Chapter 2 – Testing Throughout the SDLC
Smoke Testing – ISTQB Definition
Last Updated: July 12, 2026 · SoftwareTestPilot QA Team
Official ISTQB Definition
A test suite that covers the main functionality of a component or system to determine whether it works properly before planned testing begins.
In simple words
A quick check that the build is stable enough to test — if login, home page, and basic navigation don’t crash, you go ahead with deeper testing.
Exam tip
Do not confuse smoke testing (build acceptance) with sanity testing (narrow verification after small changes).
Related terms
- Sanity TestingA narrow, targeted check after a small change — did this specific fix work and did it not obviously break its immediate neighbours?
- Regression TestingAfter any change — bug fix, new feature, config update — you re-run existing tests to make sure nothing that used to work has broken.
- Acceptance TestingThe ‘go / no-go’ testing that confirms the system meets business needs and is ready to be released to real users.
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