Difference Between Sanity and Smoke Testing

As a new application or functionality is developed, there are a few regression tests that are run by testers to verify the existence of the fundamental functions, and then the real testing starts.

The difference between sanity and smoke testing assists the teams with the choice of which fast test to execute and at which level. Although those two types of testing might sound alike, they are applied differently in real life.

What Is Smoke Testing?

Smoke testing is a high-level, simple testing procedure that is applied to ascertain whether the most significant functions of a software build are operational or not. Imagine it is a fundamental health check of an application. In case the app collapses at this stage, it is not worth proceeding further with the testing.

Smoke testing is typically done upon a new build release or a significant update made by developers. It is not to examine everything, just to ensure that the essential features are sound enough to proceed.

Example of Smoke Testing

And, as a matter of example, you update a banking app. You have to ensure that you can open the app, log in, and read the account dashboard before testing all the features.

When there is failure in these, then the testing is halted- that is, smoke testing.

Benefits of Smoke Testing

• Helps to save time by rectifying significant failures in their initial stages.
• Eliminates tumultuous constructs in testing.
• Help teams not waste time.

Limitations of Smoke Testing

• Very shallow and basic
• It is not a fully detailed functionality tested.
• Impossible to verify the quality of features.

What Is Sanity Testing?

Sanity testing is a special form of testing, which is done when minor bug fixes or small additions, or patches have been made. Rather than picking through and poking, testers check the working status of a particular change that has been implemented – and whether it has inadvertently compromised something on the same.

This testing is normally done when time to conduct a full regression testing does not exist, yet the team still wants to be assured that the fix is solid.

Example of Sanity Testing

Suppose developers corrected the OTP issue with logging in to an application. Now, testers recheck only the login and OTP and similar flows to ensure that the fix is functional. That is sanity testing.

Benefits of Sanity Testing

• Quick and targeted testing
• Tests that bug fixes are properly functioning.
• Rebates time in last-minute releases.

Limitations of Sanity Testing

• Limited scope
• It does not encompass the whole application.
• Relies on the experience of the tester.

Difference Between Sanity and Smoke Testing

Although the two are speedy examinations, the reason is that they are applied under different circumstances. Smoke testing occurs when it is time to build something, whereas sanity testing occurs when there are minor fixes or updates.

Difference between Smoke and Sanity Testing with Real Time Example

Suppose that a shopping application is to issue a significant version. First, the QA team does smoke testing – they would test to see if the app opens, can log in, can open the home page, and can see the products. In case they pass, it is possible to proceed with full testing.

Subsequently, one reports a bug in which the Add to Cart button is not operational in a single item. Developers fix it. Testers have removed all sanity testing other than the feature, Add to Cart, calculate cart price, and checkout behaviour.
Same app but two different situations and two different testing goals.

When to Use Smoke Testing vs Sanity Testing

Use Smoke Testing when:

• A new build is released
• Major features are added
• You must test the system in general.
• You would like to make a decision on whether or not further testing is necessary.

Use Sanity Testing when:

• One particular problem has been addressed.
• Minor improvements are rolled out.
• Time limits do not permit the complete regression test.
• It is just necessary to check the affected modules.

Conclusion

The knowledge of the distinction between sanity and smoke testing assists the QA teams in making the correct decision and implementing it at the proper time.

Smoke testing is a kind of testing that aims at ensuring that the build is stable enough to progress, and sanity testing is used to ensure that recent fixes or changes have been applied accordingly to related features.

Both testing methods are time-saving and minimize bugs in addition to improving the quality of the software.

FAQs

1. Is sanity testing a subset of regression testing?

Yes. Sanity testing has been regarded as a specialized form of regression testing since it confirms that the modifications have been made in designated sectors within the application.

2. Who performs smoke testing — developers or testers?

Both can perform it. Testers repeat it sometimes to verify the stability of the build before sending the build, and developers do the same.

3. Can sanity testing be automated?

No. Sanity testing is fast, exploratory, and change-driven; hence, it is usually done by hand.

4. Which test is done first smoke or sanity?

The first thing done is smoke testing of the new build. More recent fixes or minor updates occur, followed by sanity testing.