Differences between smoke testing and UAT

Smoke testing and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) play a key role in the software testing process. Smoke testing is focused on testing the functionalities of software build in order to ensure that the application is being built as per the functional requirements.

User acceptance testing is focused on making a product user-friendly and making sure that the product has the best user experience. In this article, you will get to know the differences between smoke testing and user acceptance testing.

What is Smoke testing?

Smoke Testing meaning: It is a testing method that checks the stability of the deployed software build. On each build, a minimal set of tests are run to test software functionalities. The major functionalities of the application are tested.

This testing method determines whether the crucial functionalities of a software program or application works as expected. The build software is scrutinized to know whether it is testable or not.

The workflow of the application’s primary functions is focused and worked upon. The crucial features of the application are tested. Only valid data is entered. Blocker bugs can be identified using this testing method. There is no requirement to design any new test cases.

The required test cases are picked up from already designed test cases. This testing method provides a sort of confirmation to the QA team to proceed further with the next level of testing. It is also known as "Build Verification testing."

Advantages of smoke testing:

• Crucial errors are detected and corrected
• It is easy to track and access the progress
• Defects and issues are identified in the early stages of the software development process
• The application’s and system’s functionality is enhanced
• It is easy to perform.

What is User Acceptance Testing (UAT)?

It is a testing method where an end-user is entitled to test the software product or application in a real-time environment. An acceptance is provided by the user in terms of how good the product is from a functionality, performance, user experience and usability perspective.

It is carried out at the final stage of the software development process, just before the product is going to be released. The end-to-end business flow is validated using this testing method.

The software product or application that is being built is tested to know, whether it is in line with the user and business specific requirements. It is performed only after the specific software product or application is thoroughly tested.

The end-user is someone who has some basic idea about the functionality of the software product or application.

The software product or application is validated against the business requirements. In certain scenarios, it is also known as "beta testing" or "end-user testing."

Advantages of UAT:

• The end product is ascertained to know whether it works as per the required expectations
• The end product is delivered without any bugs
• The ongoing maintenance costs are kept as low as possible
• An end-user’s vision of the product or application is provided
• The software usability and robustness are increased.

Difference between Smoke testing and UAT:

Smoke testing

User Acceptance testing

It is conducted in order to check the crucial functionalities of the build

It is conducted at the final stage of the software development process in order to check whether the software is built as per the user or business requirements

It is performed by both testers and developers

It is performed by the end-user/customer/stakeholder

The entire system is exercised from end-to-end

The system is exercised by using random inputs

Mostly the functionality of the software build is focused and worked upon

The software product is judged from an end-user’s perspective. User feedback is obtained to further modify in order to build its overall functionality.

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing smoke testing or UAT for your specific project, then do get connected with a world-class software testing services company that will provide you with a methodical testing strategy 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.