Part 9: Performance Optimization Techniques (Performance Testing Revision Cheat Sheet)

 

📌 Purpose

After identifying bottlenecks, optimization ensures the system meets performance SLAs under expected load.

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🎯 Common Optimization Areas

1. Application Code

   • Optimize algorithms & data structures.

   • Minimize unnecessary computations and loops.

   • Reduce synchronous/blocking calls.

2. Database

   • Add or optimize indexes for slow queries.

   • Use query caching where applicable.

   • Optimize joins and avoid heavy subqueries.

   • Connection pool tuning.

3. Server & Infrastructure

   • Vertical scaling: Increase CPU, memory.

   • Horizontal scaling: Add more servers/load balancers.

   • Enable caching layers (Redis, Memcached).

4. Web/Application Layer

   • Use CDN for static content.

   • Enable compression (gzip) for responses.

   • Minimize HTTP requests (bundle JS/CSS).

5. Concurrency & Threading

   • Tune thread pools, worker processes.

   • Avoid thread starvation and deadlocks.

6. Network & Middleware

   • Optimize load balancer configuration.

   • Reduce network latency with regional servers/CDN.

   • Tune middleware (queues, proxies, API gateways).

7. Caching & Session Management

   • Cache frequently accessed data.

   • Optimize session storage (in-memory vs DB).

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🛠️ Optimization Workflow

1. Identify bottleneck → 2. Apply fix → 3. Retest → 4. Measure improvement → 5. Document changes.

📊 Deliverables

• Updated system architecture or configuration.

• Performance test results showing improvement after optimization.

• Recommendations for ongoing monitoring.