Have you recently developed a new application? Before launching it to the world, ensuring its functions efficiently and according to your expectations is important. It must also be fast and scalable to many users.

But how? This is where webLOAD load testing and stress testing step in.

While they may sound similar, a load test and stress testing tool are specific performance tests with different purposes. Both are important to measure and analyze your app’s parameters and meet your objectives.

To help you differentiate the difference between load and stress testing, keep reading our helpful guide below:

Load Testing

Load testing is a kind of performance test that measures the performance of a system, application, or software product under real-life load conditions. Load tests determine the upper limit of the application or system.

During a load test, the application is subject to a multiple number of users. The factors tested during load testing are called performance and help understand the capacity of your systems.

Why Perform a Load Test?

You will never know when a high number of users will visit your application or website. When such happens, your system must be well-prepared. A proactive approach to load testing is vital to prevent production failure.

By load testing, you can:

• determine your application’s operational capability
• detect hidden bugs like memory flows
• find the adequacy of the current infrastructure in running the application
• check for scalability
• ensure operationality at desired performance level
• identify the maximum number of users your system can support

Stress Testing

On the one hand, stress testing determines the application’s stability and integrity. Stress testing, also called the resistance test, allows you to understand a system’s performance under pressure.

Ina stress test, the application is tested under multiple users and excess data, to which its performance will be evaluated. This is crucial in discovering your software’s system security and robustness.

Why Perform a Stress Test?

While massive user traffic can be a concern, the waves of data affecting your app or website may cause it to fail. Your system must handle peaks of activity smoothly, which is discoverable in a stress test.

Performing a stress test allows you to:

• check data saving before crashes
• prevent application failure
• remove chances of security failures during unexpected crashes
• collect data before the launch

The Verdict

To summarize, a load test and stress test are actions performed to ensure the operability and efficiency of a system in extreme conditions, most of which include an influx of data and user traffic.

While load testing focuses more on an application’s capacity under multiple user numbers, stress testing reveals your software’s sturdiness when subject to high activity levels.

Regardless, it is imperative to have your newly developed or existing application performance tested to ensure it functions well according to your criteria and user demand.

For the most powerful load and stress testing tool for the most challenging web applications, we highly recommend Radview and their webLOAD technology. Visit Radview to book a demo today.