smoke test

n. a quick test to make sure the most important parts of a computer program work before you test the details.

n. a preliminary software test that covers the most crucial functions of a build to ensure it is stable enough for further testing.

“After the developers updated the code, we ran a smoke test to make sure the app could still open.”

“The automated smoke test failed immediately after the deployment, indicating a critical regression in the authentication module that required an urgent rollback.”

Technical

n. the first time you turn on a new piece of electronics to see if it catches fire or breaks.

n. an initial power-on test of a hardware prototype to check for major wiring errors that might cause components to overheat or fail.

“He held his breath during the smoke test of the new circuit board he had soldered.”

“Standard laboratory safety protocols require a fire extinguisher to be nearby during the initial smoke test of high-voltage prototypes.”

Technical

n. a test where you blow smoke into pipes to find leaks.

n. a method of inspecting pipes or containers for leaks by filling them with non-toxic smoke and observing where it escapes.

“The plumber performed a smoke test to find the source of the bad smell in the basement.”

“Municipal engineers conducted a smoke test on the sewer lines to identify illegal connections and structural cracks in the aging infrastructure.”

Technical

v. to perform a quick, basic check on a new system.

v. to subject a system, software build, or hardware component to a preliminary stability check.

“We need to smoke test the new version before we send it to the client.”

“The engineering team decided to smoke test the integration layer before proceeding with the full stress-testing phase.”

Technical · Informal