Smoke Testing vs Sanity Testing: A Detailed Comparison

 In the world of software testing, Smoke Testing and Sanity Testing are often discussed together due to their overlapping objectives. However, they serve distinct purposes and are used in different scenarios. This blog will explore their purpose, scope, execution, similarities, and differences, providing clarity on when to perform and use these testing types.

What is Smoke Testing?

Purpose

Smoke Testing, also known as "Build Verification Testing," ensures that the critical functionalities of the software are working correctly after a new build is deployed. It acts as a preliminary check to decide whether the software is stable enough for further testing.

Scope

  • Focuses on the core features of the application.

  • Verifies the stability of the build.

  • Involves only high-level testing without delving into detailed scenarios.

Execution

  • Performed by developers or testers.

  • Test cases are predefined and include the critical paths of the application.

  • Automated tools or manual execution can be used.

When to Perform

  • Conducted on every new build release.

  • Used to decide whether the build is "testable" and can proceed to the next level of testing.

When to Use

  • When there is a need to verify the basic functionality quickly.

  • Useful for detecting major issues early in the testing cycle.

What is Sanity Testing?

Purpose

Sanity Testing verifies that specific functionalities or bug fixes work as intended after minor changes in the code. It ensures that the recent updates haven’t broken existing functionality.

Scope

  • Focuses on specific components or functionalities affected by recent changes.

  • Does not cover the entire application.

  • More targeted and detailed compared to Smoke Testing.

Execution

  • Performed by testers after receiving a stable build.

  • Does not require predefined test cases; testers may use exploratory testing.

  • Typically manual, as it focuses on recent changes.

When to Perform

  • After minor changes, bug fixes, or enhancements in the application.

  • Conducted when there is no need for exhaustive regression testing.

When to Use

  • When validating specific areas of the application.

  • Useful in scenarios where time is constrained, and a quick check is needed.

Similarities Between Smoke Testing and Sanity Testing

  1. Objective: Both aim to identify issues early to prevent further testing on an unstable build.

  2. Quick Checks: Both are lightweight testing approaches that save time.

  3. Gatekeeper Role: Both act as checkpoints to decide whether detailed testing should proceed.

  4. Performed on New Builds: Both are executed after receiving a new build.

Differences Between Smoke Testing and Sanity Testing

AspectSmoke TestingSanity Testing
PurposeVerifies the stability of the entire build.Verifies specific functionalities or bug fixes.
ScopeBroad, covering critical features of the application.Narrow, focusing on particular areas of change.
ExecutionUses predefined test cases.Does not require predefined test cases; exploratory.
TimingConducted after every new build.Conducted after minor changes or bug fixes.
Performed ByDevelopers or testers.Primarily testers.
AutomationCan be automated or manual.Mostly manual.
FocusEnsures the build is testable.Ensures the changes work as expected.

Conclusion

Smoke Testing and Sanity Testing are essential components of the software testing process. While Smoke Testing is a broader approach to ensure the build's overall stability, Sanity Testing is more focused on validating specific changes or fixes. By understanding their differences and knowing when to use each, teams can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their testing efforts.

In summary:

  • Use Smoke Testing to validate the stability of a new build.

  • Use Sanity Testing to confirm the accuracy of specific changes.

Both testing types are complementary and play a critical role in delivering a reliable, high-quality product.

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