Load Testing Plan

Scenario Definition

Phase 2: Workload Model

1. Define load profiles
   • Baseline load: normal traffic pattern
   • Peak load: maximum expected concurrent users
   • Stress load: 1.5-2x peak to find breaking point
   • Soak load: sustained peak for 4-8 hours
   • Spike load: sudden jump from baseline to 3x peak
2. Define ramp-up and ramp-down patterns
3. Set performance acceptance criteria

Performance Acceptance Criteria

Phase 3: Environment Preparation

1. Prepare test environment
   • Environment matches production configuration (or scaled ratio)
   • Test data seeded in databases
   • External dependencies stubbed or isolated
   • Monitoring and APM tools configured
   • Load generators provisioned (distributed if needed)
2. Validate load generator capacity is sufficient
3. Baseline the environment under zero load
4. Coordinate with dependent teams

Phase 4: Test Script Development

1. Write test scripts per scenario
2. Parameterize test data (user credentials, product IDs, etc.)
3. Implement proper correlation for dynamic values
4. Add response validation assertions
5. Test scripts with single user before scaling
6. Version control all test artifacts

Phase 5: Test Execution

1. Execute tests in order
   • Run 1: Baseline test (low load, validate scripts)
   • Run 2: Normal load test (expected average traffic)
   • Run 3: Peak load test (expected maximum)
   • Run 4: Stress test (beyond peak, find breaking point)
   • Run 5: Soak test (sustained load, 4-8 hours)
   • Run 6: Spike test (sudden load increase)
2. Collect metrics during each run
3. Document observations and anomalies
4. Allow system recovery between test runs

Phase 6: Results Analysis & Reporting

1. Analyze results against acceptance criteria
2. Identify bottlenecks and their root causes
3. Generate performance comparison charts
4. Document capacity limits discovered
5. Provide optimization recommendations

Results Summary

Counter-Rationalizations

Output Format

• Test Plan Document: Scenarios, workload model, acceptance criteria
• Test Scripts: Version-controlled load test code
• Execution Log: Run results with timestamps and observations
• Results Report: Metrics, charts, bottleneck analysis
• Recommendations: Performance optimization actions

Action Items

• Define test scenarios and acceptance criteria
• Prepare test environment and data
• Develop and validate test scripts
• Execute all test runs
• Analyze results and identify bottlenecks
• Present findings and recommendations to team
• Schedule follow-up test after optimizations