Abstract
The focus of this chapter is toward the factors needing attention while conducting the tests of performance. Chapters 5 and 6 discuss in detail the test plan as well as the test scripts required for conducting the performance tests. The successful execution of PT calls for coordination of a complex set of activities such as management of personnel, scheduling the tests at an appropriate time, configuring tools for various performance parameters, verification of application readiness for the test, and, above all, management of multiple test runs versus cost of resources. Conducting the tests may spread over a number of days, and it may also warrant customization of the operating system. The team responsible for carrying out the tests must be well aware of these factors. Typical test execution (see Test execution, 2004) phases are shown in Figure 7.1. Each phase must be planned carefully. If these phases are followed in sequence, the probability of test execution errors could be reduced. The main reason behind introducing these phases is to reduce the cost. To illustrate, if we directly run tests without passing through initial phases like elaboration test (say) and an error creeps in later, it will result in unnecessary investment of effort on test runs, which is very expensive. Specialized skills are required to run tests. Sometimes, the test environment (including tools) has to be taken on hire during the test runs. All these involve effort and time, which will go to waste if the tests are not executed properly. Each phase is explained in Figure 7.1.