Stress testing Vs Load testing | Difference | Comparison

Stress testing and load testing are both types of performance testing that are used to evaluate the performance of software applications. The main difference between stress testing and load testing is that stress testing tests the application or system by pushing it beyond its normal operational capacity, while load testing tests the application or system under a normal operational capacity. Let us discuss some more differences between Stress Testing Vs Load Testing with the help of the comparison given below.

What is Stress testing?

A type of software testing called stress testing is used to confirm the stability and dependability of a system. This test specifically evaluates the system's robustness and error handling under conditions of extremely high load. 

Related article: Manual testing Vs Automation testing 

What is load testing?

A type of performance testing called load testing evaluates how well a system, piece of software, or software application operates under load conditions that are typical of actual use.

Related article: Test plan Vs Test Strategy

Stress testing Vs Load testing | Difference | Comparison

•  stress testing is performed to test the robustness of the system or software application under extreme load. While Load testing is performed to test the performance of the system or software application under extreme load.
• In stress tests, the load limit is greater than the break threshold. The load limit in load testing is the point at which a break occurs. In load testing load limit is the threshold of a break.
• The performance is examined under various data loads during stress testing. While in load testing, the performance is tested under multiple numbers of users.
• There are too many users and data for stress testing. While in load testing a huge number of users
• Stress testing is performed to find the behaviour of the system under pressure. While in load testing is performed to find out the upper limit of the system or application.
• The factor tested during stress testing is robustness and stability. While the factor tested during load testing is performed. 
• Stress testing ensures system security, While load testing determines the operating capacity of a system or application. 
• The goal of stress testing is to prevent server crashes under sudden, high loads for an extended period. While in the purpose of load testing is to generate more traffic for a web application.

Thanks for reading the article. Still, if you have any questions or queries in your mind on the difference between Stress testing and Load testing then please ask us in the comment section below.

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