Introduction to Stability Testing
Stability Testing enables one to check if the system can perform under certain circumstances and whether it has the ability to perform under certain given set of conditions. The purpose behind this testing is to check how well the software works under pressure. It is a type of non-functional testing and its aim is to bring out the maximum from the product built. While doing this type of testing it is checked that the product should perform well under loads of acceptable levels, peak loads, spikes generated due to loads, testing with large amounts of data, etc. Stability testing checks the efficiency of a developed product and is test often till the product breakpoint. It creates a robust and scalable product that can break in normal circumstances. The main objective here is having a stable software which can handle big programs and operate effectively and stabilize the system when under stress.
How Stability Testing is 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 execution of all different functionalities can be done 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 deliverables are delivered within the specified time.
Stability Testing Techniques
Stability Testing aims at improving the performance of the software. 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 disk spaces that are provided. It can be checked
2. Memory Usage: This is a major factor which needs to be checked is the memory usage during this test.
3. CPU: After memory, the CPU also should be efficient so that it can 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 data which is generated helps in getting 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 in getting the performance of the server and also will determine how many minimum and maximum users or transactions can be performed at a particular time. This information can help in evaluating the time which is required in sending 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 which help you in stressing the system and check its stability. Below are a few tools which can be used in Stability Testing Tools:
1. HeavyLoad: This tool checks the stability of the main components of the system 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 and then 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 the system may crash due to extra load on the CPU or processor which may result 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 behavior when in 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. Stability testing stabilizes the system and helps in delivering quality and long-lasting software.
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