Introduction to Stability Testing
As the name says, Stability Testing is used to figure out how far stable can an application behave in different environments and system conditions. The application being tested for its stability in different environments are validated with varying conditions that include different RAM capacities, different Internet speeds, different server loads, different atmospheric temperatures, different power supplies, etc. The test results will be observed on the application’s behavior in terms of response time, navigation patterns, the efficiency of the application, accessibility of the options in the application, etc.
How is Stability Testing Performed?
Stability Testing can be performed by means of automation or by performing the test manually. The idea behind this testing is to establish stability for the application. A minimum of three batches can be checked to evaluate the stability. The variance in data affects the system, and after checking the load, if there are issues, then it can be retested. The initial step in this testing is regression testing or smoke testing. Once this is passed, then functional or non-functional testing can be started. In functional testing, all functionalities can be executed, and non-functional will include performance-related issues. Stress testing falls under the latter category. The points which should be taken care of are:
- The maximum allowed load should be applied to the system both internally and externally, which will help in determining the breaking point.
- Memory should be full up to 60% and then tested for its performance.
- When the memory reaches 80%, then it should be tested again.
- To fill up the memory, automation scripts can be used.
- The maximum allowed load can also be applied to the system and checked for the application’s recovery.
It helps in determining the scope of testing and find out business issues to verify system performance and load data as per user. It will also ensure that test deliverable are delivered within the specified time.
Stability Testing Techniques
Stability Testing aims at improving the performance of the software. Therefore, there are many statistics that need to be gathered and should be measured while performing the testing. Tests that are to be taken care of are:
1. Disk: During stability testing, it is important to check the utilization of the provided disk spaces. It can be checked
2. Memory Usage: This is a major factor which needs to be checked in the memory usage during this test.
3. CPU: After memory, the CPU should also be efficient to handle all user requests.
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4. Transactions per second: The total number of transactions that are being completed should be made a note of. These transactions can either be successful or failed. This helps in getting a note of the actual transaction load on the system.
5. Throughput: The amount of data that users receive from the server at a given time is the throughput of the system. The throughput of the system is usually measured in bytes. This generated data helps get the amount of load that the users generate and how they can manage it.
6. Hits per second: This factor helps us understand the number of users who are currently present on the server. By testing this part, you can determine the load per user generates with respect to the number of hits on the server.
7. Transaction responses: This test will let us know the average time taken to perform transactions during the test. It will help get the performance of the server and determine how many minimum and maximum users or transactions can be performed at a particular time. This information can help evaluate the time required to send the request to the server, then to the application server and finally to the database server.
Stability Testing Tools
There are many tools available in the market that help you stress the system and check its stability. Below are a few tools that can be used in Stability Testing Tools:
1. HeavyLoad: This tool checks the stability of the system’s main components like processor, memory, and hard drive.
2. System Stability Tester: This tool uses the famous method of letting the computer calculate the value of Pi up to 128 million digits. It consumes all capacity of your processor as long as the test runs are used for benchmarking.
3. IntelBurn Test: This tool focuses on helping to push the CPU to its maximum limit. If it survives this, then it can be checked for its stability.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Stability Testing
Stability Testing helps in getting a more stable system. It ensures that even if there are many users, work can be continued without interruption or restarting the system. When memory is tested, it is ensured that there are no memory leaks which may lead to unexpected failures. It also monitors the effectiveness of the system. The disadvantages can be that the system may crash due to extra load on the CPU or processor, resulting in data loss.
Why do we need to perform Stability Testing?
Stability Testing helps in identifying defects when the system is pushed to harsh conditions. It prepares the system in advance for tolerating any stress that needs to be handled. Stability testing assists in getting to know the response to behaviour when under stress. It helps in fixing defects or bugs, which can enhance the stability of the software. By performing this test, the life of the software increases. The stability of any system can be found by performing these tests continuously.
Conclusion
Stability Testing is an important non-functional testing technique. It helps in achieving performance when the system is under stress. It can determine the stability of different components like CPU, processor, and memory. Thus, stability testing stabilizes the system and helps in delivering quality and long-lasting software.
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