Endurance Testing

Prior to releasing software in the market, several tests are performed to ensure that it meets the set quality and compliance standards. Every organization has a different software testing method and picks the tests accordingly. However, one of the most significant capabilities of the software is to handle high loads which can be tested through endurance testing. This article will elaborate all about endurance testing, its benefits, how it should be performed, and what are the key areas to monitor.

What Is Endurance Testing?

Endurance testing is a type of software testing where the created software is put under a high load for long durations to determine its behavior. Understanding the actual capabilities of the software in handling a herculean amount of load without hampering its overall functionalities and response time is the goal of endurance testing.
Considered a non-functional software testing type, endurance testing is performed at the final stage as it is an elongated process that may take several months to complete. This testing type is also referred to as soak testing, capacity testing, or longevity testing. Upon completion of the test, the results will help in understanding the true capabilities of the software in handling unexpected traffic spikes.

Advantages Of Endurance Testing

Endurance testing has become an essential part of software testing. Below are some of the significant benefits of performing endurance testing on software:

1. Detect Memory Leak: When the software fails to release unwanted memory, it is considered a memory leak. Tests like volume testing, stress testing, or any other performance testing type cannot detect memory leaks. However, endurance testing can help developers in identifying memory leaks in the software.
2. Robust Software: Every software testing type is done to achieve certain goals which make software better in one way or the other. When it comes to endurance testing, it detects the issues that can degrade the software under continuous load. These issues are then resolved by the developers which makes the software more robust than before.
3. Prevents Damage to the Reputation: Imagine releasing feature-rich software that became an instant hit in the industry after its launch. Due to huge demand, the users rise sharply but the software is not capable of handling that many users simultaneously. It will lead to a massive dent in the software’s reputation. Endurance testing allows the developers to identify the sudden load in the software which saves its reputation.
4. Saves Money: Issues identified before they can cause significant system damage can save a lot of money for the development company. Performing endurance testing can help in detecting issues before they can hamper the performance of the software, saving the hefty cost of fixing the issue.

Disadvantages Of Endurance Testing

Endurance testing is not just about benefits, but there are certain limitations to performing it. Understanding the limitations before performing the endurance testing can help the developer in preparing for the test.

1. Expensive: Every organization’s priority while developing or managing software is to minimize expenses. Though performing endurance testing is an investment that provides results later, still it is considered highly expensive as the system runs throughout the testing process.
2. Data Loss: Sometimes, performing endurance testing can lead to the over-stressing of the system. If the team has prepared for such a situation, it is entirely harmless. However, if the team is unprepared for this situation, overstressing the system can lead to data corruption or loss.
3. Time Taking: Without a doubt, releasing the software quickly is one of the main goals of the development company. Due to this reason, developers put in all their efforts so that they can meet the deadlines. However, endurance testing is a long process that can delay the software release if managed incorrectly.

What Are The Goals Of Endurance Testing?

Before performing endurance testing, you should be aware of the goals that you need to achieve with it. Here are the primary goals that you should aim to achieve after performing endurance testing.

• To ensure that there are no memory leaks in the software.
• To identify the maximum number of users the system can handle with peak performance.
• To determine the requirement of additional resources to enhance the capabilities of the software in the future.
• To evaluate the consequences of overloading the system

What To Monitor While Performing Endurance Testing?

When it comes to performing endurance testing, there are specific things that should be monitored. The following mentioned are the things that you should specifically monitor in this testing type.

• Response Time –Due to elongated usage of the software system, the application becomes inefficient which is why the system should be tested for the response time.
• Memory Leakage –Memory leaks can only be identified with endurance testing. Several checks are performed to ensure that memory leakage is eradicated and doesn’t hamper the performance of the operating system.
• Successful Closing of the Database Connection – The database connection should be closed successfully in endurance testing or else it will lead to inevitable system crashes.
• Connection Closure between the Layers of the System – The connection between the different system layers should be closed successfully or else it can hinder the performance of the system modules.

Steps To Perform Endurance Testing

Performing an endurance test efficiently and correctly requires a systematic approach. Below elaborated is the process for endurance testing that will help you in attaining the desired results.

1. Build A Test Environment:The foremost step in the endurance testing process is to create a test environment where the significance of the hardware, software, database and operating system to perform the test will be identified. The created test environment should be separate from the live system so that the environment does not hamper it.
2. Create Test Plans And Scenarios:The next step in the endurance testing process is to create a test plan and scenarios. Depending on the automated or manual testing requirement, the test cases are designed, reviewed, and prepared for execution. Furthermore, breakpoint testing and testing to stress the system are also part of this phase.
3. Test Cycle Estimation:Identifying the estimated time to complete every phase in the process, and the number of test cycles required is done in this step. It should be kept in mind that all the necessary factors and actions should be included while finding the test cycle estimation. Additionally, it should also include the number of test engineers included in the process.
4. Analyzing The Risk:Risk is something that can never be eradicated but only minimized. To do so, the test cases based on their risk factor are prioritized. With the right risk assessment, the necessary action to minimize the damage can be taken. The following risks that can occur during endurance testing:
   • Unidentified minor issues.
   • External interference.
   • Inconsistent performance.
5. Scheduling The Test:One of the most important steps, the test schedule will include crucial factors like determining the deliverables, timeframes, and budget for the process.
6. Execute The Test:This is the step where the endurance tests will take place on the software. Once the test environment is ready, the test cases are implemented. The testers may find and note down the issues in the software. All these issues are then solved by the testers and the same will undergo retesting to ensure that they are fixed.
7. Closing The Test Cycle:The final step in the endurance testing process is closing the test cycle. In this step, the test cycle that meets the exit criteria of the test process will be closed. Furthermore, a report of every identified issue and its status will be prepared to gain insight into the test results.

Endurance Testing Tools

When it comes to making endurance testing efficient, many testers prefer using the right tools. Without a doubt, manual endurance testing can demand prolonged hours and the utmost effort. However, there are several tools that can make this testing easier and some of the best ones are mentioned below.

1. LoadRunner:LoadRunner is a pioneer in performing performance testing. In addition, it can also perform unit and integration testing. Though it is a paid tool, users can use the trial version and determine whether they want to use it for endurance testing or not.
2. WebLoad:WebLoad is an endurance testing tool created by Radview. It supports Linux and Microsoft Windows for a wider testing range. Furthermore, it also comes with support for Selenium and Perfecto Mobile. Other notable features of this tool are load generation, analytics, test case creation, and an integrated development environment.
3. JMeter:JMeter is an open-source endurance testing tool by Apache. Its ability to perform endurance testing with real-time example scenarios has made it the preference of several testers in the industry. Apart from that, it’s easy integration with Selenium and its free-to-use model adds another reason to pick this tool.
4. Appvance:Appvance is an AI-based automation endurance testing tool that can offer real-time analytics on software tests. In addition to endurance testing, Appvance is efficient in performing functional and security testing on software.
5. OpenSTA:Developed by CYRANO, the Open System Testing Architecture is written in C++ and can perform endurance testing efficiently. Being an open-source tool, it is free-to-use and it supports Microsoft Windows.

Endurance Testing VS Stress Testing

Endurance testing is a type of performance testing done to determine the software’s capabilities in handling huge loads without hindering the response time and performance of the software. However, the question is how endurance testing is different from stress testing. Here is a quick comparison of endurance testing with stress testing.

Endurance Testing

• Definition:Endurance testing is testing the performance of the application after putting too much load and identifying its behavior.
• Why Is It Performed:Endurance testing is performed to eradicate memory leaks, and understand the consequences of overloading the system.
• Tested Factors:Performance is the factor tested in endurance testing.
• Outcome:The outcome of endurance testing is zero memory leaks and better-performing software.

Stress Testing

• Definition:Stress testing is done to identify the speed and reliability of the software under high traffic.
• Why Is It Performed:Stress testing is performed to evaluate the software’s behavior and performance under high pressure.
• Tested Factors:In stress testing, the factors tested are the stability and robustness of the software.
• Outcome:After successful stress testing, the software will become more stable.

Endurance testing is often considered a part of performance testing as the ultimate goal is to make sure that the software performs without any hindrance. When done correctly, it will allow the tester to remove memory leaks, and reduce response time. However, one thing should be kept in mind that endurance testing is a long process and might even take several weeks or even a year to complete. Though it might extend the deadline a bit, the results are surely worth it.

FAQ

Why is endurance testing important?

Being a part of performance testing, endurance testing has become an integral part of software testing. Here are some of the ways how it is important in software testing:

• Enhances the performance of the software
• Eliminates memory leaks
• Identifies any performance degradation in the long run
• Provides data to improve the system infrastructure
• Makes the software robust

Is endurance testing performance testing?

Performance testing is a technique to improve the responsiveness, stability, and speed of software under a specific or heavy load. Performance testing also has different parts including endurance testing. In other words, performance testing is a wider term and endurance testing is its subset.

How do you conduct Endurance Test?

To get the right results, an endurance test should be performed with the right process and technique. Below is the process to conduct an endurance test.

• Built a Test Environment.
• Create a test plan and scenarios.
• Test cycle estimation.
• Analyze the risk.
• Scheduling the risk.
• Execute the risk.
• Closing the test cycle.