Questioning Software: How many load generators do I need?
Thanks for leaving the comment relating to load generator requirements. Guessed its always the same old question that newbies tend to ask.
Calculation of number of load generators required for an assignment is essential for every performance testing assignment. But sadly, this is one of the most ignored areas or as you said, people expect ready made formulae.
I too believe that we should test our test environment before testing the performance of an application. The load that can be generated from a machine depends on many factors, which are better observed and then calculated for, rather than making calculations based on assumptions.
Sage advice, and to underpin the point even more. Should one fail to monitor the test environment during the test and a resource spike occurs on the testing hardware it can actually negatively impact the times recorded resulting in erroneous results being reported in your final analysis. You absolutely do not want to exceed your test infrastructure capacity. It may spawn the number of users you want but your test may end up being throw-away.
It may spawn the number of users you want but your test may end up being throw-away.
And, it can become dangerous if we don't realize that our results should be thrown away.