Smoke testing in software testing is one of the starting steps of the developmental process. It is also called the “Build Verification Testing” or “Build Acceptance Testing.” This testing ensures that the important functions of software applications are working properly. It quickly detects and fixes any major problem in the software before the in-depth testing is performed. This testing ensures a stable and secured status for software to continue with the next types of testing.
What is Smoke Testing?
It determines if the software is stable or not. It acts as the first aid to check the quality and go with further testing. In simple words, it is a process that ensures that the major components of the software are working and verifies it for further testing. In case any important feature is not working, the process is put on hold and the problem is resolved before moving for further testing.
Smoke testing in software testing checks if the product is ready for testing or not. It stops any waste of time and resources.
Characteristics of Smoke Testing
Now that we know what Smoke testing in software testing is, let’s look at some of the important characteristics of this testing:
- This is a broad kind of testing that checks all the major features and components of software.
- Smoke testing can be automated to effectively check and verfiy the fundamental system. Automation fastens the process and makes it more efficient.
- It is generally done when a new build of a major code change is done. This identifies any major problem associated with it.
- This process is generally a fast process of checking the build stability and does not require much time.
- It is generally done in a controlled setting that is somewhat similar to a production setting.
- Quality assurance engineers are responsible for performing this test.
Goal of Smoke Testing in Software Testing
We have understood all the characteristics of Build Acceptance Testing, and now we’ll look at some of its major aims:
- Stop Wasting Resources: It saves the wastage of resources as it checks the core functionality before proceeding to further testing.
- Time Management: Moreover, it saves precious time by identifying the show shopping issues in the very initial stage.
- Making Objective Decisions: It helps the professional in taking more objective decisions by establishing a transparent framework showing whether the software is ready for in-depth testing.
- On-going Integration: It ensures that every new build or code is integrated properly into the codebase. It verifies if the build satisfies the quality criteria needed for continuous integration.
- Communication: It establishes a quick feedback system and facilitates effective communication within the testing teams.
Types of Smoke Testing
Smoke testing in software testing is of various types. Let’s look at some of the primary types:
1. Manual Smoke Testing
In manual Smoke testing in software testing, the tester actively engages with the software to develop, modify, or update test cases for each build. This method requires the tester to manually write test scripts for both existing and new features. Although time-consuming, this process allows for a deeper understanding of the application’s current state.
2. Automated Smoke Testing
Automated smoke testing uses testing tools that automate the process. It enables quick and efficient verification of the build’s stability. Automated smoke tests can be run repeatedly and are often integrated into continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to ensure that each new build meets basic quality standards.
3. Hybrid Smoke Testing
Hybrid Smoke testing in software testing combines both manual and automated approaches. Testers write the test cases manually and then automate them using testing tools. This method enhances testing efficiency by combining the thoroughness of manual testing with the speed and consistency of automated testing. It is ideal for projects that require both detailed inspection and swift execution.
4. Daily Smoke Testing
Daily smoke testing is carried out every day, especially in projects with frequent builds and continuous integration. It ensures that each daily build meets the minimum quality criteria, allowing developers to quickly address any issues that arise. This type of testing is crucial for maintaining a stable development environment, as it provides immediate feedback on the build’s health.
5. Acceptance Smoke Testing
Acceptance Smoke testing in software testing verifies if a build meets the fundamental acceptance criteria set by clients or stakeholders. It is typically performed before more extensive acceptance testing begins. This testing focuses on confirming that the application is ready for deeper testing.
6. UI Smoke Testing
UI smoke testing focuses exclusively on the user interface components of an application. It checks that the basic UI elements and interactions function as expected. This type of testing is crucial in ensuring that the user-facing aspects of the application are intact, providing a good first impression to users.
Applying Smoke Testing at Different Levels
It is important and can be applied at various stages of the software testing lifecycle. Here’s how it fits into different testing levels:
Acceptance Testing Level: It verifies that the software application meets the minimum acceptance criteria defined by stakeholders or clients.
System Testing Level: It verifies the overall functionality of the system, making sure that all major components and modules work together seamlessly.
Integration Testing Level: The primary goal is to ensure that the system’s integrated parts communicate and work together as intended.
Tools Used for Smoke Testing
Several tools are available to facilitate automated Smoke testing in software testing, each with its strengths and specializations. Here are some of the most common tools:
- Selenium:
- Cypress
- JUnit/TestNG
- PyTest
- Postman
- Jest
- SoapUI
- Robot Framework
Advantages of Smoke Testing
Smoke testing in software testing offers several advantages that make it an essential part of the software development lifecycle:
- Smoke tests are relatively simple to perform
- It reduces the likelihood of more severe issues down the line.
- It helps maintain a high standard of software quality
- This testing mitigates the risk of failure
- It allows teams to monitor progress
- This process saves time and resources
- Automated smoke tests run quickly, providing immediate feedback on the build’s status.
- Smoke testing reduces the risk of integration-related issues.
Disadvantages of Smoke Testing
Despite its benefits, smoke testing has some limitations:
- It does not cover all functionalities; it focuses only on critical areas.
- Even after passing smoke tests, errors may still occur in other areas of the application.
- Manual testing can be time-consuming, especially for larger projects.
- It is not for negative test cases or invalid input scenarios.
Conclusion
Smoke testing in software testing is an important technique for quickly assessing the major functions of the software and identifying potential issues early in the development process. While it offers advantages, such as early defect detection and time savings, it also has limitations, including incomplete coverage. When applied effectively, it can improve software quality, accelerate development, and reduce the risks associated with new builds.
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