Difference between Smoke and sanity testing

<<2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>smoke and sanity testing, combining both explanation and a structured format:

Introduction

In the realm of Software testing, smoke and sanity testing are preliminary yet crucial steps. While often confused, they serve distinct purposes and help ensure the quality of a software build before proceeding to more in-depth testing.

Key Differences: Smoke Testing vs. Sanity Testing

FeatureSmoke TestingSanity Testing
PurposeTo verify the stability and readiness of a new build for further testing.To quickly assess the rationality of recent changes or bug fixes in a relatively stable build.
ScopeShallow and broad. Covers the most essential functionalities of the entire system.Narrow and deep. Focuses on specific functionalities or areas impacted by recent modifications.
Execution TimeUsually done early in the development cycle, immediately after a new build is available.Performed after smoke testing has passed and before regression testing.
TesterOften conducted by developers or testers.Primarily performed by testers.
DocumentationScripted or documented for future reference.Usually unscripted and ad-hoc.
OutcomeIf failed, the build is rejected and returned for fixing.If failed, specific issues are reported for correction.
Other NamesBuild Verification Testing, Confidence TestingSurface Level Testing, Spot Checking

Advantages and Disadvantages

Type of TestingAdvantagesDisadvantages
Smoke TestingQuick way to identify major issues early on. Saves time and Resources by avoiding in-depth testing on unstable builds.May not catch all critical issues, especially those related to specific changes.
Sanity TestingHelps verify the functionality of recent changes without extensive testing. Provides quick feedback to developers.Limited scope and may miss issues in areas not directly related to recent modifications.

Similarities Between Smoke and Sanity Testing

  • Both are preliminary testing methods used to assess the quality of a software build.
  • Both help identify issues early in the development cycle.
  • Both are relatively quick to execute compared to in-depth testing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Is smoke testing necessary if sanity testing is done? Yes. Smoke testing assesses the overall stability of the build, while sanity testing focuses on the rationality of recent changes. Both are essential to ensure the quality of the software.

  2. Can smoke and sanity testing be automated? While both can be automated to some extent, sanity testing is often more ad-hoc and exploratory, making automation less straightforward.

  3. Which should be performed first, smoke or sanity testing? Smoke testing is always performed first. If it passes, sanity testing is then conducted.

  4. Who is responsible for smoke and sanity testing? Developers often conduct smoke testing, while testers are primarily responsible for sanity testing. However, this can vary depending on the organization and project.

  5. Are smoke and sanity testing enough to ensure software quality? No. They are preliminary tests that help identify major issues early on. Comprehensive testing, including regression, integration, and system testing, is still necessary to ensure overall software quality.

Let me know if you’d like any clarification or further details on specific points.

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