Web Application Load, Stress and Performance Testing Using WAPT

What causes most manual testers to struggle when performing efficiency tests on websites? A couple of common reasons for failure could include:

• Lack of appropriate tools for conducting successful website performance tests, and
• Inadequate skills necessary for performance testing.

Is it better to sit tight until an issue with the performance of a web application you’ve created has been discovered by your stakeholder? Absolutely not! Numerous testers excel in manual website testing and handle nearly every glitch while testing against standard test cases.

Yet, when conducting stress or load tests, these same testers often find themselves impeded by lack of resources (necessary tools) or proficiency.

=> Click Here to Explore the Performance Testing Tutorials Series In Full

We propose not to risk errors if you’re dedicated to delivering a flawless service. Request the necessary tools and provide your staff with the needed skills training.

Introducing WAPT

We will explore a load, stress, and performance testing tool for websites today. Called WAPT (Web Application Load, Stress, and Performance Testing) – a cost-effective and easy-to-learn Web Load Testing tool.

WAPT allows you to carry out website load and performance testing by creating a heavy load from one or multiple workstations. You can design and conduct your tests using this tool in a matter of minutes, and swiftly obtain the performance reports for your website or web application.

Using powerful virtual users that emulate real-world users is a feature of WAPT, offering full control over how to customize these virtual users.

Gauging Website Performance

Did you ever wonder?

– What’s the maximum number of users your website can accommodate at the same time while maintaining a quality service?
– What’s the most visitors your website can handle within a day or an hour?
– How quick is your website’s response time when under load?

These questions relate to your website’s “performance characteristics”.

With WAPT, you can obtain answers to all these queries.

See the video below for a quick tutorial about WAPT:

Getting Started With WAPT

(Noteworthy: Click on any image for a larger view)

WAPT operates by emulating the activity of numerous virtual users. Each virtual user can have their unique profile settings. Numerous virtual users can simultaneously act on your website, interacting with your web server in various ways.

After setting up the number of virtual users to act on your website, you have the choice to run your tests for a specified time or according to certain user sessions.

To view the Quick Start Guide for load testing utilizing WAPT, click here.

Testing with WAPT in 5 Simple Steps

Record -> Configure -> Verify -> Execute -> Analyze

WAPT uses the embedded Microsoft Internet Explorer for the recording of your interactions with the website. Upon recording your test, all dynamic parameters are documented as static variables that can be configured later during test execution.

You’ll need to configure each user with a variety of settings, like unique sessions, numbers of virtual users, values ​​for dynamic parameters, etc.

Once you’ve completed the recording and configuration, confirm if your test is prepared to run, then execute performance tests to see if everything looks good. Finally, review your reports to decide if your website’s performance tests are accepted or failed against your set of defined standards. That’s all.

How to Record Tests

Each test is recorded as a series of HTTP requests on a virtual user profile. As displayed in the screenshot below, you can browse profiles in the left-hand view:

WAPT operates much like any other record or playback tool; the real strength lies in its parametrization, where any parameter from a website URL or user session can be configured to imitate an actual user:

Analyzing the WAPT Test Report

A final comprehensive report is provided at the conclusion of the tests.

The test results also include real-time updated charts that can be monitored while your tests are in progress.

Items 1, 2, and 3 denoted in the preceding screenshot signify the specifics below:

1. The test outcomes are represented as a summary report, summary graphs, and charts associated with each user profile. You can decide on your preferred view.
2. Demonstrates several parameters on which the graph can be reviewed.
3. The test report may be saved – either in HTML or WPR format.

Here are the important metrics to track in the test report:

Error Rate: Presents the failure rate in comparison to the total number of tests conducted. These errors could occur as a result of server overload or due to network issues and timeouts.

Response Time: An important metric to monitor when testing website performance. It indicates the amount of time the server takes to return the right response to the request.

Pages per Second: The number of page requests the server was able to complete successfully per second.

Concluding Performance Tests

These efficiency criteria can change as each test undergoes various load conditions. It is necessary to conclude what you deem to be an acceptable load limit and whether your server can handle this limit.

For instance, let’s say you expect your server to manage 100 successful requests per second. Anything below this threshold would indicate a server failure that needs to be addressed.

WAPT Comes in Two Versions

– Standard version (Latest WAPT 9.7)
– Professional version of this Stress and Performance Testing tool (Latest WAPT Pro 4.7)

What Can WAPT Pro Do For You?

• Allows multiple computers to generate loads on the website.
• Sessions can be changed to test agents, modifying the test load instantly.
• WAPT Pro uses WMI and SNMP interfaces to collect performance counter values directly from numerous servers.
• Database performance can also be monitored utilizing WAPT Pro.
• Measure web server performance in terms of CPU, RAM, or network utilization.
• Execution of JavaScript code can be incorporated into virtual user profiles.

Extending With Modules

If you’d prefer not to manually specify each parameter, modules specific to the technology can be used to significantly better your testing experience.

To provide enhanced support, the following addon modules can be downloaded and installed together with the standard or professional version of WAPT:

• ASP.NET testing module
• Adobe Flash testing module
• JSON format module
• Silverlight Testing module
• GWT Testing module
• Binary formats module
• SharePoint Testing module

Finally, a comprehensive review cannot be complete without weighing the pros and cons.

WAPT’s Advantages

• Quick to set up – Installation takes just about five minutes.
• User-friendly with an impressively small learning curve.
• Real-time reports are provided, allowing you to decide whether to continue the test or not, thus saving you substantial time.
• Comprehensive test report that includes graphical data.
• HTTPS protocol is supported.
• Provides scalability for large-scale tests.
• Accuracy in emulation.
• No programming experience is necessary to utilize WAPT.
• Excellent level of technical support.
• A free 30-day trial is available!

WAPT’s Drawbacks

• The tool only supports the Windows platform for installation. (Though you can test a website that operates under any OS or technology)
• No scripting ability
• It isn’t a free tool.

How Can You Test Out This Tool?

You may download the 30-day trial versions of WAPT and WAPT Pro from here.

WAPT makes Load, Stress, and Performance testing of websites a breeze.

Further Readings:

• The Newbie’s Guide to Web Application Performance Testing with WAPT Pro
• Need to Stress Test Website with Over 10,000 Users? Opt for WAPT Pro x64 Load Engine
• What is Performance Testing? How Does It Differ From Load Testing and Stress Testing – With Examples
• Web Testing: Your Comprehensive Guide To Testing Web Apps

We Look Forward to Hearing From You!

Which performance testing tool are you using? Share your queries relating to the WAPT tool or performance testing in the comments section below.

=> Explore Our Complete Performance Testing Tutorials Series Here