Software testing can sometimes feel like a maze of technical terms and procedures. One such term that may puzzle newcomers is sanity testing. In this blog post, we aim to unravel the mystery behind sanity testing. We will explore what it is, how it works, and why it is important for testing software applications.
What is Sanity Testing?
Sanity Testing is a subset of regression testing. It is a form of software testing that quickly checks whether the newly implemented code changes have not adversely affected the existing functionality of the software application. The primary goal of sanity testing is to ensure that the critical functionalities of the software are working as expected after a minor change.
Functionality of Sanity Testing
- Quick Verification:
Sanity testing focuses on quickly verifying that the key features of the software are still functioning properly. - Selective Testing:
Instead of testing the entire application, sanity testing targets specific functionalities that are likely to be affected by the recent changes. - High-Level Testing:
It is a high-level testing approach that helps in determining whether further testing is needed or not.
Process of Sanity Testing
- Identify Critical Features:
The first step in sanity testing is to identify the critical features of the software application. - Perform Testing:
Testers then perform quick checks on these critical features to ensure they are working as expected. - Evaluate Results:
Based on the test results, testers decide whether the software is stable enough for further testing or if it requires more extensive testing.
Examples of Sanity Testing
- Example 1:
Imagine a social media platform that recently added a new feature for posting videos. A sanity test would focus on checking if users can still upload photos and text posts without any issues. - Example 2:
In an e-commerce website, if a new payment gateway is integrated, a sanity test would ensure that customers can still add items to their cart, proceed to checkout, and make a successful payment.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Sanity Testing
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| 1. Early Detection: Helps in detecting issues early in the software development lifecycle. | 1. Limited Scope: Due to its selective nature, sanity testing may overlook potential issues in non-critical areas. |
| 2. Time-Saving: Saves time by focusing on critical functionalities rather than testing the entire application. | 2. Not Comprehensive: It does not replace comprehensive testing methods and should be used in conjunction with other testing techniques. |
| 3. Cost-Effective: Reduces the cost of testing by prioritizing essential features. |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, sanity testing plays a vital role in ensuring the stability and reliability of software applications. By understanding its functionality, process, examples, as well as its advantages and disadvantages, software testers can effectively incorporate sanity testing into their testing strategies to deliver high-quality software products.