing toolkit. It&#8217;s suitable for testing both HTTP and WebSocket applications and is scriptable using JavaScript. Artillery supports both load testing and stress testing.



9. LoadUI: LoadUI is a load testing tool by SmartBear that focuses on ease of use. It allows you to create complex load tests through a graphical interface. LoadUI supports both load testing and stress testing.



10. Tsung: Tsung is an open-source, distributed load testing tool. It&#8217;s suitable for testing various protocols and is known for its scalability. Tsung supports both load testing and stress testing.



Read more here about <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/load-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Load Testing Tools.</a>



<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



In conclusion, load testing and stress testing are both essential components of performance testing, but they serve different purposes and involve distinct testing approaches. Load testing ensures that a system can handle its expected user load efficiently, while stress testing pushes the system beyond its limits to uncover vulnerabilities. Choosing the right <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Test_strategy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing strategy</a>, tools, and techniques depends on the specific goals of your testing process and the characteristics of your application.



<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="1-what-is-the-difference-between-load-testing-and-reliability-testing">1. What is the difference between load testing and <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/reliability-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reliability testing</a>?</h3>



Load testing focuses on evaluating the system&#8217;s performance under expected user loads to ensure efficiency and responsiveness. Reliability testing, on the other hand, evaluates a system&#8217;s capacity to sustain its functionality and availability over an extended period of time, generally by putting it through continuous or long-duration tests. They both attempt to increase system quality, but their scopes and goals are distinct.



<h3 id="2-what-is-a-stress-test-in-load-testing">2. What is a stress test in load testing?</h3>



A stress test, as used in the context of load testing, is a particular scenario in which the system is put under an intense and unexpected demand, pushing it beyond its typical operating conditions. In load testing, a stress test is used to determine how the system responds to challenging situations and whether it can gracefully recover from traffic or resource spikes that are unexpected or unanticipated. In load testing, stress tests are used to evaluate a system&#8217;s robustness and capacity for unforeseen difficulties.

Load Testing vs Stress Testing | Key Differences

In today’s fast-paced and digital world, mobile applications have become an integral part of our daily lives. From entertainment, communication, productivity, and even commerce, these applications play an important role in enhancing user experience. Imagine being engrossed in a mobile game application, navigating its features with excitement, when suddenly a call comes in, or even a message notification comes up. What happens next can make or mar a user&#8217;s experience. This is why it is important to ensure that mobile applications can handle interruptions properly before releasing for production. In this blog, we will be diving into the world of interruption testing in mobile applications.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Interruption_Testing">1 What is Interruption Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Categories_of_Interruption_Testing_in_Mobile_Applications">2 Categories of Interruption Testing in Mobile Applications</a></li><li><a href="#Types_of_Interruptions_in_Mobile_Applications">3 Types of Interruptions in Mobile Applications</a></li><li><a href="#Resolution_in_cases_of_an_interruption">4 Resolution in cases of an interruption</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Perform_Interruption_Testing_In_Mobile_Applications">5 How to Perform Interruption Testing In Mobile Applications</a></li><li><a href="#Automating_Interruption_Testing">6 Automating Interruption Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Interruption_Testing_Checklist">7 Interruption Testing Checklist</a></li><li><a href="#Summary">8 Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">9 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#1_Is_it_possible_to_perform_interruption_testing_on_a_device_emulator">9.1 1. Is it possible to perform interruption testing on a device emulator?</a></li><li><a href="#2_Why_is_interruption_testing_necessary">9.2 2. Why is interruption testing necessary?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-interruption-testing">What is Interruption Testing?</h2>



Interruption testing is a type of <a href="https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mobile app testing</a> and is the process of testing a mobile application’s response and ability to handle and recover from unexpected interruptions effectively.&nbsp;



For example, let’s say you are in the middle of an online transaction on an e-commerce mobile application when you receive an important message from a potential client, and you switch to your messaging app to check the message, and upon returning to the e-commerce mobile app, you realized that all the goods you have previously added to the cart are no longer there. In this scenario, it means the e-commerce app is unable to return to its previous state after an interruption.&nbsp;



The primary objective of interruption testing is to ensure that an application maintains its integrity during and after the occurrence of interruptions, with the end goal of providing users with a smooth and uninterrupted experience.



<h2 id="categories-of-interruption-testing-in-mobile-applications">Categories of Interruption Testing in Mobile Applications</h2>



There are three categories of interruption testing in mobile applications:



<ul><li>Device Dependent &#8211; This has to do with testing a mobile app’s ability to handle interruption that is based on the built-in features of the device that is being tested. Some of these interruptions include device locking, low battery, and shutting down the device.&nbsp;</li><li>Network Dependent &#8211; This has to do with a mobile app’s ability to handle interruptions that are based on network, for example, switching from one network provider to another or switching from one type of network signal to another (3G to 4G).</li><li>Functionality Dependent &#8211; This has to do with testing a mobile app’s ability to handle a combination of interruptions from other mobile applications or from the device. These can be incoming calls, message notifications, and notifications from other applications.</li></ul>



<h2 id="types-of-interruptions-in-mobile-applications">Types of Interruptions in Mobile Applications</h2>



There are different types of interruptions in mobile applications, some of which we are very familiar with. They include and are not limited to:



<ul><li>Incoming phone calls</li><li>Incoming messages</li><li>Charging a device while using a mobile application</li><li>Disconnecting a device while using a mobile application</li><li>Alarm notifications</li><li>Network disconnection</li><li>Network switch&nbsp;</li><li>Low battery</li><li>Full battery</li><li>Network restoration</li><li>A device shutting down</li><li>Clicking on an external link</li><li>Changing network providers while using a mobile application</li></ul>



<h2 id="resolution-in-cases-of-an-interruption">Resolution in cases of an interruption</h2>



In the context of interruption testing in mobile applications, resolution refers to the actions taken by the mobile application to handle and recover from an interruption. When an interruption occurs while using a mobile application, the application is expected to respond appropriately to ensure that the user’s experience remains seamless and uninterrupted. Here are some common resolutions for different types of interruption.



1. Show Alert



This can be explained as when a mobile application is in use and messages from the device or from other applications come up. The application should show incoming messages in a non-intrusive manner, like an alert or a notification banner, providing the user with the option to read, dismiss or respond to the message without leaving the mobile application entirely.



2. Run in the background



In this case, the interruption takes over while the application takes a back seat. When an interruption occurs, some mobile applications have the capacity to run in the background, which allows the app to continue performing certain tasks while the user attends to the interruption. For example, a user is using a navigation application to find their way to a train station, and they receive an incoming call. The navigation app should run in the background, allowing the user to answer the call without leaving the navigation. Once the call ends, the user can seamlessly return to the navigation and it would look like there was never an interruption.



3. Call to Action



There are cases where an interruption in a mobile application may require a user’s input or decision-making. For example, a user is playing a game on the mobile phone and they receive a notification that the device’s battery has become critically low. The application displays a call to action message asking if the user wants to switch to a power-saving mode to conserve battery. The user can then choose to enable power saving mode to conserve the device’s battery life while continuing with the game.



4. No impact



In some certain situations, an interruption may have no significant impact on an application’s activity or a user’s experience. For example, when a device is plugged in for charging while using an application, there is no alert or call-to-action resolution. This ensures that the application continues to run seamlessly without requiring any immediate action or input from the user.



<h2 id="how-to-perform-interruption-testing-in-mobile-applications">How to Perform Interruption Testing In Mobile Applications</h2>



Performing interruption testing in mobile applications means simulating interruptions to evaluate how the application handles and recovers from them. Here are steps on how to conduct interruption testing in mobile applications.



1. Identify critical scenarios&nbsp;



It is important to identify the interruptions that are relevant to a mobile application and could potentially impact a user’s experience. Highlight common interruption scenarios like incoming calls, incoming messages, alarms, low battery warnings, and network interruptions.



2. Develop and Design Test Cases&nbsp;



After identifying these interruption scenarios, create test cases for them, highlighting the expected behavior of the mobile application to the identified interruptions and the desired outcome that is expected after the interruption has been resolved.



3. Set up Testing Environment



Prepare a <a href="https://www.tutorialspoint.com/test-environment-for-software-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing environment </a>to carry out the interruption testing. Use tools or scripts to automate the interruption events.



4. Implement Automation



Automation can significantly enhance the coverage and efficiency of interruption testing. Consider using automation tools or frameworks to automate the process. This enables us to carry out repeated testing and to ensure consistent and fast testing.



5. Execute Test Cases



Carry out testing on different mobile devices and operating systems (Android, iOS) to ensure comprehensive coverage. During the process, observe closely how the app responds during and after the interruptions.



6. Analyze the Test Results



At this stage, thoroughly analyze the test results to identify any issues or unexpected behaviors experienced during the testing. Determine if the app performs as expected in each interruption scenario and if there is room for improvement.



<h2 id="automating-interruption-testing">Automating Interruption Testing</h2>



Automating interruption testing involves leveraging specialized testing tools and frameworks to simulate interruptions automatically without the need for manual intervention. Utilizing specialized testing tools and frameworks to automatically mimic disruptions without operator involvement is known as automating interruption testing. Using an automated process, QA teams and developers can thoroughly test how well their mobile apps can manage various interruption scenarios.&nbsp;



<a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automated testing</a> mimics real-world disruptions to make sure that the app can reliably pause, restart, and recover data, ensuring a positive user experience even under difficult circumstances.



Software development and testing teams can harness the full potential of automation testing by exploring various automated testing platforms. <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a> is a powerful example of such a platform.&nbsp;



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Automate your mobile application tests, 10x faster, with Testsigma</a></button> 



<h2 id="interruption-testing-checklist">Interruption Testing Checklist</h2>



Now that we have covered the basics of interruption testing and how to perform it, this checklist will help you get started with it. This checklist has been listed based on the three categories of interruption testing in mobile applications.



1. Device Dependent



<ul><li>Create an interruption by setting an alarm or running a timer to see how well the mobile application handles it.&nbsp;</li><li>Lock the device when performing a task on a mobile application and unlock it to see how the mobile application responds.</li><li>Check that every feature is operational when the device is hot because some features, like the flash, won&#8217;t function in such conditions.</li><li>Check to determine if the progress achieved on the mobile app is saved by performing a sudden device restart.</li><li>Make sure the mobile app doesn&#8217;t lag or crash when using it in battery-saving mode.</li><li>Use the mobile app when the device is charging to see if any overheating issues are present.</li></ul>



2. Network Dependent



<ul><li>Switch from WiFi to a mobile network while using a mobile application to see if it has any impact on its performance.</li><li>If the device supports two networks, try switching from one network to another while the mobile app is being used.</li><li>Connect and disconnect the mobile device to and from an external source like a speaker or earphone to see if the mobile application’s audio is routed correctly.</li><li>Check if the offline functions of your mobile app work as expected by activating Airplane mode and using it.</li><li>If a file download or upload feature is available, ensure that it continues when you reconnect to the network after any disruption.</li><li>Use your mobile app when the network is throttled to make sure the functionality is unaffected.</li></ul>



3. Functionality Dependent



<ul><li>Use the pop-up reply feature or mark a message as read to see if the mobile app responds to it appropriately.</li><li>Answer/Reject an incoming call while using your mobile app and see if the user can resume from where they left off.</li><li>See if there are any effects by opening YouTube or another media app that supports picture-in-picture mode over the app you are evaluating.</li><li>Update your mobile app to the latest version and see if all the saved data is retained safely.</li><li>Make sure all background-operating features on your mobile app, such as those that download files, track scores, and so forth, function as intended.</li><li>Use your mobile app with an active pop-up for any app like Facebook Messenger and see if it works as expected.</li></ul>



<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2>



Interruption testing is a crucial aspect of mobile application testing that ensures uninterrupted and seamless user experiences. The resilience and recovery capacities of a mobile application can be evaluated by software testers by identifying and simulating different interruption scenarios. Utilizing automated testing tools and platforms can make the process of interruption testing more efficient and reliable.



<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="1-is-it-possible-to-perform-interruption-testing-on-a-device-emulator">1. Is it possible to perform interruption testing on a device emulator?</h3>



Yes, it is possible to use device emulators to perform interruption testing by simulating various interruption scenarios to see how mobile applications respond and recover from them.



<h3 id="2-why-is-interruption-testing-necessary">2. Why is interruption testing necessary?</h3>



Interruption testing is needed to guarantee a smooth and seamless user experience and to also ensure the reliability of mobile applications. By simulating real-world scenarios, it ensures that mobile applications can handle interruptions effectively, prevent data loss and crashes, and ultimately improve user satisfaction.

Interruption Testing - How To Perform In Mobile Applications