How to read the directory
The original PerformanceTestingTools diagram used a legend to call out the author's personal picks and generally recommended tools. This directory keeps that signal visible: ♥ personal pick marks a personal recommendation, while ✓ general pick marks a broadly useful choice.
Mini load profiles are deterministic visual fingerprints, not measured benchmarks. They are generated from each tool's catalog attributes, not measured performance.
Profile archetypes
Ramp Gradual rise for protocol/API-oriented tools.
Step Staged plateaus common for enterprise suites.
Spike Concentrated peak common for micro-benchmark CLIs.
Soak Sustained oscillating load common for open-source engines.
Burst Repeated bursts common for cloud/commercial services.