What is Smoke Testing & Why is it So Important in Software Testing?
Tags: smoketesting, softwaretesting
Published: 2022-12-07 07:14:53

Smoke testing plays a crucial role, especially when it comes to testing every build and thus finding defects in the early stages of the software development process. It is considered to be the final step before the build is passed on to the system stage. The test effort can be minimized and the quality of the application can be improved through the strategic implementation of the smoke testing process. In this article, you will get to know about [smoke testing](https://www.testingxperts.com/blog/smoke-testing) along with its significant benefits. 


![Smoke Testing](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/oc7o8d4bxienc9w84p1w.jpg)

**What is Smoke testing?**

It is a testing method that verifies the stability of a software build that has been deployed. On every single new build, smoke testing is performed. This is because developers can ascertain the features that have been included in the new build are working as per the expectations or it needs to be fixed before performing further testing.

**The strategic importance of smoke testing:**

Time and resources are wasted if other tests do not take smoke tests into consideration. Smoke testing can be done quickly and easily and is carried out in the earlier stages of the software development process to identify bugs and issues. It works as an indicator that indicates whether the build is ready for further levels of software testing. Without performing this testing method, major issues can slip away and stay within a build for a longer amount of time.

The overall quality of builds is improved. If smoke testing is not conducted first, then it would be inappropriate to perform functional testing, which means the build would not be able to progress. This testing method plays an integral role in various other stages of the software testing process. For example, smoke testing can be used during system testing, so that the build can be validated quickly and easily across all the testing types. 

**Following are a few more points that depict the strategic importance of smoke testing:**

• The correction and detection of major defects can be simplified
• Identifying all the show stoppers in the build
• The major severity defects can be found during this testing 
• The application functionality defects can be found by the QA team that may have surfaced by the new code 
• The major severity defects can be found by this testing method.

![Software Testing](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ivjx3377zs6bls4yqnch.jpg)

**The significance of manual and automated smoke testing:
Manual smoke testing:** 

Generally, smoke testing is conducted manually. The approach may vary from organization to organization. It is carried out to make sure that critical paths are navigated as expected and do not obstruct the functionality. Once the QA receives the build, testing of high-priority functional test cases takes place to find crucial defects in the system. If the test passes, functional testing is continued.
 
If the test fails, then the build is rejected and then sent back for correction to the development team. The smoke testing is again initiated by the QA. 

**Automated smoke testing:**

A set of automated test cases can be used to run against a smoke test. The build can be immediately checked by developers through the help of automated tests, whenever a new build is ready to be deployed. Whenever there is a deployment of a new software build, smoke test cases that are recorded can be executed against the build. The major functionalities are verified to know whether it is able to function as expected. 

If the test fails, then the build can be corrected and redeployed immediately. A test engineer uses an automated tool to record all the manual steps that are conducted in the software build.

**Conclusion:** If you are looking forward to implementing smoke testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a leading software testing services company that will provide you with structured testing solutions that are in line with your project specific requirements. 

**About the author:** I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.