Which testing is done first, smoke or sanity?

 

Smoke testing and sanity testing play an important role in the software development process. Both are exclusively used to evaluate the software build. The stability of a software build that is going to be deployed is checked by the smoke testing method. 

The post-build check is conducted by the sanity testing method to make sure that all the identified bugs have been fixed. In this article, you will get to know whether smoke or sanity testing is conducted first.

To analyze whether smoke testing or sanity testing comes first, it is better to know and understand the functioning of smoke and sanity testing first. But, before understanding both these testing methods, it is much better to know about a software build.

 What is a software build?

Software development has certain essential components and code is one of its essential components. There may be hundreds or even thousands of source code files contained in software depending upon the complexity and functionalities. Compilation of these source codes is done into a single file. Exchanging these files can be done with the developers for the purpose of development and deployment.

The source code files are taken by the build and then compiled, so that a build artifact can be produced, such as executable programs or binaries. This in turn results in efficient software project delivery. An executable program is created by the “build” software and this whole process is called as “Software build.”

 What is smoke testing?

Post-software build, smoke testing is conducted to ascertain whether the important phases of the software build are working flawlessly. It is a testing method that verifies whether the deployed software build is stable or not. Both testers and developers complete this testing method before initiating the functional or regression testing process.

The important components of the build are checked thoroughly and thus time and efforts of QA teams are saved on damaged software applications. A fresh build is delivered by the developers to the QA teams through the smoke testing process.

 What is Sanity testing?

This testing method verifies whether the functionality or module that has been added to the current software build is stable enough in order to proceed to the next level of testing. It checks whether the changes made to the specific module are in accordance with the expected requirements or not. If there is a requirement for making minor modifications to the code, then the end-to-end testing of the build is verified by sanity testing.

If the test does not pass, then the software build is rejected by the QA team, thereby saving time and money. It is a subset of regression testing and is performed after smoke testing.

 Smoke testing or Sanity testing: Which testing comes first?

Smoke testing is performed first and the following points will justify it:

·         Almost every part of the application is worked upon

·         It is both documented and scripted either using an automated test or a written set of tests

·         It thoroughly checks the application’s build, before moving it to the other levels of testing.

Smoke testing ensures if the deployed functionality can be tested or not. If due to technical reasons, smoke testing fails, then the build cannot be further tested.

Hence, sanity testing is performed after the application has gone through the smoke testing process and once the smoke testing is completed then the process of sanity testing is initiated.         

 Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing smoke testing or sanity testing or both for your specific project, then do get connected with a well-established software testing services company that will provide you with a tactical testing roadmap that is in line with your project specific requirements.

About the author: I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.