What is smoke testing and what are its characteristics?

Any software development project would focus on high-quality output while ensuring the time, cost, and efforts

required for completing the project are reduced to a considerable extent. A software application goes through a

rigorous testing process to ensure that the end result is free of bugs and the quality is not compromised. Smoke

testing is one such key testing method that focuses on detecting bugs and issues in the early stages of software

development and thus saves time and effort. In this article, you will get to know about smoke testing and its

characteristics.  

What is smoke testing?

It is a testing method that makes sure the application’s major functionalities are working fine. It is non-exhaustive testing, as the test cases are very limited in number, with a focus on important features and whether they are working fine or not. It is also known as “build verification testing,” where the verification of a build is done to test the important features of an application. Then the analysis is done to know whether further detailed testing can be done or not.

Developers can perform smoke testing before the build is released to the testers. Post this, the testing team also performs smoke testing in order to ascertain if the build is stable enough to go for detailed testing. This testing method is performed with valid data and positive scenarios. Almost all the smoke testing activities are documented.

Characteristics of smoke testing:

• This testing method decides whether to accept or reject a build, based on how stable it is. Based on the stability factor, further in-depth and rigorous testing activities can be carried out

• Smoke testing can decide whether a specific build can be taken forward for further testing or not. For this reason, this testing method is also termed as intake test

• Only basic functionalities are covered in this testing method

• An unstable build is outright rejected, which in turn saves effort and time for the QA team

• Smoke testing is considered to be a subset of regression testing

• All the critical functionalities must be covered in the chosen test cases

• This testing method can be executed through both manual and automation testing 

• There is an organized way of carrying out the documentation works, where all the smoke testing activities are documented

• Major defects can be detected early and integration issues are revealed through this testing method

• It is can be used with acceptance testing, system testing and integration testing

• It can be categorized as unit tests or functional tests.

What is the specific context to perform smoke testing?

Smoke testing is basically performed when the new functionalities of the software are integrated and developed with an existing build. This in turn ensures whether all the crucial functionalities are working properly or not. The developers are responsible to carry out the testing process in the development environment to ensure the application is correct, before releasing the build to the QA. Once the QA environment receives the build, QA engineers will initiate the process of performing smoke testing. Whenever a new build arrives, the major functionality in the application is determined by the QA team to perform smoke testing.

Advantages of smoke testing:

• Defects and bugs can be easily found in the early stages of software development

• Test cases are very limited in number

• All the bugs pertaining to regression testing are fixed properly

• Faster feedback is ensured through this testing method

• Improves software quality and the effectiveness of the QA team.

Conclusion: In this article, you might have got a brief idea about smoke testing, its characteristics, and its advantages. If you are looking forward to implementing smoke testing for your specific project, do get connected with a top-notch software testing services company that will provide you a strategic implementation roadmap that is perfectly in line with your specific project needs.