Introduction
Sanity testing is a subset of regression testing that verifies whether a specific functionality or component of an application works as expected after changes, such as bug fixes, updates, or new features. It ensures the system remains stable and functional without conducting an exhaustive test. This article explores the purpose, process, and real-world application of sanity testing, including a sample test case.
What is Sanity Testing?
Sanity testing focuses on validating critical functionalities of an application to confirm that recent changes have not negatively impacted the system. It is typically performed after a minor update or bug fix to ensure the software is "sane" enough to proceed with further testing or release. Unlike comprehensive testing, sanity testing is narrow in scope and quick to execute.
Key Characteristics
- Focused: Targets specific areas affected by recent changes.
- Quick: Designed to be fast, often taking less than an hour.
- Non-exhaustive: Does not cover all functionalities, only critical ones.
- Unscripted or Scripted: Can be performed with or without predefined test cases.
Why Perform Sanity Testing?
Sanity testing is essential in fast-paced development environments, particularly in Agile and DevOps workflows. It helps:
- Confirm bug fixes or new features work as intended.
- Detect major issues early before deeper testing.
- Save time by avoiding unnecessary full regression tests.
- Ensure system stability for end users.
Real World Example
Consider an e-commerce application where a bug was reported in the checkout process, causing payment failures. After the development team fixes the issue, a sanity test is conducted to verify the checkout functionality without testing unrelated features like product search or user login.
Sample Test Case
Below is a sample test case for sanity testing the checkout process in an e-commerce application.
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Best Practices for Sanity Testing
- Define Scope Clearly: Identify the specific features or bug fixes to test.
- Prioritize Critical Features: Focus on functionalities critical to the user experience.
- Automate Where Possible: Use tools like Selenium, Cypress, or Postman for faster execution.
- Document Results: Record outcomes to inform further testing or development.
- Collaborate with Developers: Ensure testers understand the changes made to target the right areas.
Conclusion
Sanity testing is a vital checkpoint in the software development lifecycle, ensuring that critical functionalities remain intact after changes. By focusing on specific areas and leveraging automation, teams can maintain high-quality software while meeting tight deadlines. The provided sample test case and script demonstrate how sanity testing can be applied practically to verify key features efficiently.