What type of test is conducted to determine how a system copes under extreme conditions?

The type of test conducted to determine how a system copes under extreme conditions is a load/stress test. This testing approach is designed to evaluate how a system behaves under heavy usage, which often includes testing it beyond its normal operational limits. The main goal is to identify breaking points, assess the system's reliability and stability, and ensure that performance requirements are met even in challenging scenarios.

Load/stress testing helps in uncovering issues related to system performance, such as slow response times or crashes, when subjected to high workloads or resource limitations. This type of testing is essential for ensuring that the application can withstand peak usage periods without failing, making it crucial for applications that serve a large number of users or handle significant amounts of data.

Other types of tests, such as integration tests and unit tests, focus on different aspects of software quality. Integration tests check interactions between different components of a system, while unit tests examine the functionality of individual parts of the code. Performance tests generally assess how the system performs under normal conditions rather than pushing it to its limits.