Smoke Testing is an important aspect of Software Development that ensures the quality and functionality of a software application. It is a quick and simple test that verifies a software's basic functionality to ensure that the most critical features are working correctly. The primary goal of smoke testing is to detect major flaws early in the development process, saving time and resources that would otherwise be spent on resolving these issues. Smoke testing improves overall software quality by catching these defects early.
When are Smoke Tests Performed?
The technique of Smoke Testing ensures that the build that was received from the development team may be tested. When the build is a release candidate, it can also be run as part of the build process alongside a more in-depth test. Once the database and GUI interface is stable, work can begin. Additionally, when new fundamental functionality is included in a system, smoke testing is frequently carried out. But unlike unit or regression testing, this test is not exhaustive.
When working on a module, a smoke test may not always be sufficient to thoroughly test a change, especially when employing new code. Every build includes a smoke test, but this does not absolve developers of the duty to test their modifications before submitting them to the repository. A manual smoke test should be performed by developers before a change is committed.
Procedure for Smoke Testing
Designing test cases is not necessary for smoke testing. All that is required is to select the necessary test cases from those that have already been designed. Smoke Testing, as previously stated, focuses on core application workflow, so we select test case suits that cover the application's most important features. The number of test cases should be kept to a minimum and the execution time should not exceed 30 minutes.
Smoke Testing Characteristics
Runs rapidly (the exact definition of "rapidly" depends on the circumstance).
- Self-scoring is possible, as it should be for any automated test.
- Comprehensive system coverage is provided.
- Can be managed by developers and included in the quality control process.
- Exposes common mistakes in a fresh build, but it doesn't have to be complete.
Positive Aspects of Smoke Testing
- Early testing stage bug discovery is aided by this.
- It aids in identifying problems brought on by the integration of components.
- It aids in confirming that the bugs corrected in the previous build DO NOT affect the application's core functions.
- In order to conduct the smoke testing, a very small number of test cases are needed.
- Smoke testing can be completed quickly.
Negative Aspects of Smoke Testing
- The thorough examination is not covered by smoke testing.
- Due to the limited amount of test cases and non-exhaustive testing, we were unable to identify any other critical flaws.
Types of Smoke Test
Smoke testing is an important part of software development because it ensures the quality and functionality of a web application. There are various types of smoke tests, each with its own set of needs and requirements. The following are some of the most common types of smoke tests.
1. Build Verification Test (BVT)
A build Verification Test is performed after a software build is complete and is designed to verify that the build is stable and ready for further testing.
2. Build Acceptance Test (BAT)
The build Acceptance Test is performed by the customer or end-user to verify that the software meets their requirements and is acceptable for use.
3. Component Test
Component Test is performed on individual components of the software, such as a specific module or function, to verify that they work correctly.
4. End-to-End Test
End-to-End Test is performed on the entire software system to verify that all components are working together correctly.
5. Regression Test
A Regression Test is performed after changes have been made to the software to verify that the changes have not broken any existing functionalities.
6. User Acceptance Test (UAT)
User Acceptance Test is performed by end-users to verify that the software meets their requirements and is suitable for use in real-world scenarios.
Important Distinction Between Sanity and Smoke Test
- Sanity testing seeks to validate "rationality," whereas smoke testing seeks to validate "stability."
- Developers and testers can both perform Smoke Testing while testers perform Sanity Testing.
- Sanity testing validates new functionality, such as bug fixes, whereas smoke testing validates the system's critical functionalities.
- While Sanity testing is a subset of Regression Testing, Smoke testing is a subset of Acceptance Testing.
- Sanity testing is not programmed or recorded, whereas smoke testing is.
- Sanity testing only validates a single element, whereas smoke testing validates the whole system from beginning to end.
Smoke Testing should always be carried out on every build in software engineering since it aids in the early detection of issues. The software build must complete a smoke test activity before moving on to the system stage. Every build that is put through testing must pass a smoke test. This holds for both major and minor system releases as well as new development.
The QA team must confirm that the application under test is running on the correct build version before beginning smoke testing. Testing the application's stability is an easy operation that takes very little time. Smoke tests can save test effort while enhancing the application's quality. Depending on the customer and the business, smoke testing can be done manually or automatically.
Hope this blog was helpful to you. We, at Sanesquare Technologies, have a team of experienced and skilled testers who can help you get through your doubts and questions, feel free to seek our team at sanesquare.
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