Smoke testing, when to perform it

First of all let’s recall what a smoke test is.

Smoke test is a test suite that covers the main functionality of a component or system to determine whether it works properly before planned testing begins. (ISTQB)

Smoke tests are a subset of test cases that cover the most important functionality of a component or system, used to aid assessment of whether main functions of the software appear to work correctly. (Wikipedia)

So, Smoke Testing is a software testing process that determines whether the deployed software build is stable or not. Smoke testing is a confirmation for the QA team to proceed with further software testing. It consists of a minimal set of tests run on each build to test software functionalities.

In simple terms, smoke tests means verifying the important features are working and there are no showstoppers in the build that is under testing. It is a mini and rapid regression test of major functionality. It is a simple test that shows the product is ready for testing. This helps determine if the build is flawed as to make any further testing a waste of time and resources.

So after answering the question what is it, let’s discover when to use it.

Actually testers need to perform smoke testing each time when a new build comes and it includes some changes. This is a very important point. If there is CI|CD processes on the project and builds are released each hour automatically; they can be identical if the developer doesn’t commit any new code. So smoke testing should be done only for the builds with changes.?

What changes are?

• Bug fix is done.
• New feature is added.
• Code is refactored.?

Looks familiar? ;)?

Please note that smoke testing is usually part and beginning of the regression testing.?

So Smoke Testing is done whenever the new functionalities of software are developed and integrated with existing build that is deployed in the QA/staging environment. It ensures that all critical functionalities are working correctly or not.

Also an important question is how to select tests for the smoke testing. And we will answer this question in our next articles. So stay with us!?

#test_types #testing_fundamentals #processes