Smoke Testing

Smoke Testing is a preliminary testing process used in product management and software development to evaluate whether the most crucial functions of a software build or product are working properly. It acts as a quick check to determine if further testing can be carried out.

Why It Matters

- Impact on Decision-Making: Smoke testing helps product managers make informed decisions about proceeding with further testing stages, saving time and resources.
- Significance in Processes: It is crucial for ensuring the stability of a product before extensive testing and deployment, impacting team dynamics and workflows by reducing early-stage errors.

How It’s Used

- In Product Roadmaps: Smoke testing is often included as an initial step in testing phases to validate product builds before full development.
- During Sprints or Team Discussions: Teams might use smoke testing results to discuss any immediate issues that need addressing before moving forward.
- As Part of AI Workflows or Analyses: In AI product management, smoke testing can validate model integrations or feature functionalities quickly and efficiently.

Related Terms

- User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
- Feature Flag
- Product Launch

Additional Resources

- Product Management 101: #33 Smoke Test
- Smoke Tests in Market Research - The Complete Guide
- Smoke Testing for Defect-Free Product Launches: A Guide