#Website performance testing tools

[8techlabs-blog]

How to Balance Fixing Performance Issues and Adding New Features in Web Applications?

In today’s digital landscape, web applications are essential for business operations, marketing, and consumer involvement. As organizations expand and consumer expectations rise, development teams are frequently confronted with the difficult task of balancing two key priorities: addressing performance issues and introducing new features.

While boosting performance improves the user experience and increases efficiency, new features are required to remain competitive and meet market demands. Prioritizing one over the other, on the other hand, might have negative consequences—performance concerns can lead to a poor user experience while failing to innovate can result in a competitive disadvantage.

This blog delves into how to balance improving performance and introducing new features to web apps, allowing firms to satisfy technical and market demands efficiently.

Why Balancing Performance and New Features Is Crucial

A web application‘s success depends on both its performance and its features. However, relying entirely on one might result in imbalances that impair both user happiness and business progress. 

Performance:Performance is an important component that directly influences user retention and happiness. Users can become frustrated and leave if the application has slow loading times, crashes, or problems. Ensuring that your web application runs smoothly is essential since 53% of mobile consumers would quit a site that takes more than three seconds to load. 

New Features:On the other hand, constantly adding new features keeps users interested and promotes your company as innovative. New features generate growth by attracting new consumers and retaining existing ones who want to experience the most recent changes.

The dilemma is deciding when to prioritize bug fixes over new feature development. A poor balance can harm both performance and innovation, resulting in a subpar user experience and stagnation. 

Common Performance Issues in Web Applications

Before balancing performance and features, it’s important to understand the common performance issues that web applications face:

Slow Load Times: Slow pages lead to higher bounce rates and lost revenue.

Server Downtime: Frequent server outages impact accessibility and trust.

Poor Mobile Optimization: A significant portion of web traffic comes from mobile devices and apps that aren’t optimized for mobile fail to reach their potential.

Security Vulnerabilities: Data breaches and security flaws harm credibility and user trust.

Bugs and Glitches: Software bugs lead to poor user experiences, especially if they cause the app to crash or become unresponsive.

Strategic Approaches to Fixing Performance Issues

When performance issues develop, they must be handled immediately to guarantee that the online application functions properly. Here are techniques for improving performance without delaying new feature development: 

Prioritize Critical Issues:Tackle performance issues that have the most significant impact first, such as slow loading times or security vulnerabilities. Use analytics to identify bottlenecks and determine which areas require urgent attention. 

Use a Continuous Improvement Process:Continuously monitor and optimize the application’s performance. With tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, you can track performance metrics and make incremental improvements without major overhauls. 

Optimize Database Queries:Slow database queries are one of the leading causes of web app performance issues. Optimize queries and ensure that the database is indexed properly for faster access and retrieval of data. 

Reduce HTTP Requests:The more requests a page makes to the server, the slower it loads. Minimize requests by reducing file sizes, combining CSS and JavaScript files, and utilizing caching.

  5. Leverage Caching and CDNs:       Use caching strategies and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to deliver content quickly to users by storing files in multiple locations globally.

Why Adding New Features is Essential for Growth

 In the rapidly changing digital environment, businesses must continually innovate to stay relevant. Adding new features is key to maintaining a competitive edge and enhancing user engagement. Here’s why:

User Expectations:Today’s consumers expect personalized experiences and constant innovation. Failure to add new features can lead to customer churn, as users may feel your web application no longer meets their needs.

Market Differentiation:Introducing new features allows your application to stand out in the marketplace. Unique functionalities can set your app apart from competitors, attracting new users and increasing customer loyalty.

Increased Revenue Opportunities:New features can lead to additional revenue streams. For example, adding premium features or new integrations can boost the app’s value and lead to increased sales or subscription rates.

  4. Feedback-Driven Innovation:       New features are often driven by user feedback. By continuously developing and adding features, you create a feedback loop that improves the overall user experience and fosters customer                 satisfaction.

Read More: https://8techlabs.com/how-to-balance-fixing-performance-issues-and-adding-new-features-in-web-applications-to-meet-market-demands-and-enhance-user-experience/

[yethiconsulting]

TCoE Framework: Best Practices for Standardized Testing Processes

A Testing Center of Excellence (TCoE) framework focuses on unifying and optimizing testing processes across an organization. By adopting standardized practices, businesses can improve efficiency, consistency, and quality while reducing costs and redundancies.

Define Clear Objectives and Metrics

Set measurable goals for the TCoE, such as improved defect detection rates or reduced test cycle times. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress and ensure alignment with business objectives.

Adopt a Robust Testing Framework

Use modular and reusable components to create a testing framework that supports both manual and automated testing. Incorporate practices like data-driven and behavior-driven testing to ensure flexibility and scalability.

Leverage the Right Tools and Technologies

Standardize tools for test automation, performance testing, and test management across teams. Integrate AI-driven tools to enhance predictive analytics and reduce test maintenance.

Focus on Skill Development

Provide continuous training to ensure teams stay updated with the latest testing methodologies and technologies. Encourage certifications and cross-functional learning.

Promote Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

Foster collaboration between development, QA, and operations teams. Establish a knowledge repository for sharing test scripts, results, and best practices.

By implementing these best practices, organizations can build a high-performing TCoE framework that ensures seamless, standardized, and efficient testing processes.

[ganesh85465]

WP Engine is a well-known managed WordPress hosting provider.

It offers a range of features and services tailored specifically for WordPress websites, making it a popular choice among businesses, bloggers, and developers who seek reliable, high-performance hosting solutions.

[lokirme]

Bash Script: Calculate before/after 2: Calculate Harder

As an update, or an evolution of my earlier script that did some simple math for me, I’ve made one that will full-on test a URL while I’m making changes to see what the impact performance is of my updates. $ abtesturl.sh --url=https://example.com/ --count=10Press any key to run initial tests...Initial average TTFB: 3.538 secondsPress any key to re-run tests...Running second test...Second average…

[getrealtraffic]

Analyzing SEO of Website: Unveiling Digital Pathway to Success

[automationqa]

Improve your website's performance and user experience with the power of Google Lighthouse and Cypress.

Our guide will show you how to use these tools to optimize your website and deliver a seamless browsing experience for your users.

[digitalmarketer12]

Top 5 Tools to Boost Your Website Speed Performance

Top 5 Tools to Boost Your Website Speed Performance

In today’s fast-paced digital world, website speed plays a crucial role in delivering a seamless user experience and driving online success. To ensure your website performs at its best, utilizing reliable website speed analysis tools is essential. This summary highlights five top-notch tools that focus on optimizing website speed. Here is a list of that tools… GTmetrix Pingdom Google…

[uniskytechnologies]

Why big enterprises prefer outsourcing synthetic website monitoring services instead of in house monitoring tools?

Big enterprises often prefer outsourcing synthetic website monitoring services instead of using in-house monitoring tools for several reasons.

First, outsourcing synthetic website monitoring services can provide access to a wider range of expertise and experience. Monitoring companies specialize in providing these services and often have a team of experts with a deep understanding of website performance, as well as experience with various industries and technologies. This can help ensure that the monitoring is thorough and accurate, and that any issues are identified and resolved quickly.

Second, outsourcing synthetic website monitoring services can be more cost-effective than using in-house tools. Monitoring companies can provide services on a pay-as-you-go basis, which can help businesses save on costs associated with purchasing, maintaining, and updating expensive in-house tools. Additionally, outsourcing can help businesses avoid the costs associated with hiring and training additional staff to manage and maintain in-house monitoring tools.

Third, outsourcing synthetic website monitoring services can provide businesses with more flexibility. Monitoring companies can often provide services that are tailored to meet the specific needs of a business, and can scale up or down as needed. This can be especially important for big enterprises, which may have complex, multi-faceted websites with a large number of visitors and transactions.

Finally, outsourcing synthetic website monitoring services can also help businesses stay compliant with industry regulations. Monitoring companies can provide services that are compliant with regulations such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) which can help businesses avoid potential penalties and fines.

In summary, big enterprises prefer outsourcing synthetic website monitoring service s over in-house monitoring tools because it provides access to expertise and experience, cost-effectiveness, flexibility and compliance with industry regulations. By outsourcing these services, businesses can ensure that their websites are performing optimally and that any issues are identified and resolved quickly.

Synthetic website monitoring,

website performance monitoring,

application performance monitoring,

cloud monitoring,

network monitoring,

real user monitoring,

remote monitoring,

API monitoring,

automated testing,

monitoring tools

[eileen-crys]

AI DISTURBANCE "OVERLAYS" DO NOT WORK!

To all the artists and folks who want to protect their art against AI mimicry: all the "AI disturbance" overlays that are circulating online lately DON'T WORK!

Glaze's disturbance (and now the Ibis Paint premium feature, apparently. Not sure.) modifies the image on a code-level, it's not just an overlayed effect but it actually affects the image's data so AI can't really detect and interpret the code within the image. From the Glaze website:

Can't you just apply some filter, compression, blurring, or add some noise to the image to destroy image cloaks? As counterintuitive as this may be, the high level answer is that no simple tools work to destroy the perturbation of these image cloaks. To make sense of this, it helps to first understand that cloaking does not use high-intensity pixels, or rely on bright patterns to distort the image. It is a precisely computed combination of a number of pixels that do not easily stand out to the human eye, but can produce distortion in the AI's “eye.” In our work, we have performed extensive tests showing how robust cloaking is to things like image compression and distortion/noise/masking injection. Another way to think about this is that the cloak is not some brittle watermark that is either seen or not seen. It is a transformation of the image in a dimension that humans do not perceive, but very much in the dimensions that the deep learning model perceive these images. So transformations that rotate, blur, change resolution, crop, etc, do not affect the cloak, just like the same way those operations would not change your perception of what makes a Van Gogh painting "Van Gogh."

Anyone can request a WebGlaze account for FREE, just send an Email or a DM to the official Glaze Project accounts on X and Instagram, they reply within a few days. Be sure to provide a link to your art acc (anywhere) so they know you're an artist.

Please don't be fooled by those colorful and bright overlays to just download and put on your art: it won't work against AI training. Protect your art with REAL Glaze please 🙏🏻 WebGlaze is SUPER FAST, you upload the artwork and they send it back to you within five minutes, and the effect is barely visible!

Official Glaze Project website | Glaze FAQs | about WebGlaze

[sleeper-kerennnnnnx]

MASHLE author‘s Q&A from fan book translate！（2）

If there are some poor translations or errors, please point them out! I will correct them in time, thank you!

I will translate this in four parts!

Here are parts Q34-Q67! The original text and other parts can be found in the collection!

To the animation fans: There are slight references to the subsequent plot of the comics‼ ️ (Q34 and Q37) If you don’t want to be too comical, you can avoid it.

Q34: When Epidem met Dot, he said that the Ira Kreuz were very rare. What is the position of the Ira Kreuz people in the magic world? Are they regarded as a dangerous people? What does the cross scar on their head warn them about?

A34: They are probably regarded as very powerful people. The cross scar is a warning to their fighting instincts.

Q35: What kind of people are Lance and Dot’s roommates？

A35: Dot and Lance later lived in the same dormitory! Because both of them were very noisy, they were complained by their roommates!

Q36: Does Easton have a school song? Who sings the best among Lance, Dot, Lemon, Finn, and Mash?

A36: Yes! I think it should be Finn or Dot!

Q37: Who proposed riding horses in the God divisionary Exam?

A37: Dot! When men get together, the first thing we should do is ride horses!

Q38: Is Ryane's rabbit handkerchief sold to the public? I want to know if it is bought or homemade.

A38: Homemade! He can do needlework!

Q39: Is the little spider (the spider that tested Mash's magic during the battle, sorry I forgot his name! Kneel down 🧎) Ryane's servant? Or does Ryan call it when he needs help?

A39: He calls it when he needs it! It's always there!

Q40: Rayne Ames has the strength of a mid-to-high-level God divisionary, but I haven't seen him use the highest-level magic in the work - thirds magic (note: there is in the comics). Does the firepower he have means he has the ability to use thirds magic?

A40: Even among God-divisionary, there are not many people who can use thirds magic. Probably Light, Undying, Sand, and then Flame cane and Rayne. (The latter reply should be the battle power ranking. Flame cane's official website introduction clearly states that he is a double liner magician.)

Q41: Rayne is the director of the Magic Tools Administration Bureau. Was the rabbit phone designed and made by Ryane?

A41: It was specially made!

Q42: Abel said that only Rayne can resist Abyss's Demon Eye. I want to know how Ryan did it!

A42: The Demon Eye cannot last forever. I think this is the point!

Q43: What does a perfect do? Are there any privileges and benefits to being a perfect? Doesn't Rayne feel tired when he has to balance the work and study?

A43: Perfects are mainly responsible for managing students' attitudes towards life, etc.! Perfects have special baths! They are as tired and hard as entrepreneurs!

Q44: Who named the "Magia Lupus Arc"? Lord Abel? Is the ranking is selected by the number of coins collected？Does Abel choose the people who join? Or did they volunteer?

A44: Abel named it! He is actually a sensitive high school student, very cute. They are just ordinary Boy Scouts!!

Q45: Did the Magia Lupus Arc and Mash get together after the war?

A45: They got together to play poker! The endings in Mashle's world are basically good!

Q46: Please tell me the order of academic performance among the Magia Lupus Arc.

A46: The best student is Wirth! Then it should be Abel and Abyss.

Q47: Are the poker cards in Abel's personal property?

A47: Yes! Abel has a lot of poker cards!

Q48: Why does Abel cherish the broken doll in his arms and call it "Mom"?

A48: Because it overlaps with the scene that his mother passed away.

(I'm already in tears after seeing the above line. let me cry for a while)

(I'm done crying, let me continue translating!)

Q49: Abel's third line is artificial. Will he still have three lines in the future? Will he never go back to two lines?

A49: Because it was forcibly added, it's different from the normal three lines, and it won't go back to two lines!

Q50: It is said that Abyss's sword has a magic wand built into it. Will he use an extra magic wand during class?

A50: He will use an ordinary magic wand during class! But the output power is relatively small! (Sorry, but I imagined Abyss holding a sword and waving it around in class haha ​​... 

Q51：Abyss is not good at talking to girls，how he talks to love cute？

A51：He Can't！！！！He watches the ceiling while talking to her.

Q52: Do you know why Abyss wears his hair in a bun or ponytail?

A52: A unique hairstyle may mean that he wants to be recognized... He may cut it short later!

Q53: Will love cute say things like "like or hate" or "am I cute" to other members of the Magia Lupus other than herself?

A53: All boys will be asked.

Q54: Why was Ryane so angry at Milo (the green-haired one of the Fourth Fang) in the ? Is it okay to kick him like that?

A54: Ryane is a bit extreme... Generally speaking, this is not a good job (crying)

Q55: What did Ansel Sinli (the Seventh Demon Fang, the one carrying two round plates) say in the last episode?

A55: "In my opinion, cream puffs are likely to contain cream."

Q56: Does Oror (the magic policeman) appear naked every time he casts a spell?

A56: It's pitiful, but that's how it is. (crying)

Q57: What kind of people are Ryoh's wife and son? If there is any story, please tell me!

A57: The wife is the kind of person who is broad-minded and said "Okay, okay" and then started dating (crying). The child admires his father!

Q58: Are the Ryho peripherals in the work certified by the author? Or are they made by fans?

A58: Certified by the author! ! ! ! ! (Please link it)

Q59: I want to join the Ryoh‘s fan club. Can I become member No. 0001?

A59: I admit it!

Q60: Why doesn't the robe on Orter's shoulders fall off?

A60: It's fixed by magic!

Q61: Why is Orter so short-sighted that his eyes have become "3"?

A61: He read too many books!

Q62: Can Orter’s sand magic turn himself into sand?

A62: It seems that he can't do that! But if you really work hard, you might be able to do it! (translator: It was done in the anime)

Q63: I want to know how Orter and Wirth address each other! What is their relationship like?

A63: They probably address each other with "お前" and "テメェ" (similar to "you bad guy" and "Hey")... They don't have a very good relationship! But it will get better one day!!!

Q64: Wirth said, "I have received elite education in magic since I was a child." Did Mr. Orter do the same thing?

A64: That's right!

Q65: I want to know why Kaldo wears gloves!

A65: Because it is so cool and making him handsome! ! ! ! !

Q66: What is the opportunity for Kaldo to like sweets? In addition, he has a strong impression of honey. Does he like sweets more than honey?

A66: He likes it after spreading honey on toast! He likes everything when it comes to sweets! My tongue is dying!

Q67: Which is better, Kaldo's honey salmon or Lemon's handmade cookies?

A67: Handmade cookies I guess? They are as bad for your health as the Ganges!

Q68: What is the name of Agito Tyrone's (Dragon Cone) pet dragon?

A68: Hipotan!

If you like, Can I please ask for a like🥹

Comments are welcome to discuss anything! And suggestions for translation!

Chinese version updated in：longyou1225.lofter.com

[payblogs]

STARKSTRESSER -PLATİN

In a digital landscape where stability and performance are paramount, StarkStresser offers cutting-edge solutions designed to elevate your online presence. Whether you are a gamer seeking a competitive edge or a developer ensuring robust application performance, our comprehensive suite of tools—including advanced IP stressers and free IP booters—caters to a multitude of needs. With a focus on delivering seamless connectivity and unparalleled reliability, StarkStresser empowers users to effectively test their networks under simulated conditions. 

Stresser

A stresser is an online tool designed primarily for testing the resilience of networks and servers against various types of attacks. It simulates Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which can overwhelm a server by flooding it with traffic, and it is crucial for organizations to understand how resilient their infrastructure is to such threats. Using a stresser can help businesses identify vulnerabilities in their systems and improve security measures.

However, it's essential to note that the ethical use of stress testing tools is paramount. Users should only test devices and networks they own or have explicit permission to test. Misuse of a stresser can lead to legal consequences, including potential fines and imprisonment.

When searching for a reliable ip stresser, it’s vital to look for one that provides clear usage guidelines and supports ethical considerations. Many reputable services also offer features that allow users to simulate attacks within controlled environments, enabling businesses to prepare better for real-world cyber threats.

In the realm of cybersecurity, understanding the capabilities of a stresser can empower organizations to actively defend against potential attacks. Be sure to research any selected tool thoroughly, ensuring it aligns with your security testing needs and ethical standards.

Ip Stresser

An IP stresser is a tool or service designed to test the resilience of a network or website against various types of stress attacks. Often utilized by web administrators and security professionals, an IP stresser can simulate considerable traffic to help evaluate the potential vulnerabilities of a specific IP address or server. This testing can help organizations strengthen their defenses against actual malicious attacks.

However, it is crucial to note that the use of an ip stresser should always be conducted ethically and legally. Using it to attack or disrupt services without authorization is illegal and can lead to severe consequences. Always ensure you have the necessary permissions to conduct such tests on a network or system.

In the context of stress testing, there are various types of IP stressers available, which can differ in their methods and intensity. Some users prefer IP stressers that offer adjustable parameters to customize the attack, while others might seek those with user-friendly interfaces that can deliver quick results.

Another vital aspect to consider is the choice between premium and free IP stressers. While free versions can be tempting due to their no-cost nature, they often come with limitations in terms of performance and reliability. Paid options typically provide more robust features, better support, and a more reliable service, making them suitable for serious testing purposes.

As you explore various IP stressers, it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your specific needs, whether you're looking for free solutions or comprehensive paid services. Always prioritize using reputable services to ensure that your testing complies with legal requirements and ethical standards.

Ip Stresser Free

When it comes to stress testing your server or network, finding an ip stresser free option can be appealing for many users. Free IP stress testing services, commonly known as stresser tools, offer a way for individuals to test the resilience of their networks without incurring any costs. However, it is crucial to be aware of the risks and limitations associated with these free options.

These services typically have a limited capacity compared to their paid counterparts, which may restrict the intensity of the tests you can perform. Users should also consider the legality and ethical implications of using such tools, as testing without permission can result in significant legal troubles.

Moreover, relying on an ip booter or free stresser might expose your network to potential vulnerabilities, including the risk of data breaches or exposure to malicious attacks. Therefore, it’s advisable to conduct thorough research and choose reputable providers when selecting an ip stresser free option.

In conclusion, while free stresser tools might seem like an appealing solution, always prioritize security and legality by using these tools responsibly and considering paid services for more comprehensive testing solutions.

Ip Booter

An IP booter is a specialized tool designed to perform Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks by overwhelming a specific target IP address with excessive traffic. The idea is to disrupt the target's online services, making them unavailable for legitimate users. Booters have gained popularity in certain circles, particularly within gaming communities, where individuals seek to retaliate against others by interrupting their connection.

It's important to distinguish between legitimate use and malicious intent. There are instances where individuals may seek to test the robustness of their own networks or those for whom they have explicit permission. However, the use of IP booters against unsuspecting targets is generally illegal and unethical. Many countries have strict laws against unauthorized DDoS attacks, which can lead to severe penalties.

In addition to the ethical concerns, users should be wary of utilizing free ip booter, as they often compromise security. Free services may expose users to malware, phishing attempts, and data breaches. For those considering a stresser or IP stresser, prioritizing reputable and secure services is crucial, ensuring that they comply with legal standards and best practices in cybersecurity.

In conclusion, while the allure of using an IP booter may be tempting, it is essential to recognize the potential consequences—both legally and ethically. Responsible internet usage and adherence to laws protect not only individuals but the entire online community.

[bksiyengaryogapants-blog]

Denver SEO Company: SEO Tips you Need to Know!!!!

Denver SEO Company: SEO Tips you Need to Know!!!

Each page on the SEO Expert in Denverwebsite must be optimized with a focus on On-Page SEO. This includes:

Titles and Meta Descriptions:

Ensure each page has catchy, descriptive titles with the right keywords. Use meta descriptions that invite users to click on results.

Headings (H1, H2, H3): Use heading tags to structure the content and make it easier to read. This also helps Google better understand the theme of the page.

Optimized Images:

All images must have ALT attributes with appropriate descriptions and must be compressed to improve loading. Practical Tips: Use main keywords in the title and URL. Insert internal links to guide the user to other relevant pages on the site. Create friendly, short and descriptive URLs.

Creating Quality Backlinks:

Backlinks, or links from other websites that point to yours, are a determining factor in Google rankings. Earn quality backlinks by:

Publish guest posts on relevant blogs:

Create partnerships with other companies and ask for links to the SEO Expert in Denver website. http://denverseo.company/ Publish case studies and financial reports that other companies may want to reference.

Practical Tips:

Build links on authority sites like media outlets and finance blogs. Avoid link building techniques that are considered spam, as Google may penalize the site. Have a digital Public Relations strategy, sending press releases.

Local SEO: Capture Customers in the Region:

SEO Expert in Denver can significantly benefit from local SEO, especially to attract customers in the Northeast region. For that:

Optimize your listing on Google My Business. Enter information about SEO Expert in Denver's location on the website. Encourage your customers to leave reviews online. Practical Tips: Include location in keywords, such as “Financial consultancy in Recife”. Use Google My Business to highlight events and related posts.

Video Content:

Video content is a powerful tool for SEO as it increases dwell time on the website. SEO Expert in Denver can create explanatory videos, interviews with experts and customer testimonials, covering topics such as “How to get credit for my company” or “The role of consultancy in fundraising”.

Practical Tips:

Publish videos to YouTube with optimized descriptions and website links. Integrate videos on the main pages of the SEO Expert in Denver website to increase engagement.

Off-Page SEO: Increasing Brand Presence:

In addition to backlinks, it is important to increase SEO Expert in Denver’s presence on other platforms and social media. Have a well-defined content strategy for LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, where you can share financial insights, promotions and educational materials.

Continuous Analysis and Adjustments:

SEO is a strategy that requires continuous analysis. Use tools like Google Analytics to track traffic and understand user behavior on your website. Adjust the strategy as necessary, always seeking to improve rankings and attract more qualified leads.

Practical Tips:

Monitor top-performing pages and update old content. Test different keywords and content strategies to see what generates the most leads.

Pillar Content Creation:

Create pillar content, which covers broad topics such as “Fundraising for Companies”, linking to more specific content (content clusters). This creates a hierarchical content structure that makes it easier for users to navigate and improves SEO. https://denverseo.company/about/

Conclusion:

To attract more qualified leads and improve SEO Expert in Denver website authority, it is crucial to implement a thorough SEO strategy. From technical optimization to creating valuable content and quality back links, each action contributes to organic growth. With these practices, SEO Expert in Denver can stand out as a reference in the financial consultancy and fundraising sector

[yethiconsulting]

Enhancing Your Agile Workflow with UI Automation Testing

UI automation testing is a powerful enabler for Agile workflows, ensuring fast-paced development cycles while maintaining software quality. Here’s how it enhances Agile processes:

Faster Feedback Loops

Agile emphasizes continuous feedback. Automated UI tests integrated into CI/CD pipelines provide instant feedback on new code, enabling quicker bug fixes.

Increased Test Coverage

Manual testing can’t keep up with Agile’s rapid iterations. Automation ensures comprehensive coverage of repetitive test cases, freeing up manual testers for exploratory testing.

Early Defect Detection

Automated regression testing helps identify issues as soon as they arise, reducing the cost and effort of fixing bugs later in the cycle.

Support for Frequent Releases

Automation ensures that changes are tested across builds, supporting Agile's frequent delivery and deployment goals without compromising quality.

Improved Collaboration

Shared test scripts and results foster better collaboration among developers, testers, and product owners, aligning with Agile’s cross-functional team approach.

Efficiency in Regression Testing

As Agile projects evolve, regression tests grow larger. Automation handles this efficiently, ensuring older functionalities remain intact.

By incorporating UI automation into Agile workflows, teams can maintain the speed and adaptability of Agile while ensuring robust and reliable software delivery.

[museenkuss]

i wanted to know how to get into perfumes, and more specifically (at least to begin with) how to distinguish notes, so that i can know what kind of scents i like

im embarrassed to go to high end stores and try perfumes without buying tho, and at the average commercial perfume store the place smells so strongly itself that i can't really appreciate the smell of the perfume. also a lot of the products they have are very sweet, which i don't like

anyway, any tips?

Hi Love!! Thank you for your patience 🌹

I'm so happy you're interested in getting into perfume, it's such a fun hobby! But I also know what you mean, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. In this, I tried my best to focus on the two parts [1] How to get started with distinguishing notes (& figure out what you like) and [2] How to test perfumes in store. These are tips based on what I did (and do), so there are no doubt other (maybe better?) ways, but this was my starting point ✨

[1] How to get started with distinguishing notes (& figure out what you like)

First, knowing the basics will make this journey a lot easier. A scent usually has top, heart and base notes that develop while wearing, scents are traditionally grouped into scent groups (fresh, fruity, woody, etc). [I’m keeping this super short here bc this is already rather long, but I can give a more detailed explanation/introduction if you’d like! ♥️]

Before you go into the store, where the selection and atmosphere might be overwhelming, I suggest doing some research at home. That way, you can go into the store with an idea of what you want to try. The tools that I can really recommend are fragrance database websites. My go tos are fragrantica and parfumo. On those websites, you can look up any perfume and you will find a breakdown of their notes. There are also categories that users vote on, such as season this fragrance is best worn in, gender or occasion it’s suited for, price, performance etc. You can also search by notes. Now what I did when I first got into fragrances:

If you already have a few scents you like, you can check those scents on a database and see what scent profiles they have. I didn’t do this by note, but by “main accords” — as in, what overall impression this scent gives (sweet, fresh, white flowers, woody, animalic, musky, powdery…). So I listed all perfumes I could think of that I liked (having smelled them before, gifts etc) and went through them one by one. I.e. Dior Addict is described as sweet, white flowers, etc, and the notes are jasmine, orange blossom, vanilla, etc. I listed the descriptions, then went to the next, checked if the descriptive adjectives were on my list, added another mark for those or added the new descriptions. It was a lengthy but fun process and in the end, I had a list that showed me that I liked fragrances that were in the white flowers category (for example). As you can see, I didn’t go into the notes themselves (orange blossom, jasmine, vanilla), BUT you could do that, too, for a more detailed understanding of what notes you already enjoy smelling. This process will give you an idea of what you already like, and then you can already get a vague idea whether a scent you’ve heard of or seen online might be something you enjoy, without even having smelled it.

Additionally, once you know this, you can pay attention to those notes in scents. As in, you now know you like scents that have mango (for example). Smelling the scents you own, you might now be able to detect that yes, they all have a mango note in common (or maybe you don’t know what orange blossoms smell like, but now you notice they all have something in common — that might very well be orange blossom!). This is a possible first step to “training” your nose. Perfumers (and hardcore enthusiasts) have scent libraries (boxes with little bottles, expensive) that have the pure scents, as in, pure musk, orange blossom, sandalwood, etc. I haven’t looked into getting one of these libraries (yet?), which of course would give you an exact answer as to what each note smells like. My amateur approach was basically rooted in trying to understand what I liked based on fragrances alone. It worked for me, however: I had a fragrance that I was completely in love with, for example, but I couldn’t have told you what it smelled like apart from “pure heaven”. I smelled it again years later and could detect that it has jasmine and orange blossoms, two notes I love. In this process, it also helps to now and then try scents that pride themselves as smelling like specific things. The names usually give it away: Jasmine et Cigarette, Tubereuse Noire, Bare Vanilla, etc.

If you don’t have scents you already know you like, I would suggest finding lists of scents that are grouped together. You could either check the “mango” note on fragrantica (to continue w this example), or you could look up “mango perfumes” on Pinterest, where you will find collages, lists etc as well. (Just be careful when it comes to subjective lists like “sexiest scents” — that can be inspirational, of course, but those aren’t notes or scent families). That way, you have a few scents in mind with a note (or scent accord) you’re interested in, and you’re ready for testing! (Both to see whether you like the scents, and to see whether you can pick out the notes you’re interested in)

This process is meant to help you find which notes you like, and maybe how to detect a first handful of notes in a scent. You also might have a list of scents you want to try, now.

[2.1]Trying scents in store — a few general tips

I know perfume stores especially can feel intimidating. But I promise, most shop assistants are genuinely nice. And with perfume especially you have to keep in mind that testing and re-testing is expected. Most people don't buy a perfume at first sniff (or shouldn't, at least). Going to a store to test fragrances is like going to a store to try on clothes. It's part of the process, you have every right to do that. So don't feel bad for wandering into a store to sniff two fragrances and then leave.

If the store is busy, you will most likely be left alone. If someone flutters by and asks if they can help you, you can usually fall back on “Not at the moments, thank you” (<- maybe you might want to strike up a conversation later? “Actually, I’m looking for a perfume that smells like clean laundry—“) and, ALWAYS: you’re looking for a gift for someone else. That way, they won’t be tempted to try and convince YOU the scent is perfect, because they don’t know the person it’s for (this works with anything btw, jewellery, bags…).

If the store is too boujee and the people working there are genuinely rude — fuck them. Not worth your time. You have every right to enjoy fragrances, they are not an authority on who gets to enjoy what based on the fact that they work in a store. Hello?! The nerve of some people. Don't let that get you down, it's them, not you.

If you’re uncomfortable going alone, you will most likely be left alone if you have a friend with you — and it might make you feel more comfortable.

[2.2]How to try a fragrance

Locate the tester strips, select one, and spray it once or twice. Shake the strip like you would flap a fan so the scent can settle (and you don’t get your nose wet when sniffing the paper). You can either sniff the strip of fan the tester in front of your nose so the scent wafts over. If there are no tester strips available or you’re in a hurry, you can also try sniffing the bottle cap (if available) — the scent has settled there and you’ll immediately get the full scent profile without waiting for it to settle and develop.

You want to try something but the store is overwhelmed with scent? Spray a tester strip and take it outside. You can spray multiple, too, and mark them (I usually rip off the end of one, fold the other, keep one as it was) — just be careful that you’re not folding them all up together in your pocket while they’re still wet, the scents might mingle too much.

Your nose will get overwhelmed if you try too many scents, even with the coffee beans they keep around, so really, you could walk in, locate three scents you’ve been meaning to try (or maybe you see a bottle that looks funky and you'd like to smell that one, too), and leave the store within 10 minutes. You don't have to spend ages in the store, is what I'm trying to say.

Outside, you can take a whiff from the papers.

[2.2]A last little add-on: Buying a fragrance

Always test a fragrance on skin before buying. It smells different than on paper. Also I advise you to always test a scent multiple times, on different days. A good salesperson will actually advise you to do that, too. “Walk around, come back later or another day” <- if they don’t suggest that, you can say it yourself. “Thank you for your help, I’ll see how it develops on skin :)”

This got very long and it still feels like there is so much left to say. I really hope it helped at least a little and somewhat answered your questions!! Please let me know if there is anything else, I'd love to help!! And I've been thinking - maybe a guide would be really helpful. The differences between fragrantica and parfumo for example, or what scent families there are, stuff like that was besides the point here but still important. I'm rambling, but this was over 1k of words and I was unsure whether it was enough haha 🌹 Either way, again: I hope it helped!!! Kiss kiss!!!!!!

[rpgsandbox]

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