Sanity testing Vs. Smoke testing: Understand the difference

Sanity testing and smoke testing have their own strategic value in the software development process. Though both these testing types are being confused at some point or the other, but, if a thorough study is done for both these testing types from a practical standpoint, then the testing team can truly leverage these two valuable testing methods. Both these testing types have their specific testing objectives and priorities that need to be met. In this article, you will get a brief idea about sanity and smoke testing and also the differences between both of them.

What is sanity testing?

When the software build is received, sanity testing is performed in order to ensure that the code changes that have been done are working as expected. This testing method evaluates whether the testing for a specified build can be done or not. The functionality of the application is validated. It decides whether a specific software product should go through end-to-end testing or not. A build is tested when there is an immediate requirement for production deployment like fixing an important bug.

If the sanity test fails, then the testing team rejects the build. This specific build should again clear smoke test and should also be accepted by the QA team. This testing method also ensures that any modifications in the functions or code will not affect the associated modules. It is a subset of regression testing.

What is smoke testing?

It is a testing method where the core functionalities of a program are checked in order to ensure whether the program can be further tested or not. Smoke testing is considered to be a subset of all planned/defined test cases, where the main functionality of a system or component is covered, in order to ascertain whether the most important functions of a program work properly or not. The finer details of the program are not taken into consideration.

The initial software builds are thoroughly tested using this testing method in order to determine whether the program’s key functionalities are working perfectly fine or not. All the key functionalities of a software program are tested.

Difference between sanity testing and smoke testing:

Sanity testing	Smoke testing
It is performed to check whether the new functionalities/bugs have been fixed or not	It is performed to determine whether the program’s key functionalities are working fine or not
It is a subset of regression testing	It is a subset of acceptance testing
Only particular component of the entire system is exercised	The entire system is exercised from end-to-end
The goal of this testing method is to assess the “rationality” of the system in order to move further to more rigorous testing	The goal of this testing method is to assess the “stability” of the system in order to move further to more rigorous testing
It is generally performed by testers	It is performed by both developers and testers
It is unscripted and is usually not documented	It is either documented or scripted
This testing method has to be performed manually, as the platform of automation testing cannot be utilized	This testing method can be performed either manually or through automation tools
It is performed after completion of regression testing	It is performed when a software product is being built

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing sanity testing or smoke testing or both for your specific software development project, then do get connected with the finest test automation service providers that will provide you a feasible testing roadmap that will truly benefit your project 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.