Difference between Smoke Testing and Regression Testing

Regression testing and Smoke testing are two different types of software testing, each serving a distinct purpose in the software development and testing process. Let’s explore the differences between them using a scenario example and corresponding test cases.🙂🙂

Imagine you are working on a web-based e-commerce platform, and you’re about to release a new version of the website. The new version includes several feature enhancements and bug fixes.

Smoke Testing

Smoke testing is performed to quickly verify that the essential and critical functionalities of the software are working after a new build or release. It checks if the build is stable enough for further testing.

Test Case Selection
In smoke testing, you typically select a broad set of high-priority test cases that cover major functionalities to ensure the build is stable for further testing.

Example Test Cases for Smoke Testing:

1. User Login: Verify that users can log in to their accounts using valid credentials.
2. Product Search: Ensure that users can search for products, and search results are displayed correctly.
3. Add to Cart: Confirm that users can add items to their shopping carts.
4. Checkout: Verify that users can proceed through the checkout process without errors.
5. Payment: Check that payment processing functions without issues for a sample order.
6. Homepage Loading: Ensure that the homepage loads without any critical errors.
7. Navigation: Confirm that major site navigation links and menus work.

In this scenario, if any of these basic functionalities fail during smoke testing, it indicates that the new build has significant issues, and further testing should be postponed until these critical problems are fixed.

Regression Testing

Regression testing is performed to ensure that new changes (enhancement, bug fixes, or updates) introduced into the software do not negatively impact existing functionalities. It helps maintain the integrity of the application as it expands.

Test Case Selection
Regression testing involves a more comprehensive set of test cases covering both the recent changes and existing functionalities. This includes a subset of high-priority smoke test cases, but it also extends to cover other critical and non-critical functionalities.

Example Test Cases for Regression Testing:

1. User Profile Update: Verify that users can update their profiles (an existing feature) without errors.
2. Product Reviews: Check that the existing product review functionality still works as expected.
3. Previous Bugs: Re-test and confirm that any known bugs fixed in the current release remain fixed.
4. Performance: Assess the performance of the website under the new build to ensure it meets acceptable response time criteria.
5. Security: Re-evaluate the application’s security features to ensure that the new changes haven’t introduced vulnerabilities.

In this scenario, regression testing helps ensure that the new features and fixes haven’t inadvertently broken existing, previously working parts of the application. It’s essential to perform regression testing whenever there are code changes to maintain the overall quality of the software.

Finally, you can compare both Smoke Testing and Regression Testing using four criteria. This is the knowledgeable part that must be kept in mind. 👨‍🎓

1. Purpose

👉Smoke Testing: To quickly validate if the build is stable enough for further testing.
👉Regression Testing: To ensure that new changes don’t negatively impact existing functionality.

2. Scope

👉Smoke Testing: Focuses on critical functionalities.
👉Regression Testing: Covers both critical and non-critical functionalities.

3. Timing

👉Smoke Testing: Done early in the testing process.
👉Regression Testing: Performed after code changes, often repeatedly during the development lifecycle.

4. Test Cases:

👉Smoke Testing: Includes basic, high-priority test cases.
👉Regression Testing: Includes a broader range of test cases covering various functionalities.

In summary, smoke testing is a quick check to see if the build is fundamentally stable, while regression testing ensures that new changes don’t disrupt existing functionality. Both are crucial for maintaining software quality.

Now, I think you have a good understanding of regression testing and smoke testing.👍👍

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