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20

November

Sanity vs Regression: The Complete 2025 Testing Guide

One of the biggest challenges in software development is making sure that new updates do not break the features that were already working earlier. This is why testing is very important. Two very common types of testing used for this purpose are sanity testing and regression testing.
 
But many teams still get confused about the difference between these two testing methods, when to use them, and how each one helps in the development cycle.
 
In this blog, we will explain both sanity testing and regression testing in a very simple and clear way. We will look at:
 

  • What they mean

  • Why are they used

  • Their scope and timing
  • How deep they go

  • How many resources do they need

  • Which one to use in which situation

We will also explain how using both together helps improve overall software quality and reduces bugs during development.
 
 

Sanity Testing vs Regression Testing

 

 

What Are the Differences Between Sanity Testing and Regression Testing?

 
Sanity testing and regression testing are both important parts of the software testing process, but they serve different purposes. Let’s explore their differences in detail.
 

1. Scope

 
Sanity Testing
 

  • Sanity testing has a very limited and focused scope.

  • It checks only the part of the application where the change was made.

Example:
If your team fixes a login issue, sanity testing will test only the login feature, not the entire application.
 
Regression Testing
 

  • Regression testing has a very large scope.

  • It tests the whole application to make sure that new updates have not affected any old features.

Even modules that were not changed are tested, because sometimes a small code change can break other parts of the system.
 
 

2. Depth of Testing

 
Sanity Testing
 

  • Sanity testing checks only the main and important parts of a specific feature.

  • It does not go very deep.

  • It is used to quickly see if something is stable after a change.
 
Regression Testing
 

  • Regression testing is very deep and detailed.

  • It tests many use cases, edge cases, workflows, and interactions between features.

This helps ensure that old features continue to work even after new updates.
 
 

3. Purpose

 
Sanity Testing
 

  • The main purpose of sanity testing is to verify that a specific change works.

  • It checks if the updated area is stable enough to move ahead with more detailed testing.

If sanity testing fails, there is no point in continuing further tests until the issue is fixed.
 
Regression Testing
 
  • The purpose of regression testing is to confirm that new changes did not break anything that was working earlier.
Even a small update can affect other areas; regression testing makes sure this does not happen.
 
 

4. Execution Timing

 
Sanity Testing
 
Sanity testing is done:
 

  • after minor updates

  • after bug fixes

  • after receiving a new build
  • before running larger test cycles
It is a quick and early check to confirm stability.
 
Regression Testing
 
Regression testing is done:
 

  • after major updates

  • after new feature releases

  • after big code changes
  • during regular testing cycles
It is done later in the process because it takes more time and tests the complete system.
 
 

5. Frequency

 
Sanity Testing
 
Sanity testing does not happen too often.
It is done only when a small update needs quick confirmation.
 
Regression Testing
 
Regression testing happens more often, especially during:
 

  • feature releases

  • weekly or monthly builds

  • automation cycles
It is a repeated and systematic type of testing.
 
 

6. Resource Requirements

 
Sanity Testing
 
Sanity testing requires fewer resources:
 

  • fewer testers

  • fewer test cases

  • less time
It is usually done manually.
 
Regression Testing
 
Regression testing needs more resources:
 

  • more testers

  • more time

  • many test cases
  • Often automation engineers
Automation tools are commonly used because manual regression can take too long.
 
 

7. Automation Capability

 
Sanity Testing
 
Sanity testing is usually manual because it is short and quick.
In big projects, some parts can be automated, but normally, it is simple manual testing.
 
Regression Testing
 
Regression testing is perfect for automation because:
 

  • It repeats often

  • It includes many test cases

  • Automation gives faster results
Automated regression testing saves time and reduces risks.
 
 

When Should You Use Each Testing Method?

 
Both testing methods are useful, but they work best in different situations.
 

Use Sanity Testing When:

 

  • A bug has been fixed

  • A small change has been made

  • You receive a new build and need quick verification
  • You have very little time

  • You want to check only an important module

Sanity testing is fast and gives instant confidence.
 

Use Regression Testing When:

 

  • A new feature has been added

  • A large code change is made

  • You want to confirm complete app stability
  • You want to run automated test cycles

  • You want to reduce long-term bugs

Regression testing ensures the whole system remains stable.
 

Using Both Together

 
Using both sanity testing and regression testing together gives the best results:
 

  • Sanity testing acts like a quick filter

  • Regression testing gives full coverage

  • Sanity saves time before starting regression
  • Regression ensures long-term stability
This combination reduces bugs, saves developer time, and improves product quality.
 
 

Conclusion: Why Both Testing Types Are Important Today

 
In today’s fast-moving software world, stability matters more than ever.
 
Recent studies show:
 

  • 78% of software failures happen because old features were not retested properly

  • 65% of companies now focus heavily on automated regression testing

  • Teams that mix sanity + regression testing see
    • 32% fewer bugs

    • 28% faster releases

Sanity testing gives quick confidence.
Regression testing gives deep quality checks.
Together, they create a strong testing strategy that keeps software safe and stable.
 
Whether you are launching a new feature or updating your product, our QA team makes sure everything remains smooth, bug-free, and ready for real users. Let’s work together and make your software stable, fast, and high-quality.

    Author

    • Owner

      Sumit Patil

      A highly skilled Quality Analyst Developer. Committed to delivering efficient, high-quality solutions by simplifying complex projects with technical expertise and innovative thinking.

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