Smoke Testing in Software: Why No Release Should Skip It

There could be many development cycles that the software program goes through before the next version is released for use. Although the developers will have corrected all the bugs in the program and added some additional features, there could be problems that could impact the basic functionalities of the program.

That’s where the concept of smoke testing becomes useful. This process helps the testers know if the critical elements of the software build work fine for further testing to be performed.

What Is Smoke Testing?

This is an initial testing approach that is carried out before thorough software testing begins to test whether the new build works and performs all its essential operations well.

The objective is simple: ascertain whether it is ready for further testing or not.

Some examples of what a smoke test may do for a web application include whether users are able to:

  • Visit the site
  • Login with their credentials
  • Reach key pages
  • Enter data in a form
  • Use key features
  • Logout properly

If the build cannot carry out the above functions, then it will make no sense to perform hundreds of other tests on it.

Why Is Smoke Testing Important?

One key advantage of smoke testing is problem identification. In case of a major problem found at the start of the test process, testers will be saved from wasting many hours testing a build that is not yet ready.

Take the example of an application where the login module does not work following a new build. The tester may find out about this during the course of the smoke test. Otherwise, the testing team may end up testing the application and finding out the same problem.

Smoke testing helps to:

  • Cut down on unnecessary testing time
  • Detect build issues right away
  • Improve communication between developers and QA testers
  • Provide a consistent start point for testing
  • Enable faster development cycles

Smoke Testing vs Functional Testing

Smoke testing and functional testing are two different things. They both are equally significant but have different roles to play.

While smoke testing ensures that the primary functions of a build are operating correctly, functional testing verifies if individual features meet their requirements.

For instance, the smoke testing process may only ensure that one can log in. However, functional testing will cover scenarios such as wrong passwords, password resets, account lockout, validation messages, expiration of session, and other similar situations.

When Should Teams Perform Smoke Testing?

The practice of smoke testing is carried out whenever there is availability of a new build that can be tested. This approach would be very helpful for organizations that regularly release software.

A general smoke testing process could assist teams to avoid carrying out further testing on software builds with clear defects.

The process involves:

  • Obtaining the latest software build
  • Deployment/installation of the build in the test environment
  • Carrying out predetermined tests on core features
  • Reporting any major failures
  • Returning the failed builds for correction
  • Starting detailed testing on a successful build

Can Smoke Testing Be Automated?

Indeed, smoke tests can be conducted manually or via automation. While manual smoke tests may be appropriate for small scale projects or simple builds, automated smoke tests can be beneficial for projects that require frequent deployment.

Automated tests can fast-track checking of repetitive functionalities every time a new build is created. Nevertheless, care needs to be taken to ensure that automation processes are carried out effectively. Careless automation may lead to wrong outputs or missed problems. It is necessary to conduct regular assessments of smoke test cases.

What Happens When a Build Fails?

If the smoke test fails, it shows that the build cannot be tested anymore. The development team will look into the reported problem, fix it, and then create another build.

This doesn’t mean that the whole application is broken but rather that there is a need to look into some functions before proceeding with the tests.

Why No Release Process Should Ignore It

Smoke testing is an effective quality check before going deeper into testing which helps in confirming that the testing team is working on a relatively stable build and identifies any major problems beforehand.

Even then, it needs to be used together with functional testing, regression testing, performance testing, security testing, usability testing, and other required types of software quality assurance practices.

In case companies need help in creating a proper testing process for their software development projects, Incinque Agency can offer its assistance in software testing and software QA which is oriented towards the early identification of any existing problems and the maintenance of software quality throughout its life cycle.