Creating a web application is a challenging task. For example, you have to consider many things as you build it including user experience, scalability, and security. Having the right kind of training is also necessary. Many developers concentrate on overcoming these difficulties, and they often feel relieved when the application runs as expected.
Most of these applications operate without any issue during the initial days or months of release. Sadly, unforeseen challenges may emerge in the future, and one of them is performance issues. They mostly arise when developers ignore performance as they develop the web application architecture. Understanding what performance is a critical step towards avoiding these issues.
What Does Performance Mean In This Case?
The performance of a web application refers to the speed with which it responds to requests from its users. There are several attributes associated with it. Here are some of them.
• A low level of latency:
Latency is the time taken for the host server to process a request for an object on a page. Zero milliseconds or less is incredible, 100ms is good, and 500ms is tolerable. Anything more than a few seconds is terrible.
• A high level of concurrency:
The number of concurrent users that a web application can handle differs from one app to another. Some of them can handle millions of users at a time while others can barely manage 500 users. Test your application to ensure that it has a high level of concurrency.
• Optimal response to simultaneous actions by users:
Users task a web application with several requests at the same time. A well-built app will not slow down or block any of this actions. Instead, it will handle them concurrently.
The Performance Needs of Different Applications
People build web applications for different needs and audiences. These needs and the size of the audience determine the performance capabilities that an application should have. Here are three situations that require three level of performance.
• High-performance needs:
Applications in this category handle a large volume of data. They perform complex algorithmic work as well. Some of them include apps that process large documents or analysis present and past behaviors by their users.
• Low-performance needs:
Applications in this category are for a select number of people who will generate an ascertained volume of data. Therefore, the required performance capacity is calculable. These applications include Business to Business or intranet applications.
• Unknown performance needs:
Applications in this category are for an unknown number of people. How often these people will use the app or how they will use it remains unknown as well. Consequently, determining the performance needs of these apps is difficult because they are too many unknowns.
Conclusion
Examining these issues as you develop your web app is an excellent idea. You can start by checking the attributes of the application. Examine the performance needs of the app as well. Have they met your expectations? Remember, considering performance as you build your app determines its level of success in the future, so spend some time on it.
