What is the relation between sanity testing and regression testing?

Sanity testing and regression testing play a crucial role in the software development and testing process. However, sanity testing is a subset of regression testing and is aligned with smoke testing. 

Only after the software build passes the sanity testing process can the regression testing process be initiated, which means regression testing is performed after sanity testing. 

The basic functionality of a new software build that has been developed or modified is verified through the sanity testing process and tested accordingly. 

When the software build is passed on to the regression testing process after the sanity testing has been done, the chances of fixing errors/issues/bugs will be quite low. In this article, you will get to know the relation between sanity testing and regression testing and their significance in the software development and testing process.

What is sanity testing?

It is a testing method wherein a software product is verified to know whether the product is working correctly when a new functionality or module comes into perspective. The quality of the software release is assessed by this testing technique to ascertain whether it can be passed on to further rounds of testing.

When minor changes might have taken place in the functionality or code of the software build or a stable software build is released, then sanity testing is performed. It also ensures whether there is a need to conduct end-to-end testing or not. It is also known as 'surface-level testing."

What is regression testing?

The platform of regression testing ensures that any changes or updates made to the code do not alter or modify the existing functionalities of the software application. Once the software build goes through certain modifications after bug fixes or requirement changes, then regression testing is performed.

Once the changed functionality goes through sanity testing, then all the application's impacted features should go through the regression testing process. 

The bug fixes are verified by executing some test scenarios so that bugs in the existing software can be properly fixed. The impacted areas need also to be checked by the QA team based on the changes in the code that have been made.

The relation between sanity testing and regression testing:

Sanity testing is a subset of regression testing and is performed before regression testing. In this manner, major issues can be identified early on and thus the working build can be taken through the regression testing method. As a sanity test is a subset of a regression test, it ensures that code

changes do not affect the existing functionality of the software application and it also makes sure that the software can be passed on to the next level of testing or not.

Whenever a new functionality has been added to the software, regression testing is performed to make sure that the software's overall functionality is working as per the required expectations or not. In this process, the platform of sanity testing makes sure that the newly added functionality is stable and the software is assessed.

To have a brief understanding of sanity testing and regression testing, it is better to know the key differences between them. The following are the differences:

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing sanity testing/regression testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a premium software testing services company that will provide professional consultation and support on developing a crystal-clear sanity/regression test strategy.

About the author: I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.