When should a performance test be conducted?

Conducting performance tests after each development iteration is essential for several reasons. This practice allows for the early detection of performance issues, which can be more easily addressed when they are identified in smaller increments of development. By testing frequently, teams can ensure that any new code or features do not negatively impact the overall performance of the application. Additionally, this iterative approach facilitates continuous improvement and ensures that performance benchmarks are met as development progresses.

Frequent testing provides valuable feedback that can inform decisions about further development, configuration adjustments, and resource allocation. It also helps in validating that the application architecture supports expected performance metrics and in identifying potential bottlenecks that could arise as additional features are integrated.

By incorporating performance testing into each development iteration, organizations can maintain a high-quality user experience and ultimately reduce the risk of performance-related issues once the application is fully deployed. This proactive approach is crucial in agile environments, where the focus is on delivering value quickly while ensuring system reliability.