Performance Starts with the Developers
Performance starts with the developers as well as the server and network administrators. High-capacity websites do not happen by accident. To perform well and scale big, the system must be designed, built and configured for performance. That means it must be coded and configured with performance in mind, right from the start. Make sure the developer and admins all understand the levels to which the system must perform. Don’t make them guess what “it has to be fast” means.
Two of the most important tasks the test and project management teams to can do to help:
- Identify the performance goals for the system
- Plan to test early and test often
In my next few posts, I will elaborate on these topics.
Chris Merrill, Chief Engineer
When his dad brought home a Commodore PET computer, Chris was drawn into computers. 7 years later, after finishing his degree in Computer and Electrical Engineering at Purdue University, he found himself writing software for industrial control systems. His first foray into testing software resulted in an innovative control system for testing lubricants in automotive engines. The Internet grabbed his attention and he became one of the first Sun Certified Java Developers. His focus then locked on performance testing of websites. As Chief Engineer for Web Performance since 2001, Chris now spends his time turning real-world testing challenges into new features for the Load Tester product.