To address these challenges, a thorough performance testing strategy was developed. By using global user volume data from previous years, a benchmark load volume was established to simulate real-world scenarios. This included end-to-end scenarios focusing on the web and legacy applications. Diverse methods were proposed for evaluating user pathways, including manual UI navigation, JMeter-based API scripting, and Selenium automated user flow testing.
Performance scripting for APIs primarily targeted testing the backend systems to ensure all server-side components could withstand the load of users accessing the system via API. Meanwhile, Selenium UI testing focused on the frontend. This helped capture UI performance while the backend was under load.
This multi-pronged approach ensured an understanding of the application's performance under varying conditions. JMeter test scripts were crafted to replicate user flows, utilizing API consumption and parameterized test data for accuracy. Techniques such as JSON and Regular Expression extractors were applied to mimic end-to-end user experiences, ensuring data consistency across APIs. Additionally, assertions and listeners like aggregate reports and active user threads were used to monitor response times and verify data flow integrity. Monitoring resources such as query performance, CPU, and memory utilization at the database and server end (cloud) assisted in identifying bottlenecks in both the web application and legacy systems.
The initial performance evaluation revealed critical areas that required optimization, prompting a temporary halt in the application's launch. This assessment led to significant performance improvements, particularly in addressing legacy system bottlenecks. Multiple testing cycles with varied user load and ramp-up combinations were executed, providing valuable insights for management and confirming performance enhancements.
Additional optimizations included refining database queries and connections, which were carried out by the client's development team. The newly optimized application successfully launched to end users, meeting the company's high standards for user experience. The success of this initiative encouraged the client to extend performance evaluations to additional product lines, further solidifying their commitment to delivering exceptional service quality.