Categories of Load Testing: Functional vs. Non-Functional

As a vital part of application and software development, load testing simulates real-world user workload to assess performance and identify bottlenecks. It is essential to reduce future risks and performance outages after the app release and ensure no compromise in the user experience.

With various variables and parameters to allow you to look at every possible angle, here are two equally important categories of load testing:

Functional Testing

Every load-testing tool conducts functional testing by focusing on the functionality of an application under certain restraints and workloads. This type of testing ensures that the application can handle the expected and programmed load and continuous functionality under stress.

By supplying appropriate test conditions, limitations, restrictions, and goals based on the expected output, you can compare it to the test results. This process allows you to test what the application does and its functionality by observing its operations and actions.

Here are some examples of functional load testing:

1. Integration testing- This test type focuses on testing the interfaces between different software system modules or components and ensuring they coordinate effectively to work as a single system.
2. Acceptance testing- Usually performed by software system users or an assigned representative, acceptance testing determines whether a software system meets the requirements of intended users.
3. Unit testing- Every software consists of small testable parts called units, which you can test to ensure that each unitary code works as programmed.

Non-Functional Testing

As the name suggests, non-functional testing doesn’t focus on the application’s core functionality but on its various aspects under load. These aspects assess the software performance based on scalability, reliability, availability, and adaptability.

Opposite to functional testing, non-functional tests the application and software based on customer expectations and their set requirement for a satisfactory experience.

Here are some examples of non-functional testing:

1. Performance testing- This test type measures how an application performs, responds, and stabilizes under a specific simulated real-world load. This test aims to determine which areas of the app require improvement to make it quicker and more efficient.
2. Stress testing- Putting the software under heavy workloads and high traffic identifies bottlenecks and guarantees that it performs as intended. The result of this test can help reduce the potential risks of errors and failures.
3. Scalability testing- This test type determines how an application can scale up or down depending on the traffic volume and number of users. Conducting scalability test ensures that the app performs well under heavy load and high traffic do not compromise user experience.
4. Failover testing- You can test the application’s ability to back up resources in the case of a system failure through failover testing.

Functional and non-functional testing are essential categories, so invest in a load-testing tool that integrates both.

By finding a loading testing tool provider that embraces emerging innovations, you can experience the future of more accessible and insightful load testing.