Why is it called smoke testing?

The focus of a software development project is to build a high-quality software product or application that can truly justify customer requirements. To attain this objective, specific software testing types need to be implemented along the software development process.

Testing ensures that a product is all set to get released. One such important testing type is smoke testing, which is performed to find both basic and crucial issues in the application at the preliminary stages of software development. In this article, you will know about the origin and significance of smoke testing.

What is smoke testing?

It is a testing method where before the initiation of more rigorous tests, a series of test cases are being run.

The objective of the smoke testing method is to check whether the application’s main features are working properly or not.

There are two theories that justify the origin of the name "Smoke testing." Following are the theories:

1. The first theory originated from the plumbing industry. Smoke would be used by plumbers to test for cracks and leaks in pipe systems.
2. The second theory originated from the hardware development platform. When the circuit board is being powered on for the first time and for supposing the smoke is being emitted, then there is no need to do any further testing as there is a flaw and that needs to be rectified at the earliest.

Eventually, smoke testing has gained entry into the software testing domain and thus plays a significant role in the software development process.

Features of smoke testing:

• Based on test requirements, smoke testing can be conducted either manually or can be automated
• It is also known as ‘Build Verification testing’ as the important features of the application are tested by verifying the build and then sent to the next levels of testing.
• Different levels of software testing like system testing, integration testing and acceptance testing can be leveraged by smoke testing
• It has a limited number of test cases and is non-exhaustive testing. This testing method is performed with valid data and positive scenarios. Documentation is done for the entire process.

The right context to perform smoke testing:

Smoke testing is performed when the software’s new functionalities are being developed and an existing build is being integrated with it.

This will in turn verify whether the crucial functionalities are working correctly or not. Developers will make sure about the application’s correctness before releasing the build to the QA team.

When the build is sent, QA engineers will perform smoke testing. Whenever there is a new build, the major functionality in the application is determined by the QA team to perform smoke testing. Smoke testing can be performed by developers or testers depending upon the project context.

Advantages of smoke testing:

• Bugs and defects can be found in the early stages of testing
• The risks are minimized that arise when the integration of multiple components takes place
• The quality of the software is improved and it is easy to perform
• A lot of time and effort can be saved for developers and testers
• A limited number of test cases are required
• Faster troubleshooting is enabled for new and regression bugs
• Faster feedback is obtained
• Manual intervention is reduced and the effectiveness of the QA team is improved.

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 a tactical testing roadmap, that is 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.

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.