One of the most misunderstood testing concepts by QA teams is that of smoke testing and sanity testing. So let’s discuss their terminologies and then let’s have a look at the difference between them.

Smoke Testing

Smoke testing is non-exhaustive software testing that checks whether the most key elements of a programme work while disregarding intricate points. It is a type of testing implemented to maintain that the completed project can be tested extensively. Smoke Testing is a type of testing used to evaluate whether or not configured setup is stable.

Let’s use a basic Gmail programme as an example for testing.

• Access the Gmail programme by logging in.
• Compose an email.
• Please send the email

 

Why is the preceding functionality critical for Smoke Testing?

Presume your email isn’t sent, is it worthwhile to test other features such as draughts, deleted texts, archives, and so on? No, it’s not true. If even the most simple functionality, such as sending an email, isn’t working, there’s no point in checking any other features.

Smoke testing is often used to test the sensitive areas of an application rather than the entire application.

Sanity Testing

Sanity testing is a type of regression testing that is used to verify that code modifications are implemented correctly. Sanity testing, also known as acceptance testing, is used to determine whether or not the provided build can be tested; in other words, sanity testing is application testing to determine whether it is secure enough for more testing. When performing repetitive cycles of regression testing, sanity testing can be moved to a later stage after all regression test cycles have been completed. When a build is moved from a staging testing server to a production server, sanity testing of the software application is conducted to see whether it is safe to continue with the production server.

Let’s look at an OLA application for testing as an example.

The following are the characteristics:

• Sign up for the OLA app.
• Log in to the app.
• Look for the cab.
• Book cab.

Presume these four features have been reviewed and the “Login” function has failed. The designer then modifies and corrects the flaws. After that, only the changed function will be subjected to Sanity Testing.

The Distinction between Smoke Testing and Sanity Testing

1. Though smoke testing covers all aspects of software testing (though not in-depth) and is considered a broad approach. 

Sanity testing is a specific regression test that focuses on a particular set of software application usability areas.

2. The purpose of smoke testing is to see whether the QA team will continue with the rest of the testing. It’s also known as “Confidence Testing” or “Build Verification Testing.” 

 

The purpose of sanity testing is to ensure that modifications in usability and bug fixes perform as planned. “Tester Acceptance Testing” is another term for it.

3. Smoke testing test cases can be either manual or automated. 

Sanity testing is typically conducted without any test scripts or cases.

4. The primary goal of smoke testing is to determine whether or not the main functions of the software application are operational. Technical points are unimportant while performing this test. 

However, sanity testing is a form of software testing that is only nominal. It is carried out if a short round of testing can be used to ensure that the software application meets functional or other specifications.

 

5. Smoke testing is done whenever the Dev team sends a new build to the QA team. A fresh build is one in which the developer has made new adjustments and when a new module or usability is added.

Sanity testing is done when bugs/flaws are fixed and when the testers obtain a software build with minor adjustments in code. 

6. Smoke testing of the software is done to see whether the build can be approved for software testing. 

Sanity checking, on the other hand, is used to determine whether or not the criteria have been met.

7. Smoke testing is a subcategory of Acceptance Testing and is like a general health check-up. 

Sanity testing is a subcategory of regression testing and is like a specialized health check-up.

 

Both smoke testing and sanity testing are used to save time and resources by easily deciding whether an application is too defective to be tested thoroughly. Both smoke and sanity tests can be done manually or with the help of an automation testing tool. You will need to run both Sanity and Smoke Tests in the programme build depending on the testing requirements. In such situations, you can conduct Smoke checks first, followed by Sanity Testing. Test cases for sanity testing and smoke testing are often combined to speed up test execution.

TestDel understand that every client has specific needs and every project is different. We’ll tailor our processes to your project based on your needs and the way that your software will be used. For further information on our Testing  services, please contact us to discuss your requirements.