k6 - A tool for load testing

Author: Jakub Sydor

Problem context

Performance testing of IT systems is crucial to ensure the stability and reliability of the applications. The objective of performance testing is to identify bottlenecks, measure the response time of the system, and validate the system's ability to handle a large number of concurrent users. We can also use performance testing to compare the performance of different versions of the system. One of the real world examples of performance testing is checking our application for black-fire day. It is a day when the number of users is significantly higher than usual (peak network traffic). It is a good opportunity to check how our application will behave under high stress.

In this article, we will be discussing k6, a modern, open-source tool that has become a popular choice for performance testing. k6 offers a flexible and intuitive API, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced performance testers. In this article, we will explore the key features and benefits of k6, and how it can help you to effectively perform performance testing for your IT systems.