Software Testing | Endurance 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 for 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 of time. The goal of endurance testing is to identify any issues that may arise when the system is used for an extended period of time, 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 of time, 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 of time, even days or weeks.

Endurance testing includes examining a system while it withstands a huge load for a long period of time 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 of time. 

Hence the 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 of time to observe the behavior of the software under such conditions. 

It is performed at the last stage of performance run cycle. Endurance testing ensures that the application is capable of handling the extended load without any delay of response time. 
Endurance testing is a long process and sometimes it may last for even 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
2. Creating the test plan
3. Test estimation
4. Risk Analysis
5. Test Schedule
6. Test Execution
7. Test Closure

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 identification of performance problems occurs when system is used for a long period of time.
• It helps in identifying the amount of memory leakage.
• If the testing is done effectively then there will be reduction in maintenance cost.
• 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 is able to 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 of time.
• Simulating long-term usage: Endurance testing allows testing teams to test the system for a prolonged time 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 correct automation tool is important to test the system otherwise it leads to unexpected results.
• We can not determine how much of stress needs to be applied.
• Over-stressing will result in performance problem, 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 of time.
• 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 in order 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.

REFERENCE:

• “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.
• “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.
• “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.
• “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.
• “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.