Smoke Testing vs. Sanity Testing in Functional Testing

In the realm of functional testing, smoke testing and sanity testing serve distinct purposes in ensuring the quality and functionality of software applications.

Smoke Testing

Smoke testing, also known as build verification testing, is conducted to ascertain whether the critical functionalities of the software build are working as expected. It is a preliminary test that focuses on identifying major issues that could prevent further testing. Smoke tests are typically quick and shallow, aiming to detect show-stopper defects early in the development cycle.

Sanity Testing

Sanity testing, on the other hand, is performed after specific changes or fixes have been made to the software. It validates that the modifications have not adversely affected the existing functionalities and features of the application. Sanity tests are more focused and targeted than smoke tests, concentrating on the areas that were altered or impacted by the recent changes.

Contribution to Functional Testing Process

Both smoke testing and sanity testing play crucial roles in the functional testing process by helping ensure the stability and reliability of the software under test. While smoke testing acts as a quick check to determine if the build is suitable for further testing, sanity testing confirms that the recent changes have not disrupted the core functionalities of the application.

By incorporating both types of testing into the testing workflow, testers can identify critical issues early on and maintain the integrity of the software throughout its development lifecycle.