What types of tests are typically included in an initial release smoke test?

• A. A subset of core features to verify basic functionality, stability, and readiness for deeper testing.
• B. A full regression suite.
• C. Only performance tests.
• D. A security audit.

Answer: (A)

Smoke testing in an initial release focuses on a quick check of the most essential functions to ensure the build is usable and stable enough for deeper testing. It involves a subset of core features that represent the primary workflows, verifying that the app launches, key interactions work, and the basic paths perform as intended. This approach gives fast feedback, helps catch major showstopper defects early, and avoids investing in full-scale testing on a build that isn’t ready. It isn’t a full regression suite, which would cover many more scenarios; it isn’t limited to performance tests, which focus on speed and efficiency; and it isn’t a security audit, which targets vulnerabilities rather than basic functionality.