Smoke Testing vs Regression Testing

Smoke testing and regression testing are two crucial testing techniques in the field of Quality Assurance. Understanding the difference between these two can significantly enhance the effectiveness of software testing processes.

Smoke Testing

Smoke testing, also known as build verification testing, is performed to ensure that the critical functionalities of the software are working as expected after a new build or release. It is a preliminary testing phase that aims to identify major issues before proceeding with more in-depth testing.

Regression Testing

Regression testing, on the other hand, is conducted to validate that recent code changes have not negatively impacted the existing functionalities of the software. It involves retesting the unchanged parts of the application along with the newly added features to ensure the overall system stability.

Difference Between Smoke Testing and Regression Testing

• Purpose: Smoke testing verifies the basic features of the software, while regression testing ensures the overall system integrity.
• Timing: Smoke testing is executed early in the testing process, whereas regression testing is performed throughout the development lifecycle.
• Scope: Smoke testing focuses on major functionalities, while regression testing covers both new and existing functionalities.
• Frequency: Smoke testing is typically executed for every new build, while regression testing is repeated after each code change.

By understanding the distinctions between smoke testing and regression testing, QA testers can effectively prioritize their testing efforts and deliver high-quality software products.