What is a Load Test?

Load testing is a performance test that checks how well a system—like a website or app—handles a specific amount of traffic. It simulates real user behavior to see if the system can manage the expected number of users without slowing down or crashing.

By monitoring key performance metrics like response times and resource use, load testing helps identify potential issues before they affect users. Variations like soak testing (testing for long-term load) and spike testing (testing sudden traffic surges) help ensure the system can handle different scenarios. Ultimately, load testing helps ensure that systems remain stable and provide a good user experience under typical traffic conditions.