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Load testing in agile environment is being extensively used in most software development scenarios in order to help developers to respond to changeability. However, the industry still withholds certain misconceptions about load testing. Think you know it all? Read on to be amazed!

Automation Testing in an Agile Environment: Five mistakes to avoid while testing in agile environment

Importance of performance testing in Agile Methodologies

Most developers and code testers prefer load and performance testing in agile development methodologies over traditional approaches as it proffer opportunities to access the direction all through the development lifecycle. Moreover, there are certain benefits of using agile methodologies, listed below:

• The widely accepted approach to development significantly decreases testing costs of the software
• It helps developers to build the right software by rectifying the bugs during initial stages
• It empowers load and performance testing teams to incessantly plan their release to optimize its value right through development, enabling them to be as competitive as possible in the market.
• Specialized problem solving units with well – Load testers – are entities which receive inputs through sensors and act on through effectors.

Some important attributes which must be followed during load testing in agile environment are mentioned below:

• The involvement of active user is imperative
• The testing team must be allowed to make decisions
• Requirements develop, but the timescale remain fixed
• Step-by-step release and iteration
• Gathering requirements at high level; visual & lightweight
• Complete focus on the incessant delivery of products

Common misapprehensions about load testing

There are quite a few misconceptions regarding load testing. It’s time to bust them!

• Performance Testing is completely different and is not feasible when it comes to agile environment– Performance testing offers a much more robust testing scenario since it enables the testers to test each module separately. A series of well-designed modular tests can help in overcoming this misconception.
• Performance testing is not quick enough for agile development environment– The testers can rely on targeted performance testing in order to rectify any issues related to speed. Most testers put up SLAs on high priority to ensure that the testing process moves smoothly.
• Another misconception related to load testing is that most developers feel that the application must not be subjected to performance testing until and unless all the features and functions are completed. However, this is not true since each module can be tested separately.
• Measuring the actual performance of the application is not possible if it is under the development process. On the contrary, the developers can test the performance of their code using performance test in the early phases.
• Another misconception related to load testing is that it does not require the inputs of the whole team which is untrue.

Scenarios and practices related to load testing in agile development environment

Agile-oriented computing actually boosts designing and developing applications in terms of independent software entities, placed in an environment. In agile-based computing, software entities interact with one another in terms of languages and high-level protocols so as to achieve goals.

The above mentioned features are well suited to manage the complexity of developing and testing software in current scenario since load testing, stress testing and performance testing play a key role in defining the scalability and work-ability of the application. The agile way in which agents interact and operate is well suited to the unpredictable scenarios where software is likely to operate. The load testers ensure that application is tested through recommended procedures to ensure that it runs without any glitch.

In this methodology, only the true valuable features for a system are selected by eliminating waste and thereafter, those features are prioritized and delivered in small batches. The process put emphasis on the speed and efficiency of development workflow. There should a fast and reliable feedback between programmers and customers.

Key Features of load testing in Agile Methodology

• It focuses more on the efficiency of the use of team resources
• Methodology ensures that everyone remains productive as much as possible
• It involves writing automated unit tests along with the code.
• Lean methods focus more on concurrent work
• Kanban development method is basically used by organizations to administer the development of products with an emphasis on incessant delivery, while not overburdening the team.

Now that you understand load testing better, we hope you can embed it in your agile setting. With so much changing about testing tools and processes, this is a great time to make load testing a part of your agile process.

Get in touch with TechArcis’s Agile Test Specialists today.

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