What if you create a new app and the login button doesn't work? Isn't that annoying? By evaluating your app's fundamental features after each build, smoke testing software helps you avoid these problems. Many teams still skip this early check, even though it can cause severe problems later.

Let's talk about what smoke testing is, why it's important, and how it's different from other types of software testing.

5 Simple Steps to Run a Smoke Test

smoke testing steps

These steps let you quickly test software and make sure that the most important features work as they should:

1) Selecting the Right Testing Approach

Picking the accurate method for early-stage testing is essential. For small projects, it could be faster to check important functions by hand. Automated tests can save time on bigger projects. A lot of teams employ both to stay flexible.

2) Plan Clear Test Scenarios

You can use test scenarios to check the most important components of your software. Make sure each one is clear and easy to understand, testing one function at a time. This makes it easier to see if your software is ready for the following phases.

3) Create Basic Smoke Tests

After you've built up your scenarios, you can start making your smoke tests. These tests make sure that the key parts work straight. You can write these tests by hand or utilize tools to help you remember the most important parts.

4) Run and Record Test Results

Do your smoke tests to see if the primary functionalities work. As you test, note which features pass and which do not. Keeping a log helps you find problems early on, before you do more testing.

5) Evaluating and Interpreting Test Outcomes

It's time to look at the results when the tests are done. Check to see if any of the main features didn't work. This could mean a greater problem. It is important to carefully read over the results to make sure that only reliable builds are sent on for more testing.

Ways to Run Smoke Tests

Smoke testing is a type of functional testing focused on checking whether your app’s key features work as expected, allowing you to catch major issues early before deeper testing.

Here are common ways to run smoke tests:

Manual: Without automation, testers run through the primary operations of the software one by one to make sure they work. It works well for small projects or where automation isn't possible.
Automated: Uses scripts and automation testing tools to quickly check if important features are working. It's a good choice for big projects or when you use continuous integration.
Hybrid: Includes both automatic tests and manual testing. This blend makes testing flexible and efficient, which is good for a wide range of projects.

The easiest solution to see test results of your automated smoke tests is to use vStellar’s reporting feature. It will give you centralized test management and real time reports for complete test results clarity.

Learn more about vStellar’s reporting capabilities through its detailed documentation.

Benefits vs Disadvantages of Smoke Testing

Benefits	Disadvantages
Finding critical software bugs early	Doesn’t test every feature
Helps spot big issues early, saving time and effort	Cannot replace more comprehensive testing methods
Tests the most important parts first to make sure they work	May overlook minor bugs that become critical later
Helps developers get fast updates	Needs regular updates as the software changes
Helps avoid spending time on broken builds	Limited in identifying complex and hidden defects
Finds basic problems early to improve product quality	Might lead to false confidence if the software passes smoke testing

Optimize Testing with Smoke Checks

Integrate smoke testing in your software workflows to identify major bugs early. That will also ensure smoother development and faster releases. Start applying this simple yet powerful technique today, and watch your software become more reliable with every update.

Want to simplify smoke testing through a test automation framework? Try vStellar’s Free plan and use its end to end testing capabilities.

FAQs

Can Smoke Testing Be Automated?

You can set up automated smoke tests to speedily verify if main traits work after each build.

When Should Smoke Testing Be Executed in the SDLC?

Before conducting any other tests, a smoke test should be performed.

Is Smoke Testing a Complete Test?

No, smoke testing is not comprehensive. It only ensures that critical features are working, and more detailed testing follows.

What Is the Difference Between Smoke and Sanity Testing?

Smoke testing makes sure the core parts of an app still work after an update. Sanity testing checks certain features or recent fixes to see if they are working properly.

What’s the Difference Between Black Box Penetration Testing and Smoke Testing?

Black box penetration testing checks for security holes from the outside, whereas smoke testing makes sure that the primary functionalities still operate after updates.

What Is Smoke Testing in Software QA?

Related Blogs

Self Healing Tests in Test Automation: Purpose, Benefits & Working

No Code vs Low Code Test Automation Differences, Benefits, Limitations

What Is Gherkin Language Syntax? Role in Writing Test Scenarios

News Letter

Weekly Testing Newsletter Testing News & Tips

Ready to Test Your Software for Bugs?