Performance Engineering is not just about running load tests. It's about creating a sustainable discipline that ensures your system behaves predictably under real conditions.
The OCTOPUS framework was developed to bring structure and clarity to this discipline.
Why a framework?
Without a structured approach, teams often:
- Run tests without clear objectives
- Collect data without knowing how to interpret it
- Optimize without validating impact
- Repeat the same mistakes in each cycle
OCTOPUS offers a clear path from start to finish.
The 7 pillars of OCTOPUS
O - Observe
Everything starts with observation. Before testing or optimizing, you need to understand:
- Current system architecture
- Critical business flows
- Real usage patterns
- Integration points
C - Characterize
Based on observation, we characterize the load:
- Typical user profiles
- Operation distribution
- Peak hours
- Growth scenarios
T - Test
We execute targeted tests:
- Load tests (typical behavior)
- Stress tests (system limits)
- Endurance tests (degradation over time)
- Spike tests (behavior under surges)
O - Optimize
With data in hand, we optimize:
- Bottleneck identification
- Prioritization by impact
- Implementation of improvements
- Validation of results
P - Predict
We build capacity models:
- Growth projections
- Infrastructure planning
- "What-if" scenarios
- Proactive alerts
U - Understand
Deep analysis of results:
- Metric correlation
- Pattern identification
- Trade-off documentation
- Lessons learned
S - Sustain
Implementation of continuous practices:
- Production monitoring
- Tests in CI/CD pipeline
- Periodic reviews
- Performance culture
OCTOPUS in practice
The framework is not linear. Depending on context, you can:
- Focus on specific phases
- Iterate between phases
- Adapt the depth of each phase
What matters is having clarity about where you are and where you're going.
Benefits of the structured approach
- Clear communication: Everyone understands the process
- Data-driven decisions: Less guesswork, more evidence
- Reproducible results: Documented and repeatable process
- Continuous improvement: Each cycle generates learning
Conclusion
OCTOPUS is not a silver bullet. It's a guide that helps teams navigate the complexity of Performance Engineering in an organized and efficient way.
Performance Engineering is a journey, not a destination. OCTOPUS is the map.