Spike Testing is a performance testing method that evaluates how a system responds to sudden increases and decreases in load. This type of testing helps identify how well a system can handle unexpected surges in user activity.
Key Elements:
- Sudden Load Changes: Tests are designed to simulate extreme traffic conditions.
- Recovery Assessment: Measures how quickly the system returns to normal after spikes.
- Performance Metrics: Monitors response times, error rates and resource usage during tests.
Common Scenarios:
- E-commerce sales events (e.g., Black Friday).
- Product launches or major announcements.
- Events that generate viral traffic spikes (e.g., social media trends).
Spike testing helps ensure systems remain stable during high-demand periods, preventing crashes and slowdowns.