techircd/STRESS_TEST_README.md

TechIRCd Stress Testing Tool

A comprehensive Python-based stress testing tool for TechIRCd IRC server.

Features

• Configurable Test Scenarios: JSON-based configuration
• Multiple Test Types: Connection tests, message flooding, command spam
• Gradual or Mass Operations: Connect/disconnect clients gradually or all at once
• Real-time Statistics: Connection counts, message statistics, error tracking
• Logging: Detailed logging to file and console
• SSL Support: Test both plain and SSL connections

Requirements

pip3 install asyncio  # Usually included with Python 3.7+

Usage

Run All Test Scenarios

python3 stress_test.py

Run Specific Scenario

python3 stress_test.py --scenario "Basic Connection Test"

Use Custom Configuration

python3 stress_test.py --config my_config.json

Configuration

Edit stress_config.json to customize tests:

Server Settings

{
  "server": {
    "host": "localhost",      // IRC server hostname
    "port": 6667,            // IRC server port
    "ssl": false,            // Use SSL connection
    "ssl_port": 6697,        // SSL port
    "nick_prefix": "StressBot", // Prefix for bot nicknames
    "auto_join_channels": ["#test"] // Channels to auto-join
  }
}

Test Scenarios

Each scenario supports:

• client_count: Number of concurrent clients
• duration: How long to run the test (seconds)
• connect_gradually: Connect clients one by one vs all at once
• connect_delay: Delay between gradual connections
• disconnect_gradually: Disconnect gradually vs all at once
• activities: List of activities to perform during test

Activity Types

1. channel_flood: Flood channels with messages
2. private_flood: Send private messages between clients
3. join_part_spam: Rapid JOIN/PART operations
4. nick_change_spam: Rapid nickname changes
5. random_commands: Send random IRC commands

Pre-configured Test Scenarios

1. Basic Connection Test (10 clients, 30s)

   • Simple connection and registration test

2. Mass Connection Stress (50 clients, 60s)

   • Many simultaneous connections with channel flooding

3. Gradual Connection Test (30 clients, 45s)

   • Gradual connection buildup with private messaging

4. Heavy Activity Test (25 clients, 90s)

   • Multiple activity types running simultaneously

5. Nick Change Spam (15 clients, 30s)

   • Rapid nickname change testing

6. Channel Chaos Test (20 clients, 60s)

   • JOIN/PART spam with message flooding

7. Maximum Load Test (100 clients, 120s)

   • Push server to maximum capacity

Monitoring

• Real-time logs: Monitor progress in console
• Log file: Detailed logs saved to stress_test.log
• Statistics: Connection counts, message statistics, error tracking

Example Output

2025-09-07 12:00:00 - INFO - Starting scenario: Basic Connection Test
2025-09-07 12:00:00 - INFO - Clients: 10, Duration: 30s
2025-09-07 12:00:00 - INFO - Mass connecting 10 clients...
2025-09-07 12:00:01 - INFO - Connected 10/10 clients
2025-09-07 12:00:03 - INFO - Registered 10/10 clients
2025-09-07 12:00:33 - INFO - Stats: 10 connected, 10 registered, 0 messages sent
2025-09-07 12:00:35 - INFO - Scenario Basic Connection Test completed

Tips for Testing

1. Start Small: Begin with basic connection test
2. Monitor Resources: Watch TechIRCd memory/CPU usage
3. Check Logs: Review both stress test and TechIRCd logs
4. Gradual Increase: Increase client counts gradually
5. Test Different Scenarios: Each scenario tests different aspects

Troubleshooting

• Connection Refused: Make sure TechIRCd is running
• SSL Errors: Check SSL configuration in both TechIRCd and test config
• Memory Issues: Reduce client count or test duration
• Python Errors: Ensure Python 3.7+ with asyncio support