Smoke Testing vs. Regression Testing: What's the Difference and When to Use Each?

 Smoke testing and regression testing, both play a crucial role in ascertaining whether the software product or application that is being developed is working as per the required expectations or not. Smoke testing is conducted in the initial stages of software development to uncover any major defects and fix them. It is carried out quickly. Regression testing ensures that new changes or updates introduced in the code do not alter the existing functionalities of the application. 

In this article, you will get to know the differences between smoke testing and regression testing. 

What is smoke testing?

The pre-production software is tested by developers and testers so that specific issues can be identified and fixed. Before moving on to further stages of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) process, smoke testing is quickly performed to fix any issues or bugs early on in the software development process. Before the software product or application goes through functional and integration testing, smoke testing is performed.

The platform of smoke testing makes sure that the software application's core capabilities are able to perform as per the required expectations.

 

The right context to perform smoke testing:

Whenever an application's new version is being created and is being merged with an old build that is being deployed in a staging/QA environment then the platform of smoke testing is being tactically utilized. Smoke testing ensures that all the major features are working as expected. The black box testing approach is used by this testing method. 

 

What is regression testing?

It is a specific testing method that makes sure the modifications or bug fixes in the requirements are not impacting other aspects of the application's functionalities. Regression testing is usually performed by testing teams when a few revisions have been undergone by the software build because of bug repairs and requirement edits.

If any changes or updates are being made while the software is being developed then regression testing is performed. The platform of regression testing also ensures that those defects that have been uncovered in the earlier stages of software development should not reoccur in the code.

 The right context to perform regression testing:   

When the new features or modifications have been passed by the smoke testing method, then after regression testing needs to be performed. Regression testing should also include the daily test cycle for the purpose of release. When the modifications are completed by the functional testing method, then after weekly releases can be run through regression tests.

Following are a few scenarios wherein regression testing is performed:

·         The program or application has been added up with a few new features

·         The incorporation of a specific bug fix into the build

·         Code changes have been made as per the specific requirements.

 

Following are the differences between smoke testing and regression testing:

Smoke testing

Regression testing

It makes sure that the main functions of the software are working as expected

It makes sure that the updates or changes that have been made do not create unexpected effects in the existing functionalities of the software

It is carried out quickly and thus consumes a lesser amount of time

It is a time consuming testing process due to its tactical importance at various stages of software development

A limited set of test cases is used by this testing method

A large set of test cases are used by this testing method

The basic functions of the software are covered and hence it is limited in scope

Almost all the areas of the software are covered and hence it is much wider in scope.

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing smoke testing or regression testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a top-notch software testing services company that will provide you with well-defined testing solutions that are 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.

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