What Is Sanity Checklist and Why Do You Need It (2024)

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What Is Sanity Checklist

A sanity checklist or sanity testing is a type of software testing performed by testers to ensure that new builds of software work properly. This quick process prevents the developer and her QA team from wasting time and resources on more rigorous testing of software builds that aren't ready yet. Sanity tests are often used after bug fixes or repairs have been made and are used to test whether those fixes worked and whether the modified core functionality works properly. After installing a build, testers run sanity tests rather than full regression tests to ensure that the build worked, and the changes were implemented correctly.

If the bug fixes implemented by the developer work properly, the testers consider the sanity test passed. If it doesn't work properly, the build is rejected and sent back to the developer for further fixes before further testing.

When You Need Sanity Checklist

A sanity checklist is usually run on stable but not necessarily functional software. For example, after making small changes to a software build, software testers can run sanity tests to ensure those changes work correctly before proceeding to full regression testing.

In addition, sanity tests are done after smoke tests and before regression tests where you can determine if your build is stable. For example, if your smoke test finds instabilities that need to be fixed, you can implement sanity tests after changes are made to fix those bugs and determine if your changes work as expected.

Benefits of Sanity Checklist

The sanity checklist processes a swell of windfalls for software testing. Here some of the key advantages are listed:

1. Improved efficiency:

Sanity checklists help ensure that no critical tasks or steps are overlooked, resulting in greater efficiency in any process. This ensures that all necessary factors are considered and avoids wasting time and resources.

2. Fewer errors:

A checklist serves as a reminder of thoroughness and accuracy, thus helping to minimize errors. By following a standardized process, you are less likely to miss important details or make careless mistakes.

3. Consistency:

It promotes emotion by providing a standardized framework for completing tasks. This ensures that each individual follows the same procedure and reduces variability in results.

4. Training aid:

Those sanity checklists can help you in your training. This can be used to train new hires and team members to ensure they understand the required steps and perform them correctly. This ensures that processes are consistently executed regardless of individual experience or expertise.

5. Risk reduction:

Establishing a sanity checklist can reduce the risk associated with missing critical steps or items. Potential problems and risks can be identified and addressed proactively by ensuring that necessary precautions and measures are taken.

6. Quality management:

Regular use of sanity checklists will help your team maintain and improve the quality of their work. This enables systematic review and cross-checking, reducing the potential for errors and discrepancies while maintaining high standards of output.

7. Improved communication:

A health checklist acts as a communication tool, making it easy for team members to understand what needs and has already been done. Facilitate clear communication by providing a common point of reference for all involved.

8. Accountability and transparency:

Sanity checklists allow you to hold individuals and teams accountable for completing specific tasks. Promote transparency by tracking progress and making it easier to identify who is responsible for various steps and actions.

Conclusion

Software testing is a critical stage in the software development lifecycle, aimed at identifying bugs and ensuring the quality and reliability of the final product. However, with increasing complexity and looming deadlines, software testers often face the challenge of managing tasks effectively. This is where the sanity checklist can help.

Moreover, with the advent of those specialized software testing tools, like WeTest Automation, the software testing process becomes increasingly easier. It is a one-stop testing tool that works on PC software and mobile applications. Along with it, your testing phase will be more effective and efficient. Try this kind of assistant tool if you feel a headache in testing software.

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