Silverlight Application Testing

In this article, you will learn the best way to set up load tests on Silverlight applications. Load testing allows you to gauge how well your application will perform when it is under different levels of stress. The last thing you want is for your Silverlight application to perform poorly when multiple users access it at the same time.

Load testing prevents this from happening. If your application or the platform it is on is incapable of dealing with high levels of stress, load testing can identify those problems to you before going live. You can then take that information and make the necessary adjustments to your application or the platform.

There is a danger that load testing can become too costly, both in money and time. This is a common frustration that people have with load testing. You should not let these challenges discourage you, however. It is possible to set up and execute load tests in cost effective, efficient ways. You do not have to needlessly delay the launch of your application because of your load testing.

The key is to select the right load tester. Not all load testers on the market have these problems, but many do. When selecting a load tester, you want to invest in one that is:

– Protocol independent. This allows you to load test your Silverlight applications on a multitude of platforms and devices without having to pay licensing fees or do complex coding.

-Tests from the end users’ point of view. This will give you the best results because you will simulate how your users will actually experience your application.

– Easy to use. With load testing, complexity is not always better. Too many load testers on the market make it difficult to set up and execute different load tests. Selecting a load tester which is easy to use will make your overall experience much, much better.

– Gives you data that is easy to interpret. The last thing you want to do is set up and execute a load test and then not have what you need to identify any problems with your application’s performance. Therefore, be sure these select a load tester which gives you data that is easy to interpret.

One load tester which does all of these things is AppLoader. It is protocol independent, tests from the end users point of view, is easy to use, and gives you easy to interpret data. Because it has all of these things, it keeps costs down and executes tests quickly.

With AppLoader, setting up and executing each load test is very straightforward. All you need to do is tell AppLoader which application you would like to put under stress. Then you tell it is how much stress you put it under. Once that is set up, AppLoader automatically executes the test. Data is given to you in easy to interpret charts and graphs.

Easy enough, right?

Once you have that data, you can go to work making adjustments to your application. If no adjustments need to be made, then you can be confident that your application will perform even if it is under stress.

Because AppLoader is flexible, you can set up and execute multiple load tests in a short amount of time. You will not face a problem of having to pick and choose which load test of perform because you are under a time deadline. AppLoader makes it easy to do practical things, such as testing your application for both the expected level stress and a higher level of stress.

Load testing your Silverlight applications with AppLoader is the best way to prepare your application for a live audience. Compared to other load testers, AppLoader shines as a cost effective tool to ensure the high performance of your application. Most important of all, it helps you give your users the experience that you want them to have.