How do I understand load testing basics?

## Key Concepts Load testing simulates real-world user traffic to evaluate system performance under expected loads. Key types include: - **Load tests**: Steady traffic to measure baseline performance. - **Stress tests**: Increase load to find breaking points. - **Spike tests**: Sudden traffic bursts. - **Soak tests**: Prolonged low-level load for stability. ### Essential Metrics - **Requests per second (RPS)**: Throughput. - **Response time percentiles (p95, p99)**: Latency distribution. - **Error rate**: Failed requests. - **Virtual Users (VUs)**: Simulated concurrent users. Read [k6 concepts](https://grafana.com/docs/k6/latest/using-k6/k6-concepts/) for deeper dive.

How do I install k6 and set up environment?

## Installation Steps 1. **macOS**: `brew install k6` 2. **Linux**: Download from [releases](https://github.com/grafana/k6/releases) or use package manager. 3. **Windows**: Download binary from releases page. Verify: Run `k6 version` (latest ~v0.49+ as of 2026). Create a project folder: `mkdir my-load-tests && cd my-load-tests`. **Pro Tip**: Use VS Code for editing JS scripts.

How do I write your first load test script?

## Create `test.js` ```javascript import http from 'k6/http'; import { check, sleep } from 'k6'; export const options = { vus: 10, duration: '30s' }; export default function () { let res = http.get('https://test.k6.io'); check(res, { 'status 200': (r) => r.status === 200 }); sleep(1); } ``` - `vus`: 10 concurrent users. - `duration`: 30 seconds. - `check`: Validates response. Save and run: `k6 run test.js`. Expect console output with metrics.

How do I run and analyze basic test results?

## Execute Test `k6 run test.js` ### Key Output Metrics ``` ✓ status 200........: 100% http_req_duration... : avg=XXms min=XXms med=XXms max=XXms p(90)=XXms p(95)=XXms http_reqs...........: XXXX 133.333333/s ``` Interpret: - Low p95 (<500ms ideal). - 0% errors. Tweak: Increase `vus: 50` and re-run.

How do I build advanced scenarios and thresholds?

## Ramp-up Scenario in `advanced.js` ```javascript import http from 'k6/http'; import { check, sleep } from 'k6'; export const options = { stages: [ { duration: '30s', target: 20 }, { duration: '1m30s', target: 20 }, { duration: '20s', target: 0 }, ], thresholds: { http_req_duration: ['p(95) r.status === 200}); sleep(1); } ``` Run: `k6 run advanced.js`. Fail if threshold breached. Explore [examples](https://grafana.com/docs/k6/latest/examples/).

Master Load Testing with k6 in 5 Steps

Q: How do I build advanced scenarios and thresholds?

## Ramp-up Scenario in `advanced.js` ```javascript import http from 'k6/http'; import { check, sleep } from 'k6'; export const options = { stages: [ { duration: '30s', target: 20 }, { duration: '1m30s', target: 20 }, { duration: '20s', target: 0 }, ], thresholds: { http_req_duration: ['p(95) r.status === 200}); sleep(1); } ``` Run: `k6 run advanced.js`. Fail if threshold breached. Explore [examples](https://grafana.com/docs/k6/latest/examples/).

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Step-by-Step Guide

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Key Concepts

Load testing simulates real-world user traffic to evaluate system performance under expected loads. Key types include:

Load tests: Steady traffic to measure baseline performance.
Stress tests: Increase load to find breaking points.
Spike tests: Sudden traffic bursts.
Soak tests: Prolonged low-level load for stability.

Essential Metrics

Requests per second (RPS): Throughput.
Response time percentiles (p95, p99): Latency distribution.
Error rate: Failed requests.
Virtual Users (VUs): Simulated concurrent users.

Read k6 concepts for deeper dive.

Why this step matters:

-Provides foundation to design realistic test scenarios
-Equips you to interpret results and optimize applications

1 hour

Web browser, Note-taking app, k6 docs

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Definition of Done

•Explain load testing types in your own words
•List and define 4 key performance metrics

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Confusing load testing with unit testing

→Remember: load testing focuses on system behavior under concurrency, not individual functions

❌ Ignoring real user behavior in scenarios

→Base tests on actual traffic patterns from analytics

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Learning Resources

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🌐 Helpful Websites

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Master Load Testing with k6 in 5 Steps