Every J2EE application is unique and it is difficult, if not impossible, to extrapolate performance results from one application to another. So, in this book we provide a load generating tool and a simple, adaptable methodology that will help you obtain detailed performance data for your own applications.

We show how to performance test complete J2EE applications, and also how to explore key performance issues surrounding the most popular J2EE APIs. In this way, we elucidate the methodology, and set a general level of expectations with regard to J2EE performance. Building on this foundation, developers can continue to explore the performance issues that directly affect them and can use their own test data to make informed business decisions about the design and development of their applications.

Assuming a good knowledge of the J2EE technologies, the book is aimed at:

• Developers responsible for performance tuning and benchmarking
• System administrators responsible for the day-to-day running of the applications
• Java architects and high-end developers responsible for overall design decisions for J2EE-based applications

The performance tests in this book are carried out using BEA WebLogic Server, but are generally applicable to any J2EE application server.