Pure Load and Stress Testing (LST)
does not provide an adequate answer. When applied in an agile setting each transaction would be scripted on the critical path of the software development process. On average this takes 1.5 hours of the developer. Next, executing the performance test takes at least 20 minutes and most of the time more than an hour. Integrating performance testing this way in the software development process would disrupt the developer’s productivity.
Shift Left or Continuous Performance Testing
is based on pure load and stress testing. It works by having software developers create scripts for load tests that are conducted overnight. The developers receive feedback on the performance of their software the next morning. Though a meritorious step in the right direction, this does not provide the solution our industry is waiting for.