What is the main purpose of smoke testing?

The main purpose of smoke testing is to verify crucial functions before engaging in more extensive testing. This type of testing acts as a preliminary check to ensure that the software build is stable enough for further testing. By executing a set of basic tests or checks on the main functionalities, a team can promptly identify any major issues that could hinder the testing process. If any critical functions fail during smoke testing, it indicates that the build is not ready for more detailed testing, saving both time and resources by catching serious defects early in the development cycle.

Thus, the verifying of vital functions ensures that every aspect of the application that needs to work operatively is functioning correctly before proceeding with deeper, more exhaustive testing efforts. This foundational step helps maintain a smoother and more effective testing workflow.