Maximizing Performance Testing Efficiency: The Power and Pitfalls of the 90th Percentile

Introduction:

Performance testing is a crucial aspect of ensuring optimal user experience in software applications. Among the various metrics used in performance testing, the 90th percentile (90th LE – Last Execution) stands out as a reliable indicator of typical user experience. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of leveraging the 90th percentile in performance testing.

Positives of Using the 90th Percentile:

1. Reflects Majority Performance: By focusing on the 90th percentile, performance testing captures the experience of the majority of users, providing a realistic view of system performance under normal conditions.
2. 2. Identifies Common Bottlenecks: Analyzing the 90th percentile helps in pinpointing performance bottlenecks that affect a significant portion of users, enabling targeted optimization efforts.
3. 3. Balanced Approach: The 90th percentile strikes a balance between considering performance outliers and focusing on typical user behavior, facilitating prioritization of optimization efforts.
4. 4. Aligned with User Expectations: Optimizing performance metrics around the 90th percentile ensures that the system meets or exceeds the expectations of the majority of users.

Negatives of Using the 90th Percentile:

1. May Miss Extreme Cases: Focusing solely on the…