Sanity testing is a focused approach to validating key functionalities of an application to ensure recent changes or bug fixes have not broken critical workflows.
In this article, we’ll dive into the essentials of sanity testing: what it is, how it works, and why it’s indispensable for maintaining software reliability.
What is Sanity Testing?
Sanity testing verifies critical functionality after changes like bug fixes or enhancements. It ensures the application works as expected before further testing proceeds.
Characteristics of Sanity Testing
- Targeted Validation: Sanity testing focuses on verifying specific functionalities affected by recent changes, such as bug fixes or updates.
- Quick Confirmation: It provides a rapid assessment to ensure the application behaves as expected without conducting exhaustive tests.
- Post-Fix Testing: Sanity testing is performed after receiving a stable build where minor changes are introduced.
- Stopgate Mechanism: If sanity testing fails, further testing is halted, and the build is returned to the development team for fixes.
Sanity Testing vs. Smoke Testing
Smoke testing and sanity testing is highly similar.
Smoke testing only checks the very foundational features of the system. If those features work fine, it means that the system is ready for more advanced testing. If not, it is sent back to the dev team for immediate troubleshooting.
Sanity testing does the same, but it is more focused on one or several specific modules. It is done after targeted fix to check if that fix actually solves the issue (and helps everyone stay sane).
Here is a quick comparison between them:
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Aspect
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Smoke Testing
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Sanity Testing
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Objective
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Build verification
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Fix/enhancement validation
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Scope
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Broad (entire build)
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Narrow (specific modules)
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Timing
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After every new build
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After targeted fixes or changes
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Approach
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High-level
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In-depth for specific changes
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Execution
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Often automated
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Typically manual
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Read More: Sanity Testing vs Smoke Testing: A Detailed Comparison
Sanity Testing vs. Regression Testing
There are also many similarities between sanity testing and regression testing. They are all performed to check if the system still works well after updates.
The biggest difference is their scope: sanity testing only targets specific fixes, while regression testing ensures overall application stability after updates. Sanity is quick; regression is comprehensive.
Here is a simple comparison table for you:
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Aspect
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Sanity Testing
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Regression Testing
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Objective
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Validate specific fixes or enhancements
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Verify unchanged features after updates
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Scope
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Narrow (focuses on specific modules)
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Broad (tests the entire application)
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Timing
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Performed after targeted changes
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Conducted after significant code changes
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Execution
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Quick and targeted
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Comprehensive and time-intensive
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Automation
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Rarely automated
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Often automated for efficiency
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Sanity Testing vs. Smoke Testing vs. Regression Testing
Here's a simple Venn diagram to illustrate the relationship between these types of tests.
It is easy to see how regression testing encompasses both smoke testing and sanity testing.
Sanity Testing Process
Sanity testing doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s about being focused and efficient. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Zero in on the Changes: identify the specific features or modules impacted by recent updates, like bug fixes or enhancements. These are your testing priorities.
- Write Targeted Test Cases: create simple, focused test cases for the identified areas. Avoid complex scenarios—sanity testing is about quick validation, not exhaustive coverage.
- Execute and Evaluate: run the tests. If any issues arise, document them, and halt further testing. There's no point in proceeding if the updated functionality isn’t stable.
- Automate for Efficiency: set up automated sanity tests to save time on recurring checks. Tools like Katalon Studio or Selenium can help streamline and speed up your sanity testing process.
See how you can do regression testing better
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