Difference between regression, smoke and sanity tests

 Hello,

    In this blog, I'm going to explain about What is the Difference between regression, smoke and sanity tests.

Differences Between Smoke Testing vs Sanity Testing vs Regression Testing:

Smoke Testing	Sanity Testing	Regression Testing
Performed on initial builds	Performed on stable builds	Performed on stable builds
To test the stability of new build	To test the stability of new functionality or code changes in the existing build	To test the functionality of all affected areas after new functionality/code changes in the existing build
Covers end to end basic functionalities	Covers certain modules, in which code changes have been made	Covers detailed testing targeting all the affected areas after new functionalities are added
Executed by testers & sometimes also by developers	Executed by testers	Executed by testers, mostly via automation
A part of basic testing	A part of regression testing	Regression Testing is a super set of Smoke and Sanity Testing
Done usually every time there is a new build	Planned when there is not enough time for in-depth testing	Usually performed, when testers have enough time

    

    Smoke testing can be carried out by both the developers and testers; however, sanity and regression tests are done only by the QA team and while both can be automated, regression testing is recommended to be automated.

    Smoke testing is done in the initial stages of the SDLC and sanity and regression tests are usually run in the final stages. Based on time availability and requirement, the QA team must always start with smoke testing, followed by sanity and then regression tests.

                        Image credit:Qentelli.com

    In practice, all QA teams need to do smoke, sanity, and regression testing. However, with the increasing number of tests, it becomes challenging to maintain them. All these tests get executed multiple times by the QA teams and automating these tests are standard practice in a modern development process.  When opting for automation, get a tool that has the right ROI right from the start.