Smoke testing is an early check to make sure a software build is stable. Think of it as a quick way to see if the main functions work before deeper testing begins. This type of testing is very useful in today’s fast-paced development cycles, as it prevents time and money being spent on builds that have big issues.
What is Smoke Testing?
Smoke testing is like a “checklist” test that verifies if key features work, helping us see if it’s worth going further. Its name comes from manufacturing, where they’d power on machines to see if they’d “smoke” or work.
Why is Smoke Testing Important?
The benefits of smoke testing include:
- Catching big issues early.
- Saving time and resources.
- Helping teams work better together.
Who’s Involved in Smoke Testing?
- Business Analyst (BA):
- Understands the key features needed for testing.
- Works with Product Owners to decide what’s most important to test.
- Product Owner (PO):
- Makes sure key functions match business goals.
- Sets the priorities for testing.
- Quality Assurance (QA):
- Designs and runs the smoke tests to see if the basics work.
- Checks for stability and reports issues.
- Developers (Devs):
- Provide builds and work with QA to fix issues.
- Run quick tests to make sure integration points are stable.
- Project Manager/Scrum Master:
- Helps the team stay organized and ensures everyone communicates effectively.
Types of Smoke Testing
- Manual Smoke Testing: Done by testers without automation tools.
- Automated Smoke Testing: Uses scripts to speed up the checks.
- Hybrid Approach: Combines both for best results.
Comparison Table: Smoke Testing vs. Other Testing Types
| Feature | Smoke Testing | Regression Testing | Sanity Testing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goal | Basic feature check | Check for new issues | Focus on specific parts |
| Who Does It | QA, sometimes Devs | Mostly QA | QA and sometimes Devs |
| Frequency | Every build | After changes | After a fix |
| Scope | Limited to key functions | Complete app | Focused area |
| Time Required | Short | Longer | Short |
| Role | Primary Responsibility in Smoke Testing | Key Benefit to Testing Process |
| BA | Validates business-critical functionalities | Ensures alignment with business requirements |
| PO | Confirms key user stories function | Provides rapid validation for stakeholders |
| QA | Executes automated and manual smoke tests | Early detection of major defects |
| Devs | Initial smoke testing in development environment | Immediate feedback |
Steps in Smoke Testing
- Identify Key Features
List main functions that must work, like logins or data entry. - Prepare Test Cases and Environment
Set up the environment and test cases for realistic checks. - Run the Tests
Keep it quick, checking just essential features. - Analyze Results and Decide
Quickly decide if the build is ready for more testing. - Document and Share Results
Record results for everyone to stay informed.
Real-Life Example: Mobile App Testing
Imagine smoke testing a mobile banking app. Basic functions like login, viewing balance, and making transfers should work for the app to be usable. Each team member plays a role in making sure these key functions work.
Benefits of Smoke Testing
- Saves time and prevents major rework.
- Helps the team stay aligned and focused on quality.
- Boosts efficiency by catching issues early.