Measure software efficiency using the smoke test
In the world of IT, the smoke test may be defined as the first real ‘testing point’ for newly developed software. Its main purpose is to test all the program’s basic functionalities, so as to identify any bugs, malfunctions or code errors immediately.
If the test does not go well, the development team has time to analyse and fix any anomalies detected, before the software is officially launched. This procedure is therefore crucial in assessing the product’s immediate market value and whether it requires any modifications.
Who carries out the smoke test and when is it recommended?
The Quality Assurance (QA) team carries out the smoke test. This team of testers check for the presence of bugs or malfunctions in the software and make sure that it fulfils the objectives for which it was designed. This generally takes place when:
- New functionalities are added;
- The stability of a new build must be confirmed;
- New code is tested;
- It must be decided if new software is ready to be launched onto the market or if it must return to the production stage.
After it has passed the first round of checks, the program can pass to the next, more stringent phase of testing. It is at that stage that its compatibility and capacity for integration with other codes already in use are assessed.
Once this stage is concluded, the UX Designers must put the application to the test. These professionals are tasked with verifying that the level of user experience is as high as possible. Their activities include:
- An analysis to check that the product’s ease of use;
- Any interface improvements required;
- Checking the login procedure and the correct response to requested actions.
After this, the software’s development stage can finally be considered complete and the application is then launched onto the market.
How the smoke test is carried out
The smoke test can be carried out using three different methods: manual, automatic or hybrid. Before selecting which one best fits your objective, it is best to take into account the following points, so as to maximise the overall efficiency of the test:
- Establish in advance the number of smoke tests necessary to verify the various functionalities of the software;
- Prepare the cases and scripts for the test, adapting them to the context you are working in.
- Record the results of the various tests in order to have a complete picture of the situation and to find out where intervention is required.
Once these points have been observed, the best course of action can be established. The manual method is based on the use of human testers different from the software developers, who do not therefore have any previous programming experience.
While costly compared to the automatic method, this approach guarantees a reliable answer as to the accessibility of the software, as it simulates actual use by the client. The testers can give precise feedback on the difficulties experienced, thereby facilitating improvement in the most critical aspects.
The automatic test is considerably quicker compared to the one mentioned above, but it can sometimes present inaccuracies in the final results. It uses software capable of emulating the most common user behaviours, but this does not take into account random variables.
The solution currently considered best in terms of results is the hybrid method, in which a combination of automated and human factors is considered. This enables every possible scenario to be analysed, while taking into consideration user experience.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
