What are 'smoke tests' used for during RSI Phase 5?

'Smoke tests' are primarily utilized to perform a preliminary check for basic functionality after a new build. This type of testing is essential as it helps to identify any critical issues that could prevent the system from functioning properly before it undergoes more extensive testing. The goal of a smoke test is to ascertain that the most crucial features of the application work as intended, providing a quick evaluation of system integrity. If the smoke tests are successful, the system can then proceed to more comprehensive testing phases, such as regression or user acceptance testing.

Smoke tests act as a safety net to catch significant errors early in the development cycle, ensuring that subsequent phases can be executed smoothly. This helps in maintaining development efficiency and ensuring that any glaring problems are addressed promptly without delaying further testing or deployment processes.