A Comparison of Smoke Testing and Sanity Testing

Software testing is essential for assessing the dependability and quality of a certain software product. Each type of Software Testing Training contributes to the achievement of a particular goal. Having said that, many people mistake the concepts of smoke and sanity testing and use the two terms interchangeably. Although it might be practical, this is not the right way to do it. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the topic of Smoke Testing vs. Sanity Testing in its whole in order to dispel the confusion.

Smoke testing vs. sanity testing: the literature is still in its infancy. In light of this, we'll attempt to compare and contrast smoke testing with sanity testing in this blog. Under the heading of Smoke Testing vs. Sanity Testing vs. Regression Testing, we will examine the distinctions between the two and make an effort to comprehend how they relate to Regression Testing.

How do smoke tests work?

Sanity testing: what is it?

Sanity testing and smoke testing have certain similarities.

Tests for sanity vs. smoke: differences

Sanity vs. Regression Testing vs. Smoke

Conclusion

 

How do smoke tests work?

Smoke testing is done on initial builds and is done in the early stages of the SDLC. Smoke testing's main goal is to make sure the software application's basic functionalities operate without a hitch. It doesn't entail extensive testing. Smoke testing, on the other hand, aids in early detection of subpar builds by evaluating the important portions of an application. This avoids wasting time and effort on pointless additional testing. The build is immediately rejected if the smoke test is unsuccessful. Smoke testing, also known as "Confidence testing" or "Build Verification Testing," is regarded as a subset of acceptance testing.

Sanity testing: what is it?

Sanity testing is carried out whenever the testing team receives a new software build, following small modifications to its functionality or code, to ensure that all bugs have been corrected, all errors have been resolved, and no new defects have been added. It is a broad, rapid, and shallow software testing technique that aids in determining whether additional testing is feasible. Sanity testing is essential for ensuring that the new code modifications don't interfere with the functionality already in place. Sanity testing, commonly referred to as "cursory testing," is regarded as a subset of regression testing.

Sanity testing and smoke testing have certain similarities.

·         Both are helpful in assessing whether additional testing is feasible. It only permits continued examination of software programmes whose essential features are in good functioning order.

·         Both of these checks can be carried out manually or automatically.

·         Both of these software testing methods serve as vital safeguards against time and resource waste. An application will be completely rejected if it is too flawed.

·         Sanity and smoke testing are typically carried out at various stages of the software development lifecycle. Sanity testing typically comes after smoke testing.

Tests for sanity vs. smoke: differences

Basis of Comparison	Smoke Testing	Sanity Testing
Purpose of Testing	It is undertaken in order to ensure that the core functionalities of a software application are working properly.	It is undertaken in order to ensure that the additional/new functionalities are operating properly and the bugs have been fixed.
Nature	Smoke Testing is regarded to be a subset of Acceptance Testing.	Sanity Testing is regarded to be a subset of Regression Testing.
Coverage of Testing	It has a broad approach which spans over all the parts of an application.	It has a narrow approach which only emphasizes upon the most important parts of an application.
Point of Execution	Smoke Testing is conducted in the initial stages of SDLC on initial builds.	Sanity Testing is conducted towards the end of SDLC on stable builds.
Goal	The objective is to verify stability.	The objective is to verify rationality.
Executors	Smoke Testing can be carried out by developers or testers.	Sanity Testing is carried out by testers alone.
Form	It is documented and scripted.	It is generally undocumented and non-scripted.
Intent	Smoke Testing is conducted every time a new software build is released.	Sanity Testing is planned and intentional when there is insufficient time to conduct in-depth testing.

 

Sanity vs. Regression Testing vs. Smoke

We'll compare Smoke Testing, Sanity Testing, and Regression Testing in three different ways in this portion of the blog.

Testing for Regression

Regression testing aids in ensuring that the programme is still functioning properly following any change, update, or modification to the code. It is essential for making sure that the software builds are stable and effective. It is often the final step in the SDLC and is carried out by the QA team following the conclusion of the Sanity Tests.

 

Smoke Testing	Sanity Testing	Regression Testing
Focuses on core functionalities of a software application	Focuses on additional/new functionalities and bug fixes	Focuses on the complete system and bug fixes
Executed on Initial Builds	Executed on Stable Builds	Executed on Stable Builds
Verifies Stability	Verifies Rationality	Verifies Functionality
Carried out by Testers or Developers	Carried out by Testers	Carried out by Testers
Subset of Acceptance Testing	Subset of Regression Testing	Superset of Smoke and Sanity Testing
Broad and Shallow approach	Narrow and Deep approach	Broad and Deep approach

 

Conclusion

The majority of the time, smoke testing and sanity testing are done to make sure that Software Testing Course builds are stable, logical, and functioning. In these cases, smoke testing comes before sanity testing. However, the test cases for the Smoke Test are frequently mixed with those for the Sanity Tests, leading to their interchangeable usage. While the two appear to be comparable, there are also logical distinctions between the two, indicating that the debate between smoke testing vs. sanity is a legitimate one.