Endurance Testing – Software Testing

Endurance Testing is a type of Software Testing that is performed to observe whether an application can resist the processing load it is expected to have to endure for a long period. During endurance testing, memory consumption is considered to determine potential failures. Performance quality is also calculated during Endurance Testing. 

Endurance testing is mainly performed to measure the response of a tested element under potential simulated conditions for a specific period and a certain load. Observations recorded during the endurance testing are further used to improve the corresponding parameters of the software application. Endurance testing is also known as Soak Testing. 

1. Endurance testing, also known as stress testing or soak testing, is a type of software testing that is used to determine how well a system or application can handle prolonged usage or a large number of users over a long period. The goal of endurance testing is to identify any issues that may arise when the system is used for an extended period, such as memory leaks, performance degradation, or other problems that may not be immediately apparent during shorter testing periods.
2. During endurance testing, the system or application is subjected to a heavy workload or a large number of users for an extended period, typically hours or days. The system is then monitored for any performance issues or errors, and any problems that are identified are reported and addressed by the development team.
3. Endurance testing is particularly important for systems that will be used in a production environment, as it can help identify issues that may not be immediately apparent during shorter testing periods. It is also useful for identifying performance bottlenecks and capacity limits, which can help improve the overall performance of the system.
4. Endurance testing can be automated by using specialized tools and scripts, which can simulate the expected usage patterns and loads on the system, this way it can run for an extended period, even days or weeks.

Endurance testing includes examining a system while it withstands a huge load for a long period and measuring the reaction parameters of the system under such conditions. Endurance testing includes the testing of the operating system and the computer hardware up to or above their maximum loads for a long period. 

Hence endurance testing can be defined as a software testing type where a system or software application is tested with a load extended over a long period to observe the behavior of the software under such conditions. 

It is performed at the last stage of the performance run cycle. Endurance testing ensures that the application is capable of handling the extended load without any delay in response time. 
Endurance testing is a long process and sometimes it may last for up to a year. In endurance testing, external loads like internet traffic and user actions are used. Endurance testing is different from load testing as load testing ends in some hours. 

Endurance Testing Process

1. Establish the test environment: Determine the test environment and configure it so that it resembles the production environment. Make sure that every aspect possible of the databases, network configurations, hardware, and software matches the real production setup.
2. Creating the test plan: Create a thorough test plan that details the goals, parameters, methodology, materials, timetable, and outputs of the endurance evaluation procedure. Provide a clear definition of the test’s success criteria, performance metrics, and workload model.
3. Test estimation: Calculate how much hardware, software, testing equipment, and labor will be needed for the endurance testing procedure. Take into account the test’s duration, the amount of data it contains, and any other elements that can affect the amount of resources needed.
4. Risk Analysis: Determine any possible dangers that can arise from endurance testing, such as corrupted data, device malfunctions, or network problems. Evaluate each risk’s potential impact and probability, then create mitigation plans to reduce any negative consequences on the testing procedure.
5. Test Schedule: Create a thorough test plan with deadlines for every stage of the endurance testing procedure. The preparation of test data, creation of test scripts, testing, monitoring, and analysis should all be taken into account in this timeline.
6. Test Execution: Follow the established test plan and timetable when conducting the endurance test. This involves placing on the system an ongoing load over an extended length of time to mimic real-world usage conditions. Track system behavior, gather performance data, and spot obstacles.
7. Test Closure: After the endurance test is over, gather the data and contrast it with the established criteria of success. A thorough test closure report should be created, containing performance measurements, issues or bottlenecks found, and suggestions for improvement. Then, Share the report with the appropriate parties.

Endurance Testing Tools:

1. WebLOAD
2. LoadComplete
3. Apache JMeter
4. LoadRunner

Advantages of Endurance Testing

• It determines the amount of workload a system can handle.
• It helps in the identification of performance problems that occur when the system is used for a long period.
• It helps in identifying the amount of memory leakage.
• If the testing is done effectively then there will be a reduction in maintenance costs.
• It ensures client and customer satisfaction.
• Identifying performance issues: Endurance testing can help identify performance issues that may not be immediately apparent during shorter testing periods, such as memory leaks, performance degradation, or other problems that may only occur after prolonged usage.
• Improving performance: By identifying performance bottlenecks and capacity limits, endurance testing can help improve the overall performance of the system.
• Real-world testing: Endurance testing simulates real-world usage patterns and loads, which can help ensure that the system can handle the expected usage in a production environment.
• Finding hidden bugs: Endurance testing can help reveal bugs or issues that may not be immediately apparent, but that can cause problems when the system is used for an extended period.
• Simulating long-term usage: Endurance testing allows testing teams to test the system for a prolonged period, this way it can help to identify bugs that may occur only after a certain time has passed.

Disadvantages of Endurance Testing

• It takes more time to complete this testing technique.
• Here, Manual Endurance Testing can not be performed.
• Selection of the correct automation tool is important to test the system otherwise it leads to unexpected results.
• We can not determine how much stress needs to be applied.
• Over-stressing will result in performance problems, performance degradation, permanent loss of data, etc.
• Time-consuming: Endurance testing can be time-consuming and may require significant resources, as the system must be tested for an extended period.
• Costly: Endurance testing can be costly, as it may require specialized testing equipment or additional resources to simulate a heavy workload or a large number of users.
• Complex: Endurance testing can be complex, as it may require specialized tools and scripts to automate the testing process.
• Difficult to reproduce: If a problem is identified during endurance testing, it may be difficult to reproduce the issue to fix it.
• Limited coverage: Endurance testing may not be able to cover all possible scenarios and usage patterns, leading to less complete testing results.

Refrances

1. “Software Testing: A Craftsman’s Approach” by Paul C. Jorgensen: This book provides an in-depth look at the software testing process, including a detailed discussion of endurance testing and its role in the software development process.
2. “Software Testing: An ISTQB-BCS Certified Tester Foundation Guide” by Brian Hambling and Rex Black: This book provides a comprehensive introduction to software testing, including a detailed explanation of endurance testing and its importance in the software development process.
3. “Performance Testing with JMeter 2.9” by Bayo Erinle: This book provides a practical guide to using Apache JMeter to perform endurance testing, including tips and best practices for designing and executing performance tests.
4. “Load Testing with Apache JMeter” by Bayo Erinle: This book provides a practical guide to using Apache JMeter to perform load testing and endurance testing, including tips and best practices for designing and executing performance tests.
5. “Software Testing and Continuous Quality Improvement” by Ronald A. Radice: This book provides a comprehensive introduction to software testing, including a detailed explanation of endurance testing and its importance in the software development process.