Software testing helps identify and eliminate defects or errors in a software product. Testing is an iterative process that involves several types of testing to help meet the specified requirements and functions correctly. Organizations usually perform three testing types for software testing: sanity, smoke, and regression. This article will compare and contrast these three types of testing and discuss their importance in software testing.
Sanity Testing
Sanity testing is a quick and simple test performed to check the software’s basic functionality. Sanity testing is also known as a subset of regression testing because it verifies that the previously working software components are still working after changes or updates to the code.
Sanity testing is usually performed manually and focuses on the critical features and functionalities of the software. The primary goal of sanity testing is to ensure the software meets the requirements for additional tests like integration and system testing. Sanity testing is not comprehensive; however, it can help identify any significant issues or defects requiring immediate attention before further testing.
Smoke Testing
Smoke testing software aims to verify the app’s most fundamental features. It’s also called “build verification testing” because it’s done after every software build to ensure stability. Smoke testing is a type of acceptance testing used to ensure the developed software functions as expected.
Smoke testing verifies that the software meets the specified requirements. Smoke testing is usually performed manually and focuses on the critical features and functionalities of the software. It can help identify any significant issues or defects requiring immediate attention before further testing.
Regression Testing
Regression testing is a comprehensive test that involves re-testing the previously working software components to ensure they still work as expected after making changes.
The primary goal of regression testing is to ensure that updates do not affect the app and that all its aspects function well when updates roll in. It can aid in identifying any problems or difficulties that may have arisen due to code changes. Hence, it is essential to perform regression testing after making any modifications to the software.
Using automated regression testing tools can quickly and efficiently test the software. These tools can automatically run test cases and identify any defects or issues after developers make changes or updates to the code.
Comparing Sanity, Smoke, and Regression Testing
We can compare these tests by breaking them down into purpose, scope, and frequency.
Purpose
Sanity testing aims to ensure the software is stable enough to proceed with further testing, such as integration and system testing. It is a quick and simple test performed to check the software’s basic functionality.
Smoke testing aims to ensure that the software is stable to continue with further testing, such as integration and system testing. It is a quick and simple test performed on each software build to ensure that it meets the specified requirements.
Regression testing involves continuously testing an app to ensure it functions well despite updates to the code.
Scope
The scope of sanity testing is limited to the critical features and functionalities of the software. It verifies that the previously working software components are still working after changes or updates to the code.
The scope of smoke testing is limited to the critical features and functionalities of the software. A subset of acceptance testing verifies that the software meets the specified requirements.
The scope of regression testing is comprehensive and covers all the software components that may have been affected by changes or updates to the code. It involves re-testing the previously working software components to ensure they still work as expected after making changes.
Frequency
Developers run sanity tests after significant changes or updates to the software to ensure it is stable enough to proceed with further testing – not on every software build.
Developers run smoke tests on every software build to help apps meet specified requirements.
Developers run regression tests after changes or updates to the software to ensure it continues functioning correctly. It is usually performed regularly, such as after each software release.
Conclusion
Sanity testing and smoke testing are quick and simple tests that focus on the critical features and functionalities of the software, while regression testing is a comprehensive test that involves re-testing the previously working software components to ensure that they still work as expected after changes have been made.
Automated regression testing tools can make the process much more efficient and effective. A test automation platform can also manage and execute test cases across different environments and devices, making it easier to perform regression testing regularly.
HeadSpin is one such platform. By giving users access to real, SIM-enabled devices, HeadSpin makes real device testing a breeze. You can connect with Android or iOS devices and leverage AI and APIs to build successful apps through effective testing.
