How a Dynamic Load‑Testing Model Simplifies Performance Testing and Prevents Overload

The current OKR has fully integrated a dynamic load‑testing model, delivering not only efficiency improvements but also an unexpected benefit.

The dynamic model makes work easier. Previously, without historical data, load tests used a conservative incremental strategy with a large maximum value; even when reference data existed, the maximum QPS was set high to avoid insufficient pressure.

The testing process could become lengthy: the early stage felt too slow, leading to boredom while watching monitors, and the later stage felt tense, with manual page refreshes and numerous metrics to monitor, requiring coordination with colleagues, turning testing into a mentally taxing activity.

By adopting the dynamic model, pressure can be flexibly controlled and manual intervention is possible. Testers first ramp pressure quickly to about 60‑70% of the target, then reduce the ramp speed and increase pressure gradually. Because both ramp‑up and ramp‑down are manually operated, actions are taken only after confirming stability, eliminating the risk of missing a metric that could exceed safety thresholds.

With the dynamic model, the entire testing process becomes much smoother. After fully confirming no issues, pressure can be increased further, greatly reducing incidents where safety values are exceeded.

The idea for the dynamic model stemmed from painful experiences of surpassing safety values. Automatic incremental testing required extensive monitoring effort, causing mental fatigue and turning testers into single‑threaded machines.

Note: a safety value is the threshold that does not trigger alerts and ensures business stability.