smoke test
A test of new or repaired equipment by turning it on. If it smokes... guess what... it doesn't work! The term also refers to testing the basic functions of software. The term was originally coined in the manufacture of containers and pipes, where smoke was introduced to determine if there were any leaks. See testing types.
 |
| Smoke Test |
|---|
| Not the most sophisticated way to tell if something is working properly, but it's a sure guarantee that it isn't. |
| 1. | | smoke test - A rudimentary form of testing applied to electronic
equipment following repair or reconfiguration, in which power
is applied and the tester checks for sparks, smoke, or other
dramatic signs of fundamental failure. See magic smoke. | |
| 2. | | smoke test - By extension, the first run of a piece of software after
construction or a critical change. See and compare reality check.
There is an interesting semi-parallel to this term among
typographers and printers: When new typefaces are being
punch-cut by hand, a "smoke test" (hold the letter in candle
smoke, then press it onto paper) is used to check out new
dies. | |