Based on a recent report, 76% of managers and employees noted that the lack of effective collaboration and clear communication largely contributes to workplace failure. This means that BDD is crucial for various organizations in terms of its capability to guarantee that every member of the team is on the same page and has a clear understanding of the desired software behavior. Let’s find out how the BDD framework can transform the way teams build and test today’s modern software products

What is BDD Framework?

Behavior-driven development (BDD) is a software development methodology, which has a focus on collaborative work between techies and non-techies – developers, testers, and stakeholders throughout the project’s lifecycle. With simple and natural language, teams design apps around a behavior a user expects to utilize. They write descriptions in  Given When Then  format using the user stories before any code is written to be the basis for automated test scenarios.

This BDD approach assists developers and business stakeholders in establishing a clear and common product understanding. The idea is in structuring business requirements and turning them into acceptance tests. Using tests written in plain English, all stakeholders understand and agree on the software’s expected behavior, and make sure that they develop the right software product. In BDD, teams use Gherkin language to write the script in simple words like  Given,  When , and Then . With those words, they describe the behavior of the software.

For example, Gherkin BDD framework scenario:

Feature: Product Search

  Scenario: Display search results when a user searches for a product
    Given a user is on the website
    When they perform a product search
    Then they should see search results

This test script is then turned into automated tests that check if the software behaves as expected and how it is described.

Key principles of BDD Test Framework

• Collaboration. The scenarios are written in a way that all team members – developers, testers, and key stakeholders are in the know how the system should behave regardless of their technical expertise.
• Focus on Behavior. The focus is on the users who are interacting with the product instead of how the software should be built technically.
• Common Language. Simple shared language is used across the business and technical teams so that anyone can understand business requirements and technical implementation.
• Living Documentation. BDD scenarios function as a living documentation. Since these scenarios are automated tests, they provide an up-to-date record of how the system behaves.
• Test Automation. Automating the scenarios allows teams to validate the application behavior once code changes are made. This helps catch regressions early and ensures the system behaves as expected over time.

BDD Framework Life Cycle

BDD life cycle typically includes a series of steps, which make certain that stakeholder communication and the direction of business goals or objectives are unified. Below you can find the key stages:

1. Discover. At this stage, teams collaborate with stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project’s scope, objectives, and requirements and establish a roadmap for the project’s execution.
2. Write Scenarios in Gherkin. Teams write scenarios in Given-When-Then format to describe the product’s behavior from the users’ perspectives. These scenarios make it easier for the development teams to understand the requirements and for the QA teams to test them properly.
3. Automate Scenarios. Once scenarios are written, teams convert these plain language scenarios into automated tests using BDD test automation frameworks and tools. These tools parse the Gherkin syntax and map it to test code that interacts with the application.
4. Test. These automated tests are executed frequently to make sure that the system behavior matches the desired behavior after new code is added or existing code is modified.
5. Refactor. Teams improve existing code while maintaining behavior without changing the product’s functionality.
6. Refine and Iterate. Teams update and refine the scenarios to reflect new requirements or changes in the system’s behavior. This creates a feedback loop where the behavior is constantly validated and documented.

Why Use Playwright Java bdd automation framework?

Behavior Driven Development (BDD) with Playwright Java allows you to write tests in a more natural language, which simplifies the process of s understanding and maintaining code quality. Playwright is known as a powerful automation library which enables reliable end-to-end testing across key browser platforms (Chrome/Edge, Firefox, Safari).

Aiming to create robust, understandable, and maintainable automated tests which align with the intended functionality of your application, you can combine BDD principles with Playwright’s automation capabilities in a Java environment.

This approach will work for teams that include non-developers, such as product managers or QA engineers, who need to understand the test cases.

Playwright Cucumber Java Framework: Steps to Follow

So, let’s get started to automate! The typical technology stack for modern Java BDD projects is Java + Playwright + Cucumber together; it is a popular and well-supported choice. Here’s what each part does

• Cucumber – handles BDD-style .feature files with Gherkin syntax Given When Then
• Playwright for Java – performs the actual browser automation (clicks, navigation, input, etc.)

Java test automation framework stack includes:

• Maven – the build automation and dependency management tool for Java, is a project heartbeat.
• JUnit (usually JUnit5) – test runner; executes the Cucumber tests.

How to set up our BDD Framework?

Initially, ensure that the Java programming language development environment is installed. It is JDK 17 or higher, and Maven 3.9.3+, of course.

java -version
mvn -v

Node.js (Playwright dependency)

node -v
npm -v

If something is not installed, follow the official links to get started: Java, Playwright, Maven

So, my IDE is VS Code, and I have to install the official Microsoft Extension for Java:

By clicking the button Install you download the set of plugins, allowing you to code in Java with the Visual Studio Code editor freely now.

#1 Step: Create & configure your BDD framework project

There are two options to create a Maven project in VSCode: using the IDE UI by choosing Maven in the New Project wizard or, as in my case, through the CMD command:

mvn archetype:generate -DgroupId=com.example.demo \
-DartifactId=Demo-Java-BDD-framework \
-DarchetypeArtifactId=maven-archetype-quickstart \
-DinteractiveMode=false

Little explanation for parameters of this command:

• -DgroupId: package name base (like com.yourcompany)
• -DartifactId: Folder/project name
• -DarchetypeArtifactId: Type of project scaffold (quickstart)
• -DinteractiveMode=false: Prevents Maven from asking prompts

Once the project is created, in the editor, you will see an auto-generated basic pom.xml and project structure:

Pay attention to the Maven build notification in the bottom right-hand corner. You should agree every time after savings in the BDD framework project, anyway, to do it manually with the command:

mvn clean install

#2 Step: Configure Dependencies

The following action is adding dependencies via Maven in the pom.xml file:

• playwright
• cucumber-java
• cucumber-junit

Check the Playwright dependencies of the new version you can on the Playwright Java page

To avoid errors, you can alternatively install Playwright Java at one time:

mvn exec:java -e -Dexec.mainClass=com.microsoft.playwright.CLI -Dexec.args="install"

Similarly, you can find the required dependencies on the official Cucumber documentation page at the following link and JUnit(usually JUnit5) Dependency Page information. These configurations enable automation of step definitions and browser interactions.

Eventually, this is a minimal BDD framework example of dependencies for Playwright, Cucumber and JUnit:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<project xmlns="http://maven.apache.org/POM/4.0.0"
         xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"
         xsi:schemaLocation="http://maven.apache.org/POM/4.0.0 http://maven.apache.org/xsd/maven-4.0.0.xsd">
    <modelVersion>4.0.0</modelVersion>

    <groupId>com.saucedemo</groupId>
    <artifactId>playwright-tests</artifactId>
    <version>1.0-SNAPSHOT</version>

    <properties>
        <maven.compiler.source>23</maven.compiler.source>
        <maven.compiler.target>23</maven.compiler.target>
        <project.build.sourceEncoding>UTF-8</project.build.sourceEncoding>
    </properties>

    <dependencies>
        <dependency>
            <groupId>com.microsoft.playwright</groupId>
            <artifactId>playwright</artifactId>
            <version>1.52.0</version>
        </dependency>

          <dependency>
            <groupId>io.cucumber</groupId>
            <artifactId>cucumber-java</artifactId>
            <version>7.23.0</version>
        </dependency>

       <dependency>
            <groupId>io.cucumber</groupId>
            <artifactId>cucumber-junit</artifactId>
            <version>7.23.0</version>
            <scope>test</scope>
        </dependency>
    </dependencies>

  </project>

After saving pom.xml, compile the Maven build again

#3 Step: Create a Cucumber Runner

Create a TestRunner.java class file. The TestRunner.java class is like the engine that wires everything together. It tells Cucumber how to find and run .feature files.

Example TestRunner Java:

package runner;

import org.junit.runner.RunWith;
import io.cucumber.junit.Cucumber;
import io.cucumber.junit.CucumberOptions;

@RunWith(Cucumber.class)
@CucumberOptions(
    features = "src/test/resources/features",
    glue = "steps",
    plugin = {"pretty", "html:target/cucumber-report.html"},
    monochrome = true
)
public class TestRunner {
}

The BDD framework structure of the project, as you can see in this picture, keeps logic separate and testable:

src
└── test
    ├── java
    │   ├── runners
    │   │   └── TestRunner.java
    │   └── steps
    │       └── LoginSteps.java
    └── resources
        └── features
            └── Login.feature

#4 Step: Write feature files with scenarios in Gherkin

Create  .feature files, look at the top of the code path where it is placed

Feature: Login to Sauce Demo

  Scenario: Successful login with valid credentials
    Given I open the login page
    When I enter username "standard_user" and password "secret_sauce"
    And I click the login button
    Then I should see the products page

#5:Step Map steps in Java using Cucumber step definitions

package steps;

import com.microsoft.playwright.*;
import io.cucumber.java.After;
import io.cucumber.java.Before;
import io.cucumber.java.en.*;

import static org.junit.Assert.assertTrue;

public class LoginSteps {
    Playwright playwright; // Variable playwright type of Playwright object
    Browser browser; // Represents a specific browser instance (e.g.Chromium)
    Page page; // Represents a single tab or page within the browser.

    @Before //Hook - runs before each scenario
    public void setUp() {
        playwright = Playwright.create(); //Initializes Playwright engine
        browser = playwright.chromium().launch(new BrowserType.LaunchOptions().setHeadless(false)); //Launches a visible Chromium Browser
        page = browser.newPage(); //opens a new Browser Tab
    }

    @Given("I open the login page")
    public void openLoginPage() {
        page.navigate("https://www.saucedemo.com/"); //Navigates to Log In page
    }

    @When("I enter username {string} and password {string}")
    public void enterCredentials(String username, String password) {
        page.fill("#user-name", username); //Fills in username
        page.fill("#password", password); //Fills password
    }

    @When("I click the login button")
    public void clickLogin() {
        page.click("#login-button"); //Clicks login button
    }

    @Then("I should see the products page")
    public void verifyProductsPage() {
        assertTrue(page.isVisible(".inventory_list")); //Checks of inventory list is visible
    }

    @After
    public void tearDown() {
        browser.close(); //closes browser page
        playwright.close(); // shuts down playwright engine
    }
}

#6:Step Run tests via JUnit5 runner

mvn clean test

Output

Opens browser using Playwright, navigates to login page, completes the login, verifies the dashboard is displayed and generates a basic Cucumber HTML report. Thus,

– Where can we find this BDD framework’ Cucumber HTML report?

Enter into the folder target, scroll down and launch Cucumber HTML report. It is automatically generated when Cucumber tests run with the proper configuration, namely:

@CucumberOptions(
    plugin = {"pretty", "html:target/cucumber-report.html"}
)

The Cucumber HTML Report is a simple and quite user-friendly visual representation test results of your BDD (Behavior-Driven Development) framework. It shows: Feature and Scenario breakdown, their steps in detail and result, Pass/Fail status, Error messages and stack traces, execution time. In total, it is not very informative, but it is not too bad either.

What is Playwright Test Report?

Generally, a Playwright test reports works as an extensive summary compiled after running a set of automated tests using the Playwright testing framework and indicates which scenarios passed, failed, or skipped.

With detailed reports, developers and test engineers can quickly identify the root cause of test failures and debug issues in the application code or the test automation itself. They can analyze reports to highlight areas of the application’s behavior that are not yet adequately covered by automated tests and create more scenarios.

The Testomatio Playwright Test Report Key Components

If a simple, basic Playwright or Cucumber HTML report is not enough, our solution is the perfect fit. The test management system testomat.io offers powerful Reporting and Analytics across different testing types.

In this test reporting, you can find the following information:

• Manual testing, as well as automation testing, in one place.
• Customizable test plans, selective test case execution. Easy to share it with stakeholders.
• Information on test status –  which tests have been passed, failed, or skipped.
• Descriptions of any errors, mentioning the type of error and the location.
• How long the test runs in order to identify slow tests and areas which cause performance delays.
• Information about test coverage.
• Screenshots or video recordings of the test execution to better understand the test results.
• Full test run history and clear progress tracking.
• Detailed logs that can help developers debug issues and offer visibility into browser actions, network requests, and responses.
• Moreover, actionable analytics with a wide range of metrics and insights to support decision-making.

Start by adding the Java JUnit XML plugin to the pom.xml file:

  <build>
    <plugins>
      <plugin>
        <groupId>org.apache.maven.plugins</groupId>
        <artifactId>maven-surefire-plugin</artifactId>
        <version>3.2.5</version> <!-- or the latest -->
      </plugin>
    </plugins>
  </build>

Sign up or log in to the TMS, then create your test project by following the system’s guidance, and then import BDD tests. Only follow the smart tips the test management UI offers.

This is the result of syncronization of manual and auto tests in the common repository.

In addition, testomat.io offers a unique feature that allows automatic converting of classical manual test cases into BDD (Behavior-Driven Development) format and importing detected steps into the Reusable Steps Database. Especially, this capability is useful for teams transitioning from traditional manual QA workflows to modern, executable BDD-style automation.

It seems this report offers a more polished presentation than the standard Cucumber report, doesn’t it?

Advantages of BDD Playwright Java framework

• Step Definition Mapping. Teams can use Given/When/Then annotations with accurate regular expressions to link Gherkin steps to Java methods.
• Playwright API Interaction. Teams can apply Playwright’s Page, Locator, and browser management APIs within step definitions in order to automate browser actions and assertions.
• Test Reporting. Teams can correctly specify the paths to Feature Files (features) and Step Definition packages (glue), which contain your automation code to set up how test results are reported and provide meaningful feedback once tests are executed.
• Parameter Passing in Steps. Teams can use capture groups in regular expressions within step annotations to pass data from Gherkin scenarios to Java methods,  because it allows them to write more reusable step definitions that can handle various data inputs from the Feature Files, and cut down code duplication.
• Assertions. With assertion methods within step definitions, teams can verify that the actual application’s behavior matches the expected outcomes defined in the Gherkin scenarios, which makes the tests reliable and verifies the software works as designed
• Selector Strategies.  With Playwright’s selector types (CSS, XPath, text-based) and reliable web elements identification, teams can automate code to accurately target and interact with specific UI elements, even after changes in the application’s structure or styling.
• Handling Asynchronous Operations.  Understanding that Playwright’s API is asynchronous and ensuring proper handling, teams can prevent their automation code from prematurely proceeding before UI elements are fully loaded or actions are completed, which contributes to more reliable and less flaky tests that accurately reflect user interactions.
• Integration with CI\CD. Teams can configure the build process to execute tests and generate reports in a continuous integration environment.

Interesting to read:

• Cucumber BDD framework for API testing with Playwright example
• Behavior-Driven Development (BDD): Meaning, Benefits & Best Practices
• Integration between BDD in Jira and Test Management System

Disadvantages of BDD test framework with Playwright Java

• Steeper Learning Curve & Complex Project Setup. If teams are new to both BDD principles and Playwright Java, it requires significant effort from them to set up the necessary dependencies.
• Complex Project Setup. Setting up the necessary dependencies (Cucumber, Playwright, Test Runner, reporting libraries) in a Java project can be more involved than setting up simpler testing frameworks.
• Too UI-centric Scenarios. Teams might fall into the trap of writing excessively detailed Gherkin scenarios that become difficult to maintain and understand. Scenarios should focus on business value, not low-level UI interactions.
• Not a Replacement for All Testing. While BDD with Playwright Java focuses on end-to-end or integration software testing from a user’s perspective, it doesn’t serve the purpose of unit tests or API tests.
• Slower Performance. Running end-to-end tests driven by Cucumber and Playwright can be slower than unit or integration tests. While Playwright is generally fast, the overhead of interpreting Gherkin and orchestrating browser actions can add to execution time, especially for large test suites.
• Maintenance Challenges. Playwright tests are susceptible to changes in the application’s user interface, meaning any minor UI modifications can break a significant number of scenarios and need frequent updates to reflect changes in UI elements, workflows, or data.
• Synchronization Issues. Web applications can be asynchronous, and handling synchronization (waiting for elements to load, animations to complete) in Playwright Step Definitions requires careful implementation to avoid flaky tests.
• Cooperation Problems. If business stakeholders are not involved in writing and reviewing feature files, the scenarios might not accurately reflect business needs.

Bottom Line: Ready To Develop The Right Product The Right Way with BDD Playwright Java?

When it comes to incorporating the Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) testing framework, organizations need to remember that it is not just a methodology; it’s a mindset. Furthermore, its adoption becomes a crucial strategy for organizations which require revolutionizing how they approach the software development process.

With BDD practice in place, you can improve communication, catch bugs early, enhance documentation, and increase test coverage. Contact our specialists if you aim to navigate software development complexities and need a working approach like BDD to develop features, which are well-understood by both technical and business stakeholders. Only by utilizing the correct BDD tools and frameworks can you get BDD’s highest potential to achieve success in your projects.

The post Playwright Java BDD Framework Tutorial appeared first on testomat.io.

This guide breaks down the most frequently asked BDD interview questions into four core categories: BDD fundamentals, Gherkin syntax, automation techniques, and real-world application.

Core Understanding BDD conception

1. What is BDD and why is it important in software development?

Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) is a software development approach that focuses on collaboration between developers, testers, and business stakeholders. By breaking down expected system actions into Given Then When steps, teams create a living specification that’s accessible to everyone, even non-tech teammates. This shared format not only drives implementation but also naturally encourages effectiveness, reduces misunderstandings, and keeps development aligned with real-world needs.

The purpose of the BDD approach is to align technical execution with business goals using a simple language representation of the application behavior. It bridges the gap between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.

Compared to traditional software testing, BDD enables early detection of bugs, simplifies acceptance criteria, and provides better traceability from requirements to code implementation.

2. Can you explain the core principles of BDD?

The key principles include:

• Collaboration first: Encouraging open communication between all team members.
• Specification by example: Using real-world scenarios to define system behavior.
• Executable specifications: Turning those examples into automated tests.
• Living documentation: BDD scenarios serve as always-up-to-date documentation.
• Outside-in development: Focusing on user needs first, then progressing to technical layers.

3. What distinguishes BDD from traditional testing methodologies?

BDD begins before a single line is written. It brings business analysts, developers, testers, and even stakeholders into a shared conversation – using simple  representations of Given Then When the application behavior to define what the software should do from the user’s perspective.

– But how does BDD truly differ? The table below lays out the key distinctions:

4. How does BDD integrate with Agile methodologies?

BDD and Agile go hand-in-hand. In Agile, requirements evolve through user stories, and BDD supports this by:

• Enabling early and continuous collaboration
• Allowing iterative feedback loops
• Ensuring that acceptance criteria become executable tests

BDD scenarios can become the acceptance criteria in Agile sprint planning and are often automated using a tool like Cucumber

5. BDD in multi-disciplinary development teams: How does BDD enhance communication?

Using simple language (via Gherkin syntax) helps:

• Eliminate misinterpretation of requirements
• Get earlier feedback from stakeholders
• Empower testers to write meaningful cucumber test scenarios for their future automation by developers.

For example, BDD scenario:

Feature: Account Balance

  Scenario: Newly created account should have zero balance
    Given a new account is created
    Then the account balance should be 0

6. What is BDD and how is it different from TDD (Test-Driven Development)?

Unlike traditional unit testing or integration testing, which focus on implementation, BDD begins with the behavior.

Gherkin Language & Feature Files

6. Describe the ‘Given, When, Then’ pattern and its role in BDD

The Given-When-Then syntax defines the structure of BDD scenarios.

• Given: Setup the initial state
• When: Perform an action
• Then: Assert the expected outcome

This mirrors how users think and behaves like a functional test, which increases business involvement and trust in the development process.

7. What is Gherkin?

Gherkin is the programming language used to write BDD scenarios. It is a domain-specific language that follows own indentation and keywords.

Gherkin language example:

Feature: Login Page Authentication

  Scenario: Valid user logs in
    Given the user is on the login page
    When the user enters valid credentials
    Then they should be redirected to the dashboard

It acts as a simple language representation of application behavior, making it accessible to everyone, even those without technical knowledge.

8. What is a Feature File and its structure?

A feature file:

• Is written in .feature format
• Describes a single feature or functionality
• Might contains multiple scenarios
• Can include tags for filtering
• Often starts with a background keyword (optional)

Typical Example structure feature file in Gherkin:

Feature: User Login

  Background:
    Given the user has an account

  @positive
  Scenario: Successful login
    Given the user is on the login page
    When they enter correct credentials
    Then they should see the dashboard

9. What’s the difference between Scenario and Scenario Outline in Gherkin?

Example of Scenario Outline:

Scenario Outline: Login attempts

  Given the user is on the login page
  When the user logs in with <username> and <password>
  Then they should see <result>

  Examples:
    | username | password | result        |
    | john     | 1234     | dashboard     |
    | jane     | wrong    | error message |

It’s ideal when testing many cases with different input data, without duplicating scenarios.

10. How do you write effective BDD scenarios?

Tips to impress in interviews:

• Use clear language
• Only one assertion per scenario
• Avoid writing test implementation details
• Tag properly for filtering using Cucumber options
• Reuse step definitions where possible

Example of a bad scenario:

When I enter "username"
Then I see the page

Better version:

When I enter a valid username and password
Then I should be logged in and redirected to the dashboard

This improves test harness stability and collaboration clarity.

BDD Automation

Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) does not end at writing scenarios in Gherkin, it comes alive when automation enters the picture. Automating BDD scenarios transforms plain-text behavior descriptions into executable tests that verify your application in real-time, ensuring both development and business requirements are aligned.

This section dives deep into how automation in BDD works, how it maps to real code, and how to set up a maintainable and scalable test framework around it.

11. What is the role of step definitions in BDD automation?

Step definitions serve as the crucial bridge between human-readable feature files and actual code implementation. A step definition file contains the code that executes when a particular step in your Gherkin scenario is run.

Example Steps in Gherkin scenario:

Scenario: Successful login
  Given the user is on the login page
  When they enter valid credentials
  Then they should be redirected to the dashboard

The step definition uses a regular expression to match the plain language step. This is where technical knowledge meets simple representation of the application behavior.

Purpose of the steps to automate in .feature file:

• Translate behavior into test actions.
• Keep test logic separated from scenario descriptions.
• Enable software testing teams to reuse steps across multiple scenarios.

12. How do you map Gherkin steps to automation code?

Mapping is handled by matching the steps in .feature files to methods in your step definition file. This is made possible using regular expressions or Cucumber-style expressions.

Example:

Definition in Gherkin:

Given the user is logged in

Could map to Python test expression:

@given('the user is logged in')
def step_impl(context):
    context.browser.get('/login')
    context.browser.fill('username', 'admin')
    context.browser.fill('password', '1234')
    context.browser.click('Login')

Using regular expressions in step definitions allows for flexible matching. This is crucial when you want to support a large number of scenarios with minimal code repetition.

Mapping Gherkin to code is about linking human-readable stories to the underlying test harness that runs your functional testing suite.

13. What tools are essential for implementing BDD, and why?

Several testing tools support BDD workflows, but the most popular is undoubtedly the Cucumber tool.

Tool	Purpose
	Most widely used BDD test framework. Supports Java, JavaScript, Ruby, etc.
	A Python-based BDD tool.
	Lightweight alternative by ThoughtWorks with Markdown syntax. Note that Gauge does not enforce Gherkin syntax Given Then When
	Early Java BDD framework, an alternative to Cucumber.

For successful BDD development, you also need:

• A development framework (Spring, Angular, React, Django, Flask) for initial creation of app logic
• A test automation framework and browser automation library like Selenium, Playwright, or Cypress
• A CI pipeline to run and deployment tests

Cucumber web test cases, when executed as part of your CI\CD pipeline, help ensure you’re building the right features the right way.

14. How do you deal with flaky or redundant BDD scenarios?

BDD scenarios are meant to be reliable documentation and automated tests–but they can become flaky if written without discipline.

• Common Causes of Flakiness:
• UI instability (e.g. dynamic elements on the login page).
• Hardcoded data.
• Poor use of waits.
• Too much dependency between tests.
• Lack of clear ownership or review.
• Misunderstanding of how steps map to automation code.
• Steps that rely on dynamic content without clear selectors or assertions.
• Poorly scoped or reused (dependent) steps across different scenarios.

Strategies to Fix:

• Use Background Blocks Smartly. The background keyword lets you define common preconditions.

Background:
  Given the user is logged in

• But overusing it can cause shared-state problems. Keep it minimal.
• Avoid Duplicates. Many teams write multiple scenarios that test the same thing. Review the purpose of the scenario–does it bring new business value?
• Isolate Tests. Avoid side effects between tests. Reset the database or use stubs/mocks.
• Tag Flaky Tests With cucumber options, so then you can manually isolate unstable tests for later review, for instance --tags @flaky

15. Explain the process of automating tests in a BDD framework

Step 1: Write the Feature

Feature: User Login

Scenario: Successful login
  Given the user is on the login page
  When the user enters valid credentials
  Then they should see the dashboard

Step 2: Hook into the Test Automation Framework

Use JUnit, TestNG, or Playwright testing tools. This setup acts as your test harness. BDD workflow supports unit testing, integration testing, and functional testing all under one readable, maintainable format.

Step 3: Define Steps

Each step is mapped with a test definition file in Java

@Given("the user is on the login page")
public void goToLoginPage() {
    driver.get("https://example.com/login");
}

Step 4: Integrate into CI\CD

Push code to run tests in pipelines, and control failed builds on regression.

Step 4: Run your tests

Execute your test scope and track its readiness for software delivery to the market with Report and Analytics.

16. How to manage test data in BDD scenarios?

Managing test data in BDD (Behavior-Driven Development) scenarios is essential for ensuring clarity, maintainability, and reusability. Here are best practices and strategies to effectively manage test data in BDD:

1. Use Data Tables in Gherkin

Use Gherkin tables to define structured input directly in scenarios:

Given the following users exist:

  | Name     | Email            | Status  |
  | Alice    | alice@test.com   | active  |
  | Bob      | bob@test.com     | inactive |

Makes data visible, readable, and easy to modify for different cases.

2. Leverage Scenario Outlines

Use Scenario Outline to iterate over multiple sets of data:

Scenario Outline: Login with valid credentials
  Given the user "<username>" with password "<password>" exists
  When they log in
  Then they should see the dashboard
  Examples:
    | username | password |
    | alice    | Pass123  |
    | bob      | Test456  |

Ideal for testing multiple combinations with minimal duplication.

3. Use Fixtures or Seed Data for Complex State

For complex applications, define test data using fixtures or seed scripts outside Gherkin (e.g., in JSON, YAML, or DB migrations) and reference it in the scenario:

Given the user “alice” is preloaded in the system

Keeps scenarios clean while centralizing reusable data.

4. Mock External Dependencies

Use mocking or stubbing for external systems (APIs, payment gateways) to provide consistent, reliable test data without relying on live environments.

5. Tagging for Data Contexts

Use tags like @admin, @guest, @premium_user to group tests by data setup or user types. Your test runner or setup hooks can then provision appropriate data.

6. Parameterize Through Environment or Config

Inject test data dynamically via environment variables or configuration files, especially for reusable test suites across environments (dev/staging/CI):

Given a user with email "${TEST_USER_EMAIL}" logs in

7. Clean Up After Tests

Ensure proper teardown or rollback after scenarios to avoid data pollution — especially important in shared test environments.

Managing test data in BDD involves a balance of in-scenario clarity (via tables and outlines) and externalization (via fixtures and mocks) for maintainability and scalability.

17. How to set up tagging for effective BDD test management?

Tags help organize and execute your cucumber tests with precision.

Use Cases organize BDD scripts:

• Group scenarios by feature: @login, @checkout
• Mark tests for CI: @smoke, @regression
• Flag WIP or unstable tests: @flaky, @skip

Example of tags in BDD scenario:

@smoke @login
Scenario: Login with correct credentials

In your cucumber options, you can run a subset:

cucumber --tags @smoke

This enables smarter workflows. For instance, smoke tests run on every commit, full regression tests nightly, etc.

Real-world BDD Scenarios

18. How does BDD help with writing better acceptance criteria?

Instead of vague or overly technical requirements, BDD enforces the use of Gherkin syntax with the Given–When–Then pattern, which captures the purpose of the feature in a structured way. This helps stakeholders, developers, and testers all speak the same language.

Example:

Let’s say your team is developing a login page.

Traditional acceptance criteria might say:

“User must be able to log in if credentials are valid.”

BDD transforms that into a cucumber test scenario:

Feature: Login Page

  Scenario: Successful login with valid credentials
    Given the user is on the login page
    When the user enters a valid username and password
    Then they should be redirected to the dashboard

This BDD scenario is both readable and executable, acting as documentation and test in one. Plus, it links directly to the step definition file in the codebase.

19. How do you prioritize which features to test with BDD?

BDD is best used for functional testing of critical user-facing features–those that embody the behavior your customers care about.

To prioritize:

1. Start with high-risk/high-value features. For example, payment gateways, user registration, or authentication mechanisms.
2. Target areas where misunderstandings often occur. BDD acts as a communication bridge, reducing assumptions by clearly stating the expected behavior.
3. Focus on scenarios with a high number of variations (i.e., where using Scenario Outlines makes sense).
4. Consider features that are part of integration testing, not just unit testing, especially where multiple systems or services interact.

By concentrating BDD efforts here, you ensure your test harness is validating the flows that truly matter.

20. How can BDD be applied to complex systems testing?

In large, interconnected systems, BDD thrives by breaking down complexity into well-defined behaviors. Using background keywords, QA teams can handle shared setup across scenarios and keep tests DRY.

Use Case: Distributed Financial Application

Let’s imagine a microservices-based banking platform that includes account management, transfers, and compliance checks.

Instead of writing convoluted test code, you could write:

Feature: Transfer funds between accounts

  Background:
    Given a user has two active accounts

  Scenario: Transfer within daily limit
    When the user transfers $500 from Account A to Account B
    Then the transfer is successful
    And both balances are updated

Each Gherkin line will map an automation code implementation and step reuse within a step definition, connecting natural language with executable tests.

21. Share an example where BDD significantly improved project outcomes

In a recent e-commerce project redesign, the dev team faced communication breakdowns between product owners, QA, and developers. Requirements often changed mid-sprint, leading to broken tests and late bug discoveries. Once BDD was introduced:

• Cucumber tool was adopted for Gherkin-based specs.
• Features were written in simple English representation.
• Product owners now co-authored cucumber web test case specs with QA.

Positive Result BDD implementation:

Release cycle time was cut by 30%. Test coverage on critical flows like checkout, discounts, and refunds increased dramatically. Teams reported higher confidence in deploying updates, thanks to a living documentation system embedded in the BDD tests.

22. What challenges might teams face when adopting BDD? When you do not recommend it?

While BDD offers massive upside, it’s not for every team or project. Here’s where it can go wrong:

Common Challenges:

• Steep learning curve. Teams lacking technical knowledge may struggle to maintain step definitions or structure scenarios properly.
• Misuse as a testing tool only. BDD is not just a test-writing tool–using it that way defeats its collaborative power.
• Duplicate or bloated step definitions. Without guidelines, teams may end up with hundreds of loosely organized step files.
• Flaky tests due to poor test framework setup, unstable environments, or mismanaged test data.

When Not to Use BDD:

• Very short-term projects where the overhead isn’t justified.
• Solo development efforts with no stakeholder collaboration.
• Internal tools with extremely low complexity.

In these cases, traditional functional testing or exploratory testing may be more efficient.

23. How does BDD facilitate continuous integration and deployment?

BDD plays a critical role in modern DevOps pipelines. When integrated into CI\CD systems like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or CircleCI:

• Cucumber tests become part of the build pipeline.
• Each push or merge triggers the relevant number of scenarios.
• Tagged tests (using @smoke, @regression, etc.) ensure only the right scenarios run per environment.

BDD scripts become a test harness that ensures only working features are deployed to staging or production.

Bonus: Many teams add visual test reports to show business stakeholders which cucumber test scenarios pass/fail–bridging the gap between code and business impact.

Advanced Techniques in BDD

As your team becomes more comfortable with the basics of Behavior-Driven Development, it is natural to move beyond writing simple scenarios and step definitions. At this point, BDD evolves from just a collaboration tool into a powerful software development approach that enhances system reliability, streamlines communication across roles, and improves long-term maintainability.

In this section, we explore advanced techniques that take your BDD practice to the next level. We’ll cover topics like reusing steps across features, applying regular expressions in step definitions, scaling your test framework, and integrating BDD project with your CI\CD pipeline. These strategies will help your team deal with complexity, reduce redundancy, and align testing efforts with real business value.

Why You Should Consider Testomatio for BDD Workflows

One powerful solution designed to enhance BDD practices is test management software testomat.io. This next-generation platform is specifically built to support modern BDD frameworks like Cucumber, CodeceptJS, Playwright and others. It seamlessly integrates with popular automation libraries and CI tools, giving your team full visibility into test results and coverage. With testomat.io, you can:

• organize and manage Cucumber BDD test cases in one centralized place
• create new BDD test cases with advanced BDD editor or AI testing assistant efficiently, or import existing ones outside and automatically convert classic tests in BDD format from .xls files.
• reuse steps easily with Steps Database
• automatically sync with Jira users stories.
• trigger test runs directly from your CI\CD pipelines
• collaborate across QA, developers, and business teams using shared Living Documentation and actionable Reports with public view and free seats

We help teams keep up with delivery demands without sacrificing quality. It shortens the feedback loop, improves communication between stakeholders, and supports test-driven growth.

Conclusion

As interviewers increasingly look for professionals with hands-on BDD experience, knowing how to optimize scenarios, handle flaky tests, and integrate with CI\CD pipelines gives you a competitive edge. More importantly, these skills help you contribute to a healthier, faster, and more reliable software delivery process.

So, if you are automating tests for a login page, refining your test framework, or scaling BDD in your team, mastering the concepts in this article sets you up for both interview success and real-world performance.

The post Top 23 BDD Framework Interview Questions Revealed appeared first on testomat.io.

What is Gherkin?

Gherkin is a simple, human-readable plain language, composed in such a way that anyone can understand the written statements, even those with a limited scope of programming knowledge. Gherkin is used in Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD). In other words, Gherkin is the heartbeat of BDD.

It helps development teams write clear scenarios that describe how software should behave from the user’s perspective, actions are equal – Steps.  This allows both technical and non-technical people to work together and stay on the same page, making collaboration easier and ensuring documentation stays accurate.

Cucumber is the most widely used BDD framework. Some popular ones are Behat, Behave, JBehave, CodeceptJS and Codeception.

Why Grerkin Matters in Behavior-Driven Development (BDD)

• Gherkin encourages test-first thinking. Gherkin encourages writing scenarious early, guiding teams to define expected behavior before writing code. It prevents bugs, not just catches them.
• Shared Understanding Across Teams. Rather than relying on lengthy technical manuals or ambiguous user stories, Gherkin provides a formalized way to describe system behavior through conversational language. This simplicity enables teams to align expectations early on, especially who is involved in the development process — not just engineers, but also product owners, business analysts, and QA specialists. It occurs during the Three Amigos sessions, where developers, testers, and business stakeholders collaborate to define what the Definition of Done(DoD) looks like.
• Living Documentation. Gherkin plays a vital role in Behavior-Driven Development by transforming complex requirements into simple, structured documentation.
• Enhancing collaboration. Gherkin, by acting as a living specification, reduces misunderstandings, improves test coverage, and keeps requirements tightly coupled with automated validation. It bridges the gap between business intent and technical implementation, making BDD not just possible but practical.

In short:

Gherkin makes BDD practical — aligning business goals with technical implementation through clear, collaborative, and testable language.

Gherkin in Agile & BDD Workflows

Gherkin focuses on teamwork, taking small steps, and getting regular feedback. This method fits well with Agile practices.

In Agile teams, Gherkin helps connect business and tech teams. It helps everyone understand user stories and acceptance criteria together. This way, Agile teams can deliver value bit by bit and adjust to new needs quickly. Gherkin serves well in Agile and BDD workflows:

• User stories → drive features
• Scenarios in Gherkin → describe behavior of these features
• Automation tools like Cucumber, SpecFlow, or Behave → link Gherkin to real tests

This creates a shared understanding between PO, Dev, and QA. Let’s break it down more:

For example, BDD with Gherkin could also be implemented like this in the Agile Cycle:

As you can see from our visual, the main differences between BDD Agile Workflow and traditional imperative testing are:

→  More traditional Agile testing workflow is more focused on execution rather than behavior.
→  BDD uses Gherkin, a declarative DSL that emphasizes specific behaviors.
→  BDD Agile promotes a shift-left approach. With Gherkin-based acceptance criteria defined upfront, teams embed quality into development before it starts.

Basic Structure of a Gherkin Scenarios

A Gherkin .feature file is structured to describe software behavior using scenarios. It begins with a Feature keyword, followed by a description of the feature. Each scenario within the feature outlines specific examples of how the feature should behave, using keywords like  Given, When,  Then to define the context, actions, and expected outcomes. Here is a breakdown of the structure:

For example, the User Login feature describes how users access the system through the login page. If they enter the correct username and password, they’re taken to the home page. If the login details are incorrect, the system shows an error message to let them know something went wrong.

Feature: User Login
As a user, I want to be able to log in to the system.

  Scenario: Successful Login
    Given the user is on the login page
    When the user enters valid credentials
    Then the user should be redirected to the home page

Features and Scenarios Explained

At the center of Gherkin are Features and Scenarios. A Gherkin feature points out a specific ability of the software. It comes with related test cases and explains how a feature should work in different situations.

• Scenarios serve as test cases.
• Each feature has different scenarios.
• These scenarios imitate how real users behave.
• They explain certain actions and the results you should expect.
• They offer a simple guide on how a system should react to various inputs or situations.

To avoid repeating tests for similar tasks with different data, Gherkin uses Scenario Outlines These are like templates. They allow testers to run the same scenario many times with different data. This way, testers can check everything well while keeping the code simple and effective.

Step Definitions: Given, When, Then

Gherkin syntax uses a simple format called Given-When-Then. This format helps to describe the steps for each test case. It makes it easy to understand the setup, the actions taken, and the expected results in a scenario.

• Given shows where the system starts. It describes what the system looks like before anything happens. This step makes sure the system is prepared for what follows.
• When  tells us about the action that makes the system respond. It includes what the user does or what takes place in the system that changes how it works.
• Then shows what should happen after the action in the When step. It explains how the system should behave after that action, so we can check if it works as intended.

* Take a closer look at this extended code snippet — note how we marked Given, When,  Then as Facts, Past, Present, or Future statements for a better understanding of context.

# Login Functionality

Background:
Given the following user registration schedule:
  | Username | Password | Status   |
  | user1    | Pass123  | Active   |
  | user2    | Test456  | Inactive |
And user1 is a Frequent Flyer member     # <-Fact    

Scenario: Successful login with valid credentials
Given user1 has purchased the following credentials:          # <-Past 
  | Username | Password |
  | user1    | Pass123  |
When the user submits the login form                   # <-Present
Then the user should be redirected to the dashboard     # <-Future

What is an Effective Gherkin Test?

Creating good Gherkin tests isn’t just about understanding the syntax. You also need to follow best practices. These practices make the tests clear, simple to update, and dependable.

It is important to write tests that are short and clear. These tests should show how real users interact with the system. Use simple words and avoid technical terms. Focus on one part of the system for each test. This way, your Gherkin tests will be better and easier to handle.

Advantages of Using Gherkin

Gherkin is a powerful communication tool that brings developers, testers, and business stakeholders onto the same page. By describing behavior in plain language, Gherkin helps teams define, automate, and validate application functionality with less friction and more clarity. Below are the key advantages of using Gherkin in modern Agile and BDD workflows.

Better Communication Across the Team

Since Gherkin uses plain English, everyone, whether they are technical or not, can understand what the software is supposed to do. This helps developers, testers, and business stakeholders stay on the same page and reduces the chances of misunderstandings. It also keeps the focus on the user experience, which leads to more useful related features.

Documentation That Stays Current

Gherkin scenarios are tied directly to automated tests, which means they reflect the software’s real behavior, not just how it was supposed to work. You are not stuck with outdated documents, and your team always has a reliable reference point. These scenarios are version-controlled and stored with the code, so everyone can access and update them easily.

Faster Development and Better Testing

Because Gherkin scenarios can be turned into automated tests, they help speed up testing and give quick feedback during development. Writing tests before building features also helps catch issues early. Since Gherkin fits well with Agile practices, it supports frequent changes and constant improvement.

Long-Term Efficiency and Better Test Coverage

Gherkin scenarios are easy to update as requirements change, which helps lower the time and cost of maintaining tests. They also encourage teams to think through different use cases and edge cases, improving overall test coverage. The structured format allows you to reuse steps across different tests, reducing repetition and making your test suite easier to manage.

BDD Test Case Writing Pitfalls to Avoid: How To Solve Them?

Gherkin makes it easier for you to write tests. However, there are a few common mistakes to remember. These mistakes can make your test cases less effective

By avoiding these mistakes and using these Gherkin strategies, you can build better and more reliable Gherkin tests. This will improve your testing as well as the quality of the software.

How Is Gherkin Linked to Automated Test Code

The main connection of the language with automated test code is through its syntax. It uses a plain text format, operating such keywords as  Given, When, and  Then which are linked to the corresponding automated code that executes all the required steps. Thanks to it, the language stays abstract and readable, which allows non-technical users to understand the scenarios and technical users to maintain the test code.

Popular Testing Frameworks with Gherkin Support

Gherkin is paired with testing frameworks that interpret and run them — the most well-known being Cucumber, which turns real system behavior into automated BDD tests.

Together, Gherkin and these BDD frameworks simplify test automation, improve collaboration, and create living documentation that evolves with your product. Below is a comparison of popular frameworks that support Gherkin syntax:

Framework	Language(s)	Description
	Java, JavaScript, Ruby, etc.	The most widely used BDD tool; executes Gherkin scenarios directly.
	Python	Lightweight BDD framework for Python projects; uses Gherkin syntax.
	.NET (C#)	Native BDD framework for .NET; integrates tightly with Visual Studio. Unfortunately, now it is not supportedrted already.
	Multiple (Java, C#, JS)	Developed by ThoughtWorks; supports markdown-style Gherkin + plugins.
	JavaScript	End-to-end test framework with Gherkin plugin; integrates with WebDriver.
	JavaScript/TypeScript	Combines Jest’s test runner with Cucumber support for BDD testing.

Requirements for the Test Management System:
What Do True Testers Need?

Every test automation with a language has its own set of requirements in order for the analysis to succeed. Everything starts with defining the Agile roles in BDD. Every project must include a team that consists of:

• QAs
• Dev team
• BA (business analysts)
• PM (project managers) or PO (product owners).

Then, there are technical requirements that must be met by the system for integrating Gherkin naturally. The basic criteria include:

• Gherkin-Friendly Editor. The system should let users write, edit, and manage Gherkin feature files with syntax highlighting and support for key elements like Given, When, Then, tags, backgrounds, and scenario outlines.
• Seamless BDD Tool Integration. It should work smoothly with popular BDD tools such as Cucumber or Behave, making it easy to plug into existing testing workflows.
• Automation & CI\CD Support. The platform should connect with CI\CD tools (like Jenkins or GitLab), allow automated test execution, and display test results directly in the system.
• Test Management & Result Tracking. The system should let you track which scenarios are passing, which ones failed, and how they map to defects or bugs, offering a full picture of test coverage.
• Team Collaboration Tools. It should support multiple users working on the same features, with options for comments, approvals, and version history to review what changed and why.
• Reporting & Dashboards. The platform should offer easy-to-read dashboards that show test progress, coverage, and trends, with filters for tags, features, or test status.
• Gherkin also helps with living documentation. This means that the tests will update when the software updates. This is important for development that happens in steps. Because of this, Gherkin is a great tool for teams that want to be flexible and create high-quality software frequently.

Once these requirements are met, the team can proceed with setting up the testing environment and running the very first check using Gherkin.

Test management system testomat.io meets the needs of modern teams in Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) and makes the testing process more practical and powerful by seamlessly integrating Gherkin-style test cases into your workflow. Testomatio’s BDD-friendly UI supports an advanced Gherkin Editor.

Steps Database allows the reuse of steps and shared scenarios, making collaboration easier across distributed teams. Smart, generative AI analyses existing BDD steps across your project and suggests new ones based on them.

Starting with us, you can easily turn your manual test cases outside with a script into BDD scenarious in a minute.

Drop us a line today to learn how we can help you enhance your BDD testing processes that meet the highest standards, contact@testomat.io

How Do Gherkin Scenarios Work with Continuous Integration (CI) & Continuous Delivery (CD)?

Gherkin scenarios integrate smoothly with Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD) pipelines, helping Agile teams deliver high-quality software faster. When used with CI\CD, Gherkin scenarios automatically run each time code is pushed, ensuring that new changes do not disrupt existing functionality. This provides early detection of issues, minimizes risks, and ensures that only stable, verified features are deployed. Here is how Gherkin enhances CI\CD practices:

• Automated Test Execution. With Gherkin scenarios written in a BDD framework like Cucumber, tests can be automatically executed as part of the CI pipeline. When developers push changes, the pipeline runs these scenarios, validating that new code aligns with predefined acceptance criteria and doesn’t introduce regressions.
• Immediate Feedback Loop. CI\CD practices emphasize frequent deployment and testing to provide immediate feedback. Gherkin’s clear, business-oriented scenarios allow both technical and non-technical team members to understand results, facilitating prompt discussions and decisions.
• Living Documentation in Real Time. Gherkin scenarios act as living documentation within a CI\CD environment. As the software evolves and scenarios pass or fail, the documentation reflects the latest behavior of the system. This keeps the whole team aligned on current functionality and prevents outdated documentation from leading to misunderstandings.
• Continuous Quality Assurance. By integrating Gherkin-based tests into the CI\CD pipeline, teams can enforce continuous quality checks. Each build goes through comprehensive Gherkin-based testing, ensuring that any issues are detected early and resolved before deployment.

Conclusion

Gherkin is very important as it helps teams work together better and be more efficient. Gherkin has a simple structure and is closely connected with Cucumber, but it is not the same. This connection allows teams to speed up their testing and improve BDD, which means Behavior-Driven development.

Writing clear Gherkin tests and using good practices is key to avoiding common mistakes. This helps make software projects successful. There are many examples in the real world that show how helpful Gherkin can be. It is flexible and is valuable in several industries. You should use Gherkin to make your testing better. Keep learning and creating!

The post What is Gherkin: Key to Behavior-Driven Development appeared first on testomat.io.

In the article, you can discover more information about the Pytest BDD framework, learn how to write BDD tests with Pytest, and reveal some considerations to help you make the most of the Pytest BDD test framework.

Why teams need the Pytest BDD framework

If your team works on Python projects, pytest-BDD will give them a sizable boost in project clarity.

• Tech teams and non-technical business executives can take part in writing test scenarios with Gherkin syntax to describe the intended behavior of software in a readable format to make sure it meets business requirements.
• Teams can verify user stories and system behavior by directly linking them to feature requirements.
• Teams can make the test automation process more scalable with pytest’s features like fixtures and plugins.
• Teams can create a solid Steps base for test cases and reuse code in other tests by turning scenarios into automated tests.
• Teams can easily update BDD scenarios as the product changes.
• Teams can get detailed test reports with relevant information about the testing efforts.

Fixtures & Tags: Why use them?

With pytest-bdd, teams can use the power of the entire Pytest ecosystem, such as fixtures and tags.

Fixtures

Marked with the @pytest.fixture decorator, fixtures are known as special functions that provide a way to set up and tear down resources required for your tests. They are very flexible and have multiple use cases – applied to individual tests, entire test classes, or even across a whole test session to optimize resource usage. There are various reasons for using Pytest fixtures:

→ Fixtures are implemented in a modular manner and are easy to use.
→ Fixtures have a scope (function, class, module, session) and lifetime that help to define how often they are created and destroyed, which is crucial for efficient and reliable testing.
→ Fixtures with function scope improve the test code’s readability and consistency to simplify the code maintenance process.
→ Pytest fixtures allows testing complex scenarios, sometimes carrying out the simple.
→ Fixtures use dependency injection (configuration settings, database connections, external services) to improve test readability and maintainability by encapsulating setup and teardown logic.

While fixtures are great for extracting data or objects that you use across multiple tests, you may not use them for tests that require slight variations in the data.

Tags

Tags are a powerful feature that helps selectively run certain tests based on their labels. They also allow teams to assign tags to scenarios in feature files and use pytest to execute tests, especially when dealing with large test suites. Tags can be used to indicate test priority, skip certain tests under specific conditions, or group tests by categories like performance, integration, or acceptance. Let’s consider the reasons for using tags:

→ You need to run suites of tests that are relevant to your current needs, like testing a particular feature.
→ You need to group tests based on their functionality, priority, or other relevant criteria to easily understand the test suite structure and find specific tests in the future.
→ You need to execute tests that match multiple tags by using logical operators (AND, OR, NOT) to precisely target the tests you want to run.
→ You need to automate the execution of specific test subsets and get customized reports based on test tags.

While tags help categorize the tests based on any criteria, their overuse can lead to a cluttered test suite and make it hard for developers to understand or maintain the code.

In fact, Pytest has limitations, but it comes with many plugins that extend its capabilities, among them the Python BDD plugin, which we are interested in at this point in the article. This plugin provides all the advantages of Python in BDD, which is why many automators love it

Getting Started with Pytest BDD

Prerequisites: Setting up the environment

If you are ready to utilize pytest-BDD, you need to make sure that all the required tools and libraries are installed. Below you can find out the steps to follow to set up the environment and start writing BDD tests:

1. 1. Install Python. You need to download the latest version from Python’s official website to get Python installed on your system. Then you need to verify the installation by running the command:

      python --version

   2. I used the optional alias python to python3 (macOS/Linux only) because I saw messages: command not found, as python3 was installed instead of python.

      alias python=python3
      

   3. I installed the package manager pip.
   4. Indeed, some test automation engineers prefer to use the Poetry library over Virtualenv. Poetry is more modern and enables management of dependencies in the global project directory without manually activating environments.
   5. Set up a Virtual Environment. At this step, you can create a virtual environment for your project to isolate it from other environments, give you full control of your project, and make it easily reproducible. Firstly, you need to install the virtualenv package if you haven’t already with pip. Once installed, you can specify the Python version and the desired name for the environment. It is a good practice to replace <version> with your Python version and <virtual-environment-name> with the environment name you want to give.

      pip install virtualenv

   6. Install pytest and pytest-BDD. At this step, you can use pip to install both the pytest framework and the Pytest-BDD plugin

      pip install pytest pytest-bdd

   7. Install Additional Dependencies. If you need additional libraries like Selenium or Playwright, you can install them as well. We need them to operate on a browser. For instance Playwright

      playwright install
      

   8. Activate virtualenv based on your OS

      source venv/bin/activate
      

   9. Create Feature Files and Steps File. The last step before writing the BDD tests is creating a structured project directory where you will keep your feature files and test scripts. Typical project structure looks like:

      pytest_bdd_selenium/
      ├── features/
      │   └── login.feature
      ├── steps/
      │   └── test_login_steps.py
      ├── tests/
      │   └── test_login.py
      ├── conftest.py
      ├── requirements.txt
      └── pytest.ini
      

How to write BDD Tests with Pytest

To write a BDD Test with Pytest, as mentioned above, you need to create a feature file and define step functions that match the scenarios in the feature file.

#1: Writing Feature File

To write feature files, you need to understand the Gherkin syntax used to describe the behavior of the application in plain English. The “given/when/then” vocabulary is pretty clear to all team members – analysts, developers, testers, and other specialists without technical background. Generally, the feature files work as living documentation of the system’s expected behavior. More information about Gherkin-based feature files can be found here.

Here is a basic example of a successful login functionality on this site https://practicetestautomation.com/practice-test-login/ 

Feature: Login functionality

  Scenario: Successful login with valid credentials
    Given the user is on the login page
    When the user enters valid username and password
    Then the user should see the secure area

#2: Creating Step Definitions

Step Definitions map the Gherkin steps in your feature files to Python functions. Pytest-bdd matches the steps in feature files with corresponding step definitions. Here is an example code for user login:

from pytest_bdd import scenarios, given, when, then

scenarios('../features/login.feature')

LOGIN_URL = "https://practicetestautomation.com/practice-test-login/"
USERNAME = "student"
PASSWORD = "Password123"

@given("the user is on the login page")
def open_login_page(browser_context):
    browser_context.goto(LOGIN_URL)

@when("the user enters valid username and password")
def login_user(browser_context):
    browser_context.fill("#username", USERNAME)
    browser_context.fill("#password", PASSWORD)
    browser_context.click("#submit")

@then("the user should see the secure area")
def check_login(browser_context):
    header = browser_context.locator("h1")
    assert "Logged In Successfully" in header.text_content()

* File test_login.py might be empty if all scenarios are loaded from a step file.

#3: Create Conftest file

Now, Playwright uses built-in fixtures like Page, and in many cases, we do not need it — Playwright provides everything.

You only need it if you want to:

• Add custom fixtures (e.g., for login tokens, DB, API)
• Change browser settings (e.g., headless, slow motion)
• Set up project-wide hooks
• Configure Playwright launch options

Our basic application is a login, so we have to create conftest.py

import pytest
from playwright.sync_api import sync_playwright

@pytest.fixture
def browser_context():
    with sync_playwright() as p:
        browser = p.chromium.launch(headless=False)  # set True for headless
        context = browser.new_context()
        page = context.new_page()
        yield page
        browser.close()

Using a Page, you can update your steps/test_login_steps.py file

from pytest_bdd import scenarios, given, when, then
from playwright.sync_api import Page

scenarios('../features/login.feature')

LOGIN_URL = "https://practicetestautomation.com/practice-test-login/"
USERNAME = "student"
PASSWORD = "Password123"

@given("the user is on the login page")
def open_login_page(page: Page):
    page.goto(LOGIN_URL)

@when("the user enters valid username and password")
def login_user(page: Page):
    page.fill("#username", USERNAME)
    page.fill("#password", PASSWORD)
    page.click("#submit")

@then("the user should see the secure area")
def check_login(page: Page):
    assert "Logged In Successfully" in page.text_content("h1")

#3: Executing PyTest BDD

Once the feature file and step definitions have been created, you can start test execution. It can be done with the pytest command:

pytest -v

#5: Analizing Results

After PyTest BDD tests execution, you can analize, measure and review your testing efforts to identify weaknesses and formulate solutions that improve the process in the future.

If you integrate pytest BDD with a test case management system such as testomat.io, you can generate test reports, analyze them, and get the picture of how your tested software performs. 

You can debug your Playwright tests right inside the test management system for faster troubleshooting and smoother test development.

Advantages of Pytest BDD

• Pytest BDD works flawlessly with Pytest and all major Pytest plugins.
• With the fixtures feature, you can manage context between steps.
• With conftest.py, you can share step definitions and hooks.
• You can execute filtered tests alongside other Pytest tests.
• When dealing with functions that accept multiple input parameters, you can use tabular data to run the same test function with different sets of input data and make tests maintainable.

Disadvantages of Pytest BDD

• Step definition modules must have explicit declarations for feature files (via @scenario or the “scenarios” function).
• Scenario outline steps must be parsed differently
• Sharing steps between feature files can be a bit of a challenge.

Rules to follow when using Pytest BDD for Test Automation

Below you can find some important considerations when using Pytest-bdd:

• ‍You need to utilize Gherkin syntax with GWT statements.
• You need to use steps as Python functions so that pytest-bdd can match them in attribute files with their corresponding step definitions to be parameterized or defined as regular Python functions.
• You need to utilize the pytest-bdd and pytest fixture together to set up and break down the environment for testing.
• Each scenario works as an individual test case. You need to run the BDD test using the standard pytest command.
• You can use pytest-bdd hooks to generate code before or after events in the BDD test lifecycle.
• You can use tags to run specific groups of tests, prioritize them, or group them by functionality.

Bottom Line: Ready to use Pytest BDD for Python project?

With pytest-BDD, your teams get a powerful framework to implement BDD in Python projects. When writing tests in a clear and Gehrkin-readable format, teams with different backgrounds can better collaborate, understand business requirements, and build what the business really needs. Contact us if you need more information about improving your Pytest BDD workflow and its integration with the testomat.io test case management system and increasing test coverage.

The post Behavior-Driven Development: Python with Pytest BDD appeared first on testomat.io.

Both methods highlight how important it is to include test efforts early in the software development process. However, they focus on different things and have different ways of working. This guide will help you understand TDD and BDD. You will find out which method is best for your software development needs.

Understanding the Basics of TDD and BDD

Software development should always be approached as a structured process aimed at delivering the best solution. DDD, TDD, and BDD each offer valuable perspectives that can be effectively combined within the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) — or used dependingly on the context and project needs.

• DDD defines what to build and why by focusing on the business logic, domain language, and problem space.
• BDD defines how the system should behave based on the client’s view, involving business and non-technical stakeholders in its formulation using a simple common language form.
• TDD helps developers build the system incrementally, making sure that every part of the program is placed correctly. Developers write unit tests for the logic behind the behavior, then implement the code to make the tests pass.

Historically, BDD builds upon the TDD methodology, grounding development in acceptance testing scenarios. However, an equally important component is the concept of DSL (Domain-Specific Language), which is derived from DDD (Domain Driven Design) – a natural language understandable to all participants in the process, enabling the combination of the task statement, tests, and documentation.

The founders of the BDD approach highlight that they consider BDD primarily as a means of improving communication between the development team and the business. Dan North explains BDD as an extension of TDD practices, shifting from using it within the developer environment as a common language for all project stakeholders, and decodes the last D as development: end-to-end software development. So, let’s clarify these two definition now

Test-Driven Development (TDD)

Test-Driven Development (TDD) is a method for creating software that includes testing throughout the process. In TDD, developers first write tests before they create the actual code. This practice ensures every part of the code gets tested. The process includes three steps: writing tests, making them pass, and improving the code. This cycle leads to better software quality, fewer bugs, and improved code design. It helps to make the code stronger. TDD tests are often automated and focus on specific features. You can compare it to setting up a safety net before trying to walk on a tightrope.

Behavior-Driven Development (BDD)

Behavior-Driven Development, or BDD, focuses on how an application should work from the user’s point of view. It encourages teamwork among developers, testers, and business stakeholders. BDD user stories are written in a simple style, like Gherkin syntax. This makes it easy for everyone involved, both technical and non-technical stakeholders, to understand. By giving clear examples, BDD helps to ensure that the software meets business goals. There are BDD frameworks, like Cucumber and SpecFlow, that aid communication and keep good documentation. This is why BDD is a popular choice in agile software development.

Diving Deep into Test-Driven Development (TDD)

Test-Driven Development (TDD) is very important in the software development process. In TDD, developers write tests first and then write the code. This practice helps keep the code correct and improve software quality. TDD tests look at each small part of the code, making it essential for developers.

By running the tests often, TDD helps developers find and fix issues early. This leads to stronger and bug-free software applications. Also supports agile software development methodology.

Core Principles of TDD

Test-driven development (TDD) has important principles:

• The main one is the test-first method. This means you begin by writing a test that describes how the code should function. Only after that do you create the code itself. This approach gives developers a clear target. It also helps ensure the code works properly.
• Focus on behaviour, not implementation. Tests describe what the system should do, not how it is done. This encourages better design and flexibility in implementation.
• Principle of simplicity. TDD encourages developers to write the simplest code to make the test pass. This means they should avoid adding changes or features that are not needed right now. The goal is just to meet the requirements of the test.
• Keep your test suite fast and isolated. Tests should be independent for quick runs and to avoid stubs in development.
• Refactor with confidence. TDD focuses on repeating a cycle. In this development practice, you write tests again and again till they does not pass. You run these tests, fix the code to make them pass, and then make the code better in design and readability. This method helps you make steady progress and find problems quickly, so they can be fixed fast.

Advantages of Implementing TDD

Implementing TDD in your software development process has several benefits. The goal advantage is higher software quality. When you test each line of code well, you have fewer bugs in production. This leads to a more stable and reliable product. It also improves customer satisfaction and reduces costly bug fixes later on.

Another great benefit is that it saves time on regression testing. A full set of automated tests lets the development team check quickly if code changes have caused new bugs or broken current features. This gives developers more time to add new features and improve the product. Here are more benefits:

1. Lower development costs. When there are fewer bugs, it takes less time and money to fix them. This saves costs in the long run.
2. Better code design. Writing tests first makes developers think carefully about how they design their code. This leads to better code that is easier to manage, change, and reuse.
3. More confidence in the codebase. A well-tested codebase makes developers feel sure when they need to change or improve things. They do not worry about causing problems.
4. Efficiency of regression testing. A full set of automated tests lets the development team quickly check if code changes have caused new bugs or broken current features.
5. Improved documentation. Tests serve as live documentation. They clearly show how different parts of the system should work.

Common Challenges and Solutions in TDD

Implementing TDD has many benefits, but it also brings some challenges. A major challenge is the learning curve. This is especially true for team members who are new to the software development process. Writing tests requires a different mindset and a strong understanding of how the code should work. Another challenge is the temptation to take shortcuts when deadlines are near. It might feel easier to skip tests or write them later, but this goes against TDD.

Here are some ways to manage the challenges of TDD:

1. Give good training and support. Spending time on training helps team members learn TDD practices. It can help them get through early challenges.
2. Start small and improve. If the team is new to TDD, they should start with small, simple modules. They can then slowly use TDD for more parts of the code.
3. Work together. Encourage pair programming and code reviews. This allows everyone to share knowledge and follow TDD rules better.
4. Ask for assistance. There is a large TDD community online. Many resources can help teams deal with challenges they face.

Exploring the World of Behavior-Driven Development (BDD)

Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) builds on TDD but shifts the focus to the behavior of the system from the user’s perspective. It is a method for business stakeholders and developers to work together, describing user needs in natural Gherkin syntax. This ensures that the code is right and meets business goals. By using real examples of what is needed, BDD helps team members communicate better. Popular BDD frameworks like Cucumber and SpecFlow are used because they are easy to read and promote stakeholder involvement.

BDD’s Approach to Software Development

Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) begins with discussions rather than technical facts. Teams work together to decide how the software should act based on the user’s perspective. Instead of just testing code details, BDD asks, What should this system do for the people using it? The goal is to ensure the system behaves as expected in real-world scenarios. In process, BDD Live Documentation reduces the risk of misunderstandings and helps you clearly understand the system’s functionality. Specifications are written in a natural language format called Gherkin.

• Given some starting situation,
• When When something happens
• Then Then this is what should result

For example:

Given a user is logged in,
When they click "Log Out,"
Then they should be taken to the login page.

These tests show the steps in a scenario, explaining what a user does and how the system must respond. You can automate the tests and run them with tools like Cucumber and SpecFlow. They provide ongoing feedback about how the software works and ensure it follows the planned scenarios.

Three Amigos collaboration helps to uncover hidden ideas, clear up what is necessary, and make sure everyone knows what to expect.

Benefits of Adopting BDD Practices

BDD offers benefits that are more than just improved software quality. It connects business and technical teams, which boosts the chances of achieving the best results for their business goals. This means the software genuinely meets users’ needs, focusing on them, and allows us to create a better experience. Consequently, it boosts the probability of achieving the best results for their goals.

Here are more reasons why many software development teams prefer BDD:

1. Better Teamwork. When everyone works together to define scenarios and acceptance criteria, it helps them better understand the project requirements, which reduces the chances of misunderstandings, making working on development smoother and quicker.
2. Less Rework. By defining clear standards from the start, BDD lowers the risk of creating the wrong product. This helps to save money by reducing repairs later.
3. Stronger User Focus. BDD always considers the end user. This leads to software that is more user-friendly and valuable.
4. Easier Documentation. BDD scenarios serve as active documentation. They provide a clear and simple understanding of how the system works.

Overcoming Obstacles in BDD Implementation

Embracing BDD can be tough. A key issue is getting all team members, such as product owners, business analysts, testers, and developers, to understand and agree on the BDD process. This change needs everyone to think differently. They must be committed to working together and communicating well.

Another problem is choosing the best BDD frameworks and tools. There are many options, and each one has its benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to select tools that match your project and your team’s skills. This choice helps BDD work effectively.

Here are some useful strategies:

1. Define roles and responsibilities clearly. It is vital to understand who is responsible for what in the BDD process.
2. Training and sharing knowledge. Providing effective training on BDD practices and tools supports the change.
3. Start small and improve. Begin using BDD in a small project or a specific area of your work. This allows you to learn and enhance your approach.
4. Be open to experimenting. Different BDD frameworks address different needs. Trying out new tools can help you discover what works best for your team and project.

Comparative Analysis: TDD VS BDD

With a good understanding of TDD and BDD, you might wonder which one is better. The truth is, TDD is one small part of XP. BDD has grown to be broader than s/test/should/, because it’s trying to solve a broader problem. Both approaches have their own advantages. They can also be used together effectively in a project. Instead of viewing them as competitors, consider their strengths and how they support each other.

Shortly,

→ TDD is about ensuring that each part of the software functions properly through small sections of the code
→ BDD focused on making software that meets what users need and brings value to the business.

Key Differences Between TDD VS BDD testing

Case Studies: Successful TDD and BDD Implementations

BDD is getting more popular in agile software development. It helps people work and talk better together. This matches the goals of Agile. Many companies are using BDD with tools such as Cucumber and SpecFlow. This teamwork reduces rework and produces software that meets user needs.

Many success stories show how useful TDD and BDD are in real life. Big companies, like Google and Microsoft, use TDD to improve their code and make their work faster.

Open-source projects on platforms like GitHub are good examples of TDD in practice. They show how developers from various backgrounds use TDD ideas, regardless of the programming language. For instance, Python developers can find useful TDD examples in data analysis libraries.

Conclusion

In short, both Test-Driven Development (TDD) and Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) have their own advantages in software development. The best choice depends on your project’s needs and how well your team works together. Understanding the key points and challenges of each method can help you decide wisely. By looking at successful case studies and the differences between TDD and BDD, you can improve your development process. This change can lead to better results.

The post Exploring TDD vs BDD: Which is Right for You? appeared first on testomat.io.

A Deep Dive into BDD Automation Tools

BDD automation tools are important for making the BDD process simpler. They help turn easy-to-read scenarios into automated tests. These tools use Gherkin syntax, which is a clear and friendly language, to define test scenarios that are logical to all stakeholders, and can also integrate with AI-powered GitHub.

There is a variety of BDD automation tools available, including those that support unit testing, ranging from open-source frameworks to complete open source platforms. Each one meets the distinct needs of different development teams. Let’s look at some top tools that help teams use BDD effectively

Cucumber

Cucumber is a partly open-source testing framework for Behavior-Driven Development automation, even the most popular among the available BDD automation tools. It helps improve communication between business stakeholders and development teams. Typically, Cucumber does this through easy-to-understand Gherkin syntax.

QA teams write test scenarios in plain, human-readable language using the Gherkin syntax words to describe system’s behaviour from the end-user’s perspective e.g., Given, When, Then, ensuring that automated tests strictly reflect requirements.

Cucumber integrates well with automation frameworks like Selenium and supports multiple programming languages: Java, Ruby, JavaScript, and Python, including modern test frameworks as Selenium, TestNG, JUnit, Playwright or Cypress. Supports running features in parallel using tools like Cucumber-JVM Parallel Plugin or native support in Cucumber 6+ (Java).

For example, a .feature file in Java with Cucumber-JVM:

@Given("the user is on the login page")
public void userIsOnLoginPage() {
    driver.get("https://example.com/login");
}

Cucumber seamlessly integrates with GitHub Actions, CircleCI, Jenkins, GitLab CI, and other CI\CD servers, as well as automated regression suites and reporting platforms like Allure, ExtentReports, and Testomat. The last testing tool is interesting because of its capability to connect Cucumber BDD with Jira user stories through the Advanced Jira Plugin. This means teams can easily include BDD in their current testing workflows.

In short, Cucumber offers strong support for automation, scalability, and test maintenance, while bringing test automation closer to business logic. Shared understanding helps to avoid misunderstandings and keeps everyone focused on the same goals.

Thanks to it works with many programming languages and testing tools; a wide range of Cucumber plugins are available on the market, which makes it a good choice for different software development teams.

JBehave

As a pioneering BDD framework in Java, JBehave has opened doors for Behavior-Driven Development in Java projects. With JBehave, developers can write test scenarios in simple text and export them in various formats, including HTML, similar to story runner frameworks. One more time, this makes it easy for Devs, QA testers, and Business Analysts to work together.

Designed for the Java platform, JBehave fits well with popular testing Java frameworks like JUnit, Maven or Spring. Integrates with Selenium, REST-Assured and CI\CD pipelines, Report and Analytics dashboards. This allows for easy use within current Java development processes.

JBehave uses stories made up of scenarios to show how the application should behave. These stories can be grouped into a full suite, giving a clear view of the system’s functionality from the users’ point of view. You can look, an example of how Step Definitions map to Java methods annotated with JBehave keywords like @Given, @When, @Then in the .story file

public class LoginSteps {
  
  @Given("the user is on the login page")
  public void userIsOnLoginPage() {
      // implementation
  }

  @When("the user enters valid credentials")
  public void userEntersValidCredentials() {
      // implementation
  }

  @Then("they should see the dashboard")
  public void userSeesDashboard() {
      // implementation
  }
}

The most common use cases for JBehave are enterprise Java applications with strict architectural standards in banking, insurance, and large systems.

Behat

Behat is a strong and friendly framework among various BDD framework tools.

Behat is written in PHP, inspired by Cucumber. It works well with the PHP environment, especially launching dependency-management PHP Composer for tools like PHPUnit, which makes it a top choice for PHP projects. Thus, it is great for BDD testing of PHP projects, including web applications and different platforms like Magento, Drupal, and Symfony.

Behat is great for BDD testing for PHP developers.

One of Behat’s best features is its focus on clarity in writing Gherkin BDD scenarios. Example of Step Definition in Behat:

/**
 * @Given I am on :page
 */
public function iAmOn($page)
{
    $this->getSession()->visit($this->locatePath($page));
}

/**
 * @Then I should see :text
 */
public function iShouldSee($text)
{
    $this->assertSession()->pageTextContains($text);
}

Also, Behat is very flexible. Developers can adjust the framework to meet their specific testing needs. Browser interactions work within Selenium. Integrates CI\CD tools like GitLab CI, Jenkins, and GitHub Actions. Supports multilingual Gherkin for international teams. There is strong community support, making it simple to find resources, plugins, and help when necessary.

Serenity

Serenity BDD is an open-source test automation framework designed to make writing automated acceptance and regression tests easier and more maintainable.

Serenity BDD is great because it focuses on helpful reports and Living Documentation. We can say that Serenity’s living documentation is even its key feature. It keeps the documentation updated with the code, so when tests run, it automatically changes the documentation. This makes sure it shows the current state of the application.

Serenity creates detailed reports that give useful insights into test results and how the app behaves, providing the ability to track progress easily. Serenity standard HTML report includes: each scenario result, duration and test status, screenshots for every step, historical trends.

Serenity Step implementation:

@Steps
LoginSteps user;

@Given("the user opens the login page")
public void openLoginPage() {
    user.opensLoginPage();
}

@When("they enter valid credentials")
public void login() {
    user.logsInWithCredentials("admin", "password123");
}

@Then("they should see the dashboard")
public void dashboardVisible() {
    user.shouldSeeDashboard();
}

In addition, Serenity operates such categories as Page Objects, Tasks and Actions, which help organize test framework logic with more clarity.

It is evident that Serenity is ideal for complex enterprise-grade software projects, where teams practise Agile methodologies, especially Scrum, and strong well-structured project documentation plays a role

CodeceptJS

CodeceptJS is an open-source Node.js-based testing tool for end-to-end testing of web apps. It makes testing easier by providing a simple API that hides the difficult parts of using different browsers and devices.

As you can see, CodeceptJS works with different testing frameworks like Cucumber, WebdriverIO, Appium, Puppeteer, Selenium WebDriver and Mocha, last time primarily with Playwright. The CodeceptJS built-in multiple backend allows switching between them without changing the test logic, which is why many developers like to set up and run their tests.

It is designed for writing concise, readable, and high-level tests. It abstracts complex actions behind an intuitive Smart DSL syntax using simple and expressive statements, like: I.click(), I.see(), I.fillField(), which read similarly to Gherkin human instructions. This way, you can check the functionality of the web application thoroughly.

CodeceptJS Playwright Helper test example:

Feature('Login');

Scenario('User logs in with valid credentials', ({ I }) => {
  I.amOnPage('/login');
  I.fillField('Username', 'admin');
  I.fillField('Password', 'password123');
  I.click('Login');
  I.see('Dashboard');
});

It also carries Page Objects, which help you reuse and maintain code. Supports fast and efficient testing in CI\CD pipelines. Own Real-time Reporting and Analytics through testomat.io test management — both are founded by one team. This makes it a great choice for big and complicated web app projects.

Karate

Karate is an open-source, DSL-based API testing framework that combines API Testing with BDD principles. Karate DSL makes API testing easier. Unlike most Java-based frameworks, it doesn’t require users to write Java code — it is similar to Cucumber scenarios in built-in capabilities. This means developers can write API tests simply. This helps the QA teams understand API tests better.

Karate has built-in checks for data-driven testing through loops of test data from JSON, CSV, or tables. This makes it simple to check API responses. So, you can be sure of the functionality and reliability of backend services. Karate can also switch between API and UI testing in one test. This makes it a great choice for testing applications that depend a lot on APIs. Houses REST, SOAP, GraphQL with JSON/XML validation out of the box.

Karate Gherkin .feature file UI test example:

Feature: UI Login test

Scenario: Login with valid credentials
  * configure driver = { type: 'chromium' }
  Given driver 'https://example.com/login'
  And input('#username', 'admin')
  And input('#password', 'admin123')
  When click('#login')
  Then waitFor('#dashboard')
  And match text('#welcome') contains 'Welcome'

Also, Karate supports UI testing via Playwright or Selenium. Mocking and stubs are possible for microservice dependencies without extra tools. Works well with CI\CD pipelines. All together, it helps teams automate API tests efficiently. They can add tests to their continuous integration and delivery processes. This ensures that changes to APIs are checked often and reliably.

Key Considerations in Selecting BDD Automation Tools

Choosing the right BDD automation tool is important and needs careful thought. You have to think about:

→ Programming Language Compatibility
→ Tool Integration
→ Match the team’s expertise
→ Community and Documentation
→ Ease of Use
→ Integration Capabilities

Finally, it is important to pick a tool that works well with what you already have and matches your team’s skills and likes.

Alignment with Programming Languages

When you choose BDD tools, make sure they match the required programming languages of your project. This matching helps things go smoothly and lets developers use familiar syntax and tools.

For example, if your project is in Java, JBehave or Cucumber with Java bindings are good options. On the other hand, if you are working on a PHP project, Behat is a great choice.

Connection with existing project toolset

Using a BDD tool that fits your programming language makes the development process better. Developers can use the skills they already have, making it easier to learn the tool. This also helps with writing and managing automated tests.

Community Support and Documentation Availability

Robust community support and good documentation are very important when you start using any BDD tool. Having access to active forums, online groups, and clear documentation helps teams find answers, fix problems, and make the most of the tool.

When looking at BDD tools, check their online communities, forums, and documentation resources. This will help you see what kind of support and information is available. A strong community offers ongoing help and timely updates. It also gives teams a wider pool of knowledge. Good documentation makes learning easier and helps teams use the tool effectively.

Ease of Adoption and Learning Curve

An Intuitive and low-level curve will be beneficial. The ease of using a tool, along with its usability, and how fast people can learn it are important when you bring BDD to a team that may not have much experience. A tool that is simple to learn and has an easy interface can help the team start using it quickly and get more people involved.

Choose BDD tools that have user-friendly interfaces, clear documentation, and helpful tutorials or examples. Think about how complicated it is to set up the tool, write tests, and understand the results. A tool that is easy to learn and use can help new team members join in faster. This encourages a quicker adoption of BDD and allows more people to take part. It’s best to select a tool that matches the team’s skills or provides enough resources to help anyone who may need to learn more.

Integration Capabilities with CI\CD Pipelines

Seamless integration with existing CI\CD pipelines is crucial for maximizing the benefits of BDD automation tools like Selenium. The selected tool should integrate with popular CI\CD platforms like Jenkins, GitLab CI\CD, or Azure DevOps, enabling automated test execution as part of the development workflow.

Seamless integration empowers teams to incorporate BDD tests into their continuous integration and delivery processes efficiently. This automation ensures that tests are run regularly, providing rapid feedback on code changes and enabling early detection of potential issues.

	Language	Test type	BDD Syntax	Integrations
	Java, JS, Ruby, Python etc.	UI, API, Functional	Gherkin	Selenium, Appium, CI tools
	Java	Functional UI testing	JBehave DSL Gherkin-like	Selenium, JUnit, CI tools
	PHP	Web UI	Gherkin	Mink (browser), Drupal
	Java	UI, API, Acceptance	Gherkin	JUnit, Cucumber, Jenkins
	JavaScript / TypeScript	UI, API, Mobile	Scenario-style steps	Playwright, WebDriver, REST
		API, UI, Performance	DSL language based on Gherkin	Gatling, Mocking tools, CI\CD tools

How to Implement BDD in Your Development Process?

Integrating BDD into your development process takes more than just picking the right tools. It is important to build a team culture that supports BDD. This includes writing good BDD Specifications scenarios using Gherkin and BDD tools for testing all the time.

Teams should also check and improve BDD processes regularly. This helps keep them in line with what your project needs as it changes.

Remember:  

Successful BDD setup depends on teamwork, clear communication, and a focus on delivering high-quality software.

#1 Step: Establishing a BDD Culture within Teams

Creating a BDD culture is more than just using BDD tools at the daily desktop. It is about building teamwork where business stakeholders, developers, and testers come together. They all work to define and create useful software. Start by highlighting the benefits of BDD. Talk about how it can improve communication, cut down on errors, and make software better.

Motivate your QA team members to talk regularly and share knowledge about best BDD practices. You can set up workshops or training sessions to help everyone learn BDD ideas, Gherkin syntax, and the BDD tools you will use. This teamwork will help everyone have a good grasp of BDD concepts.

Make a habit to check and improve your BDD methods regularly. Keep them in line with what your project needs as it changes. It is important to remember that successful BDD depends on teamwork, clear communication, and a promise to create high-quality software for its users.

#2 Step: Writing Effective and Clear Gherkin Scenarios

Writing Gherkin scenarios that work well is key to successful BDD. Keep your scenarios clear and short. This way, everyone involved can easily understand them.

Understandable Given-When-Then format helps to show the conditions needed, the actions taken, and the results expected. Your scenarios should focus on a single behavior, so they are simple and clear.

Work together with both technical and business stakeholders to review and improve the scripts. This collaboration helps make sure the scenarios are accurate and complete. It is also important to check and update scenarious regularly as the application changes. This keeps everything consistent and helps avoid mistakes. By getting good at this, teams can make sure that BDD stays effective and useful.

#3 Step: Leveraging BDD Tools for Continuous Testing

To get the most out of BDD, use BDD automation tools for continuous testing. Connect your chosen BDD tool with your CI\CD pipeline. This way, automated tests will run every time code changes happen.

This feedback loop helps you find issues early and stops problems from coming back. Check out the automation capabilities of your BDD automation tools, like data-driven testing, which can help you simulate different server conditions to boost your testing work. This method lets you run tests with different data sets. Using BDD automation tools powered by AI ensures better coverage and spots unique cases.

Continuous testing helps teams stay confident in the software’s quality. It also makes sure that new features or bug fixes do not cause unintended issues after regression. Regularly look at test results, compare their historical runs and learn from them insights to make the application better and more stable. Keep a spirit of continuous BDD improvement in your testing process.

#4 Step: Measuring Success and ROI from BDD Implementation

Measuring how well BDD works and its ROI means keeping track of important testing metrics and seeing how it affects the Software Development Life Cycle. Focus on things like fewer bugs, quicker delivery cycles, and better teamwork between business and tech teams.

Watch for fewer late-stage bugs in development. This shows that BDD helps find problems early. When there is less rework and quicker delivery, it saves money. This shows the real benefits of BDD.

It is also important to gather thoughts from stakeholders about how BDD helps communication and teamwork. This shows the positive effect of BDD.

By keeping an eye on these areas, teams can show the value of BDD and keep it successful in their organization.

Common Challenges and Solutions in BDD Automation

While BDD has many benefits, using BDD automation tools has its challenges. Teams might fight against change or have trouble communicating between technical and non-technical members. They may also struggle to keep documentation consistent.

By recognizing these challenges early, teams can use strategies to overcome them. This will help make BDD automation implementation smoother and allow them to enjoy all the benefits. Being open about challenges and focusing on solutions is important to get the most out of BDD automation tools in software development projects.

Overcoming Resistance to Change

Implementing BDD means changing how we think and work. This change can cause some team members to resist since they are used to their old ways. Start by explaining the benefits of BDD clearly. Highlight how it can improve teamwork, software quality, and the success of the project.

Listen to concerns from team members and explain everything clearly. Make sure to provide good training and support so everyone understands BDD and can adapt to the new method.

Encourage teams to try BDD on smaller projects first. This will help them get comfortable before they tackle larger ones. Celebrate early wins and show off the real benefits from BDD automation tools. This will help prove its value and make team members more open to accepting it.

Bridging the Gap Between Technical and Non-Technical Team Members

Effective communication is very important in BDD. It is key to bridging the gap between technical and non-technical team members. Use clear and simple specifications when defining scenarios. Avoid technical terms that may confuse non-technical stakeholders.

Hold regular meetings or workshops where technical and non-technical team members work together to define scenarios and set acceptance criteria. Visual tools, like diagrams or process flows, can help show scenarios and make them easier to understand.

Keep open communication channels. Use shared documents or online platforms to encourage ongoing talks. This keeps everyone on the same page about the project’s needs and progress. This way of working together helps reduce misunderstandings and ensures software development meets business needs.

Ensuring Consistent and Up-to-Date Documentation

Maintaining clear and current documentation is very important for long-lasting success in BDD. However, keeping the documentation aligned with the changing code can be tough. You can generate the Living Documentation that some BDD automation tools provide.

These BDD automation tools (Serenity or Testomat test management) update the documentation automatically as tests run. This keeps it in line with the current condition of the application. Even if you use these tools, you should regularly review and update your documents. Periodic checks on your documentation help ensure it is clear, correct, and complete.

Doing this allows you to spot any mistakes or old info early. It is also helpful to set clear rules and responsibilities for documentation. This way, team members can take charge and help keep everything consistent over time.

Conclusion

In summary, using BDD automation tools and a comprehensive test automation tool can change how you develop software. These tools help teams work together better, improve communication, and make testing easier.

Of course, each tool brings its own benefits suited for different programming languages and testing needs. When you pick the right tool for your goals, you should connect it smoothly to your CI\CD processes.

Building a BDD culture in your teams will help you achieve more efficient software development. By tackling issues with good communication and proper documentation, BDD will play an important role in your development plan and enhance the overall development phase. This will lead to ongoing improvement and a positive return on investment over time.

The post The Best BDD Automation Tools and Frameworks for Testing Teams appeared first on testomat.io.

Let’s consider how we can maximize the most out of this approach,

The integration of a unified approach to BDD, the Test Management System, and Jira — three pillars establishing a clear structure for the testing process, that, in turn, facilitates communication among all project participants.

This suite of tools offers numerous benefits at its core:

→ First, it improves reporting visibility, which minimizes the risk of errors and ensures the delivery of high-quality software.
→ Second, by reducing testing time, it basically is the team’s efficiency; this set of tools leads to accelerating product development.

Further, we delve into detail on how they combine and work

Jira Role in BDD Implementation

Jira is a widely used project management tool for working with requirements and tracking defects. It plays a crucial role in our BDD-oriented approach by serving as a central hub for managing requirements, and it is a well-known tool for team participants that does not require additional training.

Before you pull a user story from Jira backlog into development, it is essential to have a conversation to clarify and confirm the acceptance criteria that your requirements should meet. Some teams do this during Scrum sprint planning, poker sessions, discovery workshops or backlog refinement meetings. Other teams have a specific Three Amigos Meeting. Whatever you call this conversation, its goal looks like an Example Mapping.

The conversation involves the following main iterative stages:

1. The team selects a small upcoming system update from the Jira backlog.
2. They discuss specific examples of new functionality.
3. These examples are pre-documented in a Given-When-Then form, a consistent basis for automated verification.

The result is clarification that serves as a common reference point for the team, enhancing understanding and ensuring alignment on feature requirements. Ensure fast iterations and the ability to make changes as needed, teams can return to earlier stages whenever additional information is needed.

Whereas Jira out-of-the-box does not support documenting user stories in a structured Gherkin syntax, we need to use extra Jira plugins like Xray, Zephyr, or Testomat.io to expand Jira’s capabilities of what we explore further below.

Test Management System and Its Role in BDD Process

Thus, thanks to the integration of Jira and Test Management Plugins, the team implements the pre-described behavior to Given-When-Then user stories. However, the right chosen test management tool can provide much more.

The Test Management System (TMS) is an important tool for organizing and optimizing the software testing process. It allows for:

• convenient planning
• executing and tracking test cases
• analyzing testing results

The test management system fosters more effective interaction among all participants in the process:

• developers (Devs)
• testers (QAs)
• Business stakeholders
• Product Owner
  …. e.g.

In the context of Behavior-Driven Development, a test management system simplifies the verification of BDD scenarios. At the same time, it ensures:

• clear and convenient test representation, Given-When-Then feature file
• ensuring seamless transparency and traceability between features and defects
• real-time documenting and updating with Living Documentation
• control over all verification stages
• streamlining BDD workflow
• maintaining BDD test scenarios

Moreover, Jira BDD and Test Management combination enables faster identification of errors during the requirements formulation stage, when fixing them is least costly — thus ensuring high product quality.

BDD Test Automation Frameworks

Automation scenarios using the Gherkin format help add value to your automation and respond quickly to feedback. Once user stories are described in Gherkin language, they are subject to verification by test automation frameworks. The Given-When-Then statements should be valid during checks with code-based statements defined in the automation framework.

Among the popular Automation frameworks which involve BDD tools and Jira in testing workflow are:

• Cucumber – usually executes test scripts written in JavaScript, TypeScript, Java or Ruby.
• Behave – helps automate BDD Python tests.
• JBehave – a Java-based BDD framework that supports automating of Java step definitions.
• Serenity – extends the capabilities of tools like Cucumber and JBehave. It is Java-based test automation frameworks, also Kotlin and Groovy.

Integration automation with BDD framework into your test workflow provides incredible efficiency for the test process. Namely, this allows:

Make testing not so consuming for repetitive tasks
Reduce overtime risks spent on testing in product releases
Ensure a transparent development process for the whole team
Improve overall software quality.

Integrating BDD, Test Management, and Jira

Now it is time to look at how the combination of BDD, test management tools, and Jira work together and how their connections promote collaboration, transparency, and automation at all stages of the development and testing.

Shortly:

Tests written with BDD are typically formulated in natural language, making them accessible to all participants in the development process.
BDD reduces the distance between development and testing, ensuring requirement compliance.
How Jira ensures that the requirements always align with the tests, quick bug fixes.
TMS allows for better control over the entire development process and timely delivery of a high-quality product.

Understanding of Jira Plugins

Many QA teams integrate Jira into their workflow through third-party services. Jira plugin – ensures integration of BDD tests with tasks in Jira, improving collaboration between testers, developers, and business analysts.

There are approaches to integration testing in Jira:

• Direct connection through Jira plugins, numerous of which you can find on the Jira Marketplace.
• Use of test management systems that support integration with automation tools.

The most common solutions are TestRail, Testomat.io, XRay, Zephyr, and qTest.

Testomatio for Jira

Advanced Jira Plugin is designed to meet one of the key needs of modern development: ensuring collaboration between technical and non-technical specialists in a project. Its advantage is that it is not limited by Jira functionality like many competing solutions. Its Jira integration is bidirectional. Any changes made in the Jira project, including changes to test plans, are immediately reflected in testomat.io, and vice versa – you can work with tests directly in the bug tracking system. Thanks to this, developers and other business stakeholders can fully participate in testing while working in a familiar tool.

The use of solutions like testomat.io test management plugin allows for combining manual and automated testing, including BDD within a single environment, providing convenient test management directly in Jira.

BDD tests can be added to the test management system in 4⃣ ways:

• Creation manual BDD tests – in the Gherkin editor, this is appropriate when the test scenario contains new steps. Intellegent autoformatting and autofilling are provided.
• AI BDD scenario generation – AI analyses your BDD project, existing BDD step, its requirements (Jira tickets) and suggests new ones based on them. If they’re okay, need to approve them.
• Migration and automatic conversion tests to BDD – you can import manual test cases from other TMS, XLSX, or CSV files from other test management systems and automatically convert test cases into BDD scenarios. The system automatically recognizes steps and adds steps in Gherkin syntax to the database for future use. It’s convenient for teams that previously worked without BDD.
• Import automated BDD tests from source code – after creating a new project, you can use the Import Project from Source Code feature, selecting the appropriate parameters (framework, project language, OS). All test scenarios from BDD frameworks will be automatically transferred to the TMS. Testomat.io easily integrates with the popular BDD framework Cucumber. You can import ready-made test scripts from this environment, edit them in TMS, run them, and track test results through detailed reports.

To optimize the process of creating and managing BDD tests, testomat.io offers a range of useful features:

• Reusing steps with the Step Database feature allows you to store all imported or manually created steps, helping save time when creating test cases and keep your project more unified.
• Automatic step updates during synchronization – the step database is updated every time new scenarios are added. If this does not happen automatically, the “Update Steps” function can be used.
• Functional file editing mode – allows you to modify Gherkin scripts: format them, add new or existing steps, and quickly find and replace words in all test steps.
• Tags – is an effective mechanism for managing test sets, allowing them to be grouped by various criteria, including test type or operating system.
• Search and filtering of tests – the ability to find necessary test cases by tags, test status (manual/automated, disabled, etc.), responsible specialist, or other parameters.
• Labels and custom fields – a tool for adapting the TMS to a specific project. It allows assigning labels to test cases, test sets, test plans, etc.
• Conversion of manual tests to automated – after creating manual BDD tests, they can be automatically converted to an automated format. Just write the code and import it into the system.
• Living docs – BDD test scenarios automatically become the technical documentation of the project, available to all participants and updated in real time.
• Advanced analytics – allows analyzing testing metrics such as unstable tests, slow tests, automation coverage, tag statistics, etc.

Create Jira tasks from TMS and track test results and defect fixes without the need to switch between tools.

Integration with Jira allows for executing test cases without technical skills. The bidirectional interaction between TMS and the project management system ensures automatic reflection of test results in Jira and quick creation of defect reports. Look at the picture below, what kinds of test execution you can choose on Jira Plugin Dashboard:

Benefits Automating BDD Testing with Test Management Systems & Jira

Automating BDD testing using test management systems (TMS) and integration with Jira significantly improves software testing efficiency. It ensures continuous testing, reduces testing time, and minimizes errors related to human factors, which is a key element in modern software development processes and allows teams to focus on improving product quality.

Integrating BDD scenarios with Jira allows each scenario to be automatically linked to the corresponding task or user story in the project management system. This helps clearly track which requirements are being tested and which testing stages have been completed.

When integrating BDD tools, such as Cucumber with Jira, testing can be automatically triggered with each change in Jira tasks. For example, when a developer finishes a task or creates a new branch in the repository, the corresponding BDD test scenarios are automatically executed, providing quick feedback and identifying potential defects early in the development process.

One of the main advantages of integrating BDD with TMS and Jira is the automatic generation of test result reports. After executing automated tests, all results can be viewed directly in Jira or in the TMS, enabling teams to quickly identify issues, defects, or deviations from expected outcomes. This reduces the time spent analyzing test results and speeds up decision-making.

Detailed reports help in the faster detection and correction of errors.

Thanks to the integration of BDD with continuous integration and delivery (CI\CD) systems, test automation becomes part of the daily workflows. Every change in code can automatically trigger tests, ensuring continuous testing and minimizing the risks of defects during development. Jira can display the status of tests and allow for real-time tracking of any errors.

Integrating automated tests with Jira keeps test status information up-to-date for all project participants, including developers, testers, and managers. This improves communication and fosters closer collaboration between teams. Everyone can easily review the current state of testing, enabling quick issue identification and process adjustments.

Finally, automating testing with BDD, TMS, and Jira not only accelerates testing but also provides greater reliability and accuracy of results

Xray

Xray test management in Jira – manages all tests as standard Jira tasks, allowing you to customize screens, workflows, and add custom fields for test scenarios.

Xray allows you to plan, write, and execute tests, as well as create detailed test reports. This system uses Jira issues to process tests that change at each stage of testing.

Xray organises tests, allowing you to manage the entire execution process. This ensures tracking of coverage, error detection, and basic release management. Detailed tracking reports allow you to identify which test failed and at which stage the issue occurred. This helps understand what needs to be fixed and efficiently collaborate with developers to resolve the issues. Implemented integration with frameworks like Cucumber and JUnit, so you can coordinate automation testing for your codebase.

What do you get with Xray?

• BDD support – work with behavior-driven testing without any limitations.
• Jira experience – testing is fully integrated into the familiar environment.
• Bug detection – check web, mobile, and desktop applications with new effective methods directly from your desktop, using seamless integration with Xray and Jira.

Xray is one of the oldest test management tools on the market, and some customers admit that its UI and core are somewhat obsolete. The tool works very slowly when dealing with large projects. The downside is that the implementation of large-scale and complex test projects is difficult without failures. It creates test cases with every team-run execution. Additionally, Xray’s advanced functionality is only available in the premium version.

Zephyr

Zephyr can be part of a BDD pipeline, but it doesn’t provide first-class BDD support natively, like before we talked about Xray or Testomat.io

1. Manually written BDD scenarios in Zephyr are not well-optimized for structured Gherkin input or Living Documentation.
2. Automated test cases written in Gherkin can be maintained in version control (e.g., Git), executed with automation tools, and the results pushed back to Zephyr via APIs only.

Zephyr offers users a choice of three options based on team size

• Zephyr Squad is a tool for running manual and automated tests in Jira, the most popular test management Jira test management solution.
• Zephyr Scale is a platform for growing teams working on multiple projects simultaneously, offering features for test result analysis, test run planning, and integration with BDD and CI tools.
• Zephyr Enterprise is an enterprise-level solution that allows testing across the entire organization, integrating the work of multiple teams in a single project, regardless of the development methodology used.

Overall, Zephyr for JIRA is known for its ease of use. However, the downside is that it works slowly and requires payment for each user. As a result, it becomes significantly more expensive than Testomat.io. Moreover, compared to it, Zephyr offers more limited functionality.

Benefits BDD, Test Management & Jira Integration

The integration of BDD with a test management system and Jira significantly improves the testing efficiency. Now let’s briefly recap the main points we have talked about above much

With a unified BDD, Test Management, and Jira integration, you can:

• Extend Jira capabilities, which works only with requirements.
• Formulate user stories and scenarios to define the acceptance criteria for specific software features.
• Create a common language (team communication) for developers and stakeholders (business analysts) to discuss user needs and software solutions.
• Ensure clear and structured test scenarios using natural language (Gherkin).
• Perform traceability of requirements. Link BDD tests with requirements and track progress as test coverage of the project progresses.

Conclusion

The integration of a unified BDD approach, testing systems, and Jira enables efficient tracking of tests and requirements, enhances collaboration between technical and non-technical project participants, and allows for quick response to changes and error correction during SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle). This combination ensures optimization of reporting, reduction of product time to market, and improvement of software quality.

The advantage of TMS is that it is a centralized system that can provide more, in addition to working with requirements, testomat.io also includes importing automated tests and its synchronisation with manual tests. In other words, the Testomat.io Jira plugin brings new capabilities to Jira that it could not offer on its own.

If you have any questions about implementing Jira BDD best practices together with our test management solution, drop us a line without hesitation!

The post Integration between BDD in Jira and Test Management System appeared first on testomat.io.

— What is BDD in software development?

— How to focus on behavior effectiveness?

Understanding BDD

BDD software development is gaining increasing popularity due to its collaborative and all-encompassing approach.BDD, as an Agile development technique, involves the entire team in the process for a shared understanding of the project – developers, testers, and the business team, in other words 3 Amigos. This makes it possible to efficiently find and apply functionality that satisfies the requirements of every market participant and the flow of value.

Within BDD behavior driven development, a key point is defining the behavior of the system before the development process begins. This helps eliminate ambiguities in the requirements and synchronize the digital product creation process with specific business goals. The popularity of BDD frameworks like Cucumber or Behave can be explained by the fact that they allow for the development of pre-executable specifications.

BDD frameworks clarify the requirements for technical and non-technical team members, fostering test automation and a collaborative approach. Aligning business objectives with technical execution guarantees high-quality software, meeting set standards and expectations. This improves both the reliability and efficiency of the development process. Thus, BDD business-driven development is realized.

This methodology is an evolution of Test-Driven Development (TDD), but its main focus shifts from high test coverage to defining the behavior of the application.

Let’s define: What is BDD behavior driven development? and How does it work? Discover our visualization of the BDD development process below

Also, you can know the difference between TDD | BDD software development and the best qualities of the latter:

You might be interested in the topic:

• ATDD vs TDD: Understanding the Key Differences

Key benefits of BDD testing:

1. Improved communication.
2. Clarity of requirements.
3. Automation of acceptance testing.
4. Early detection of issues.
5. Better test coverage.
6. Stakeholder involvement.
7. Clear and maintainable test cases.
8. Alignment with business goals.

In the next parts of the article, we will explore these points in greater detail and more comprehensively — keep reading!

Behavior-Driven Development Process

Now we continue considering the main BDD development phases of the Software Development Life Cycle. This one encompasses three main phases:

1⃣ Discovery phase

During the discovery phase, the product owner establishes acceptance criteria for epics and user stories. In collaboration with the Agile team, they refine these during backlog refinement and clarification sessions, adding necessary details. This iterative BDD process ensures the comprehensiveness of the acceptance criteria and their alignment with the product requirements understood by the team.

2⃣ Formulation phase

The formulation phase begins when backlog stories near implementation. The team and product owner jointly create clear BDD scenarios (acceptance tests) to reduce uncertainty.

3⃣ Development phase

During the development phase, when backlog stories move into iteration, the scenarios undergo further refinement with detailed specifications. These tests are executed and verified within the same iteration.

The BDD (behavior-driven development) methodology places special emphasis on automating BDD scenarios. They are often automated, can be included in smoke and regression test sets, seamlessly integrating into the CI\CD pipeline. This approach promotes early detection of issues and their rapid resolution.

Let us group all the process details according to the phases where they are executed

BDD Automation Implementation

We suggest the following implementation steps that will help you get started with automation using behavior driven development BDD:

1. 1. Create a feature file with BDD scenarios. It is written in plain language and consists of a description, background, scenario title, and its steps. You can create a new test case in the TCMS Testomatio by selecting the appropriate template. The feature file should clearly define the scenario steps, including conditions Given actions When and expected results Then, ensuring a shared understanding of requirements. Here’s an example of the structure of a simple feature file written in Gherkin syntax:
   2. Automate feature file within steps definition. This file acts as an automation script that interacts with the software to check its behavior. During execution, each step defined in the feature file is carried out in the step file. You can either integrate existing automation scripts into testomat.io or develop new ones. This enables the automatic execution of test scenarios to ensure the software’s behavior is correct. All of them are initially generated with a skeleton structure by the command line prompt, containing exceptions for non-existing implementations, ensuring that tests fail until implementation. Then, methods for each step are developed to interact with the software. Assertions are added to verify the validity criteria of the scenario to confirm the correctness of the system’s behavior.
   3. Implementation of hooks. Implement hooks to perform setup before and cleanup after function and scenario execution to improve the overall reliability of automated tests. These hooks, defined with @Beforeand@After annotations, ensure better support, reusability, and consistency during test execution.
   4. Collaboration on dependencies. Work with the development team to identify and resolve any dependencies during the implementation of step definitions. This ensures that BDD scenario automation is aligned with the development implementation, leading to smoother integration and validation of software functionality.
   5. Integration with CI\CD pipeline. Testing using already automated feature files in TCMS testomat.io can be integrated through the interface settings with CI\CD platforms. This ensures the automatic execution of tests with every build, allowing for quick verification of new features after each code change.
   6. Execution of BDD acceptance tests. Verify that the software satisfies all required acceptance criteria. These tests should pass, ensuring that the defined scenarios are executed correctly and user requirements are fulfilled.
   7. Monitoring and reporting. You can also use the capabilities of TCMS testomat.io for tracking test execution and generating reports. The integrated reports will provide insights on whether the tests passed, helping quickly identify errors or gaps in development.
   8. Team collaboration. By testing with BDD, developers, testers, and business stakeholders continue their collaboration with weekly meetings to verify product requirement compliance, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the validation process.

Following these steps will enable you to successfully implement feature files, organize automated BDD testing and ensure effective and accurate test execution:

From the very start, you need to initialize the Playwright project, which can be done by running the next command:

npm init playwright@latest

After that choose the programming language as Javascript when asked in the command line.

Next, you need to add project dependencies and establish configurations for test runners. Install Cucumber and REST Assured dependencies for application programming test interface.

npm i @cucumber/cucumber

Add the Cucumber extension to your VSCode, here you can see what choose our team:

Configure your cucumber.json file with the next settings:

{
  "default": {
    "formateOptions":{
      "snippentInterface": "async-await"
    },
    "paths": [
      "tests/features/*.feature"
    ],
    "publishQuite": true,
    "dryRun": false,
    "require": [
      "tests/steps/*.js"
    ],
    "format": [
      "progress-bar",
      "html: cucumber-report.html"
    ]

  }
}

Steps and Feature definitions:

Of course execute this test you can with CMD command:

npx playwright test

Recommended video on how to set up and build your first Cucumber, Playwright framework with an example and plain language of login functionality, Hooks implementation of web App scenarious.

The BDD integration with our test management solution allows you to track your test process efficiently at each stage:

For the implementation of BDD driven development automation, the following popular BDD frameworks are also actively used:

• Cucumber. One of the most widespread tools, using the Gherkin syntax for writing tests. It is compatible with various programming languages (Java, Ruby, Python). It offers wide integration with Visual Studio.
• SpecFlow. (WarningSpecFlow framework will no longer be available after December 31, 2024, it is their owner Tricentis’s position)A framework specifically developed for .NET platforms, allowing developers to create BDD scenarios for testing applications in C#.
• Behave. A tool for Python, enabling the creation of simple and understandable BDD scenarios, significantly simplifying test automation.
• JBehave. A framework oriented towards Java, developed to support BDD that allows writing scenarios in a natural language format. It provides integration with other automation tools, expanding its capabilities.
• Gauge. A flexible tool that enables the creation of BDD-style scenarios and facilitates test execution across various programming languages.

All of the above frameworks easily integrate with CI\CD systems, allowing test automation at each stage of the BDD development process.

Integration with CI\CD Pipeline

CI\CD automates the processes of code integration (CI) and deployment (CD), enabling teams to continuously add new code, execute tests, and deploy applications to production environments. Incorporating behavior driven development (BDD) into this workflow facilitates automated acceptance testing, identifies defects early, and accelerates the delivery of reliable software.

Role of BDD in CI\CD

What is BDD development and in CI\CD? BDD (behavior driven development) provides automated specifications that are executed and check the behavior of the application. When these specifications are integrated into CI\CD, every new code change is automatically tested to ensure it doesn’t break existing features or introduce bugs. This is particularly important for Agile teams, where speed and continuous delivery are key.

Why integrate BDD into CI\CD pipelines?

• Continuous quality control. With CI\CD integration into the BDD testing process, code quality is checked with every commit. Automated BDD tests confirm the correctness of the business logic implementation and approve regressions in the code. Running these tests in the pipeline helps identify errors before changes make it to production.
• Faster feedback. Developers immediately learn if a feature’s behavior does not meet the specifications, allowing quick resolution of issues. This reduces the time needed for detecting and fixing errors, accelerating the development process.
• Improved communication. Behavior Driven Development (BDD) ensures alignment among all participants in development projects with different roles – business analysts, developers, and QA team (3 Amigos). By integrating BDD scenarios into CI\CD, the whole team gains transparency on whether the software meets the expected requirements at each stage of development.

How to integrate BDD into CI\CD pipelines:

Integration into the CI\CD pipeline. Set up the pipeline to run BDD tests as part of the build process. BDD tools are compatible with such CI\CD platforms as GitHub actions, Jenkins, GitLab CI, and Azure DevOps. They allow automation of the execution of automated BDD tests after each commit. This ensures continuous and automated testing of behavioral scenarios.

After each commit, the code is run through the CI\CD pipeline, which checks whether the program meets the defined specifications. This automation ensures continuous validation of the application’s functionality, improving its quality and stability.

Launching your test scenarios provide YAML file in root of your project. Here you can see an example of a cucumber.yml file designed for a Playwright + JavaScript setup, assuming you are using @cucumber/cucumber and Playwright for browser automation:

default: --require-module ts-node/register \
         --require features/support/*.ts \
         --require features/step_definitions/*.ts \
         --format progress \
         --publish-quiet

ci: --require-module ts-node/register \
    --require features/support/*.ts \
    --require features/step_definitions/*.ts \
    --format json:reports/cucumber.json \
    --publish-quiet

html_report: --require-module ts-node/register \
             --require features/support/*.ts \
             --require features/step_definitions/*.ts \
             --format html:reports/cucumber-report.html \
             --publish-quiet

rerun: --require-module ts-node/register \
       --require features/support/*.ts \
       --require features/step_definitions/*.ts \
       --format rerun:@rerun.txt \
       --publish-quiet

debug: --require-module ts-node/register \
       --require features/support/*.ts \
       --require features/step_definitions/*.ts \
       --tags "@debug" \
       --format progress \
       --publish-quiet

Timeliness Within Agile Sprint Planning

What is BDD software development? BDD offers a methodology that enables teams to fully integrate an agile approach into the software development process. It enhances and fine-tunes standard Agile practices like sprint planning, user stories, and acceptance criteria, improving their effectiveness.

This approach helps teams focus on developing truly important features, reducing the amount of rework and time loss, and accelerating the delivery of value to users.

What are the key features of BDD that complement your Agile practices?

• Collaboration through live communication. BDD fosters effective communication among key participants in the software development process, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings.
• Priority of working software. Thanks to BDD, all stakeholders can identify potential errors or inconsistencies early on, helping the team build exactly what is needed.
• Focus on common requirements – ease and visualization. BDD describes end-user behavior using test scenarios written in simple and understandable language.

It is important to remember that dialogue is key in development, as software is created by people. Ultimately, the bottleneck in the process is often not testing but ignorance and uncertainty.

BDD is one approach that helps overcome these challenges!

BDD Best Practices

Teams working with the Agile software development methodology can maximize the benefits of BDD by following these best practices when writing scenarios:

• Clear and concise language. Avoid ambiguity and confusion in scenario descriptions.
• Single Responsibility Principle. Each scenario should focus on a single specific behavior or outcome, making it easier for shared understanding of the problem and support.
• Use of Gherkin syntax. This helps structure the scenarios using Given, When, Then. It ensures consistency in understanding requirements and readability.
• Scenarios with data variations. Use Scenario Outline for these, which reduces duplication and improves maintainability.
• Meaningful scenario titles. Titles should accurately reflect the behavior being tested.
• Avoid technical details. Focus on user actions and expected results.
• Examples and edge cases. Include them to ensure comprehensive coverage and verify system behavior under various conditions.
• Collaboration in writing. Encourage collaboration among team members — software developers, testers, and product owners — to ensure that scenarios accurately reflect user requirements.
• Regular review and refinement. This helps continuously improve scenarios to keep them relevant and aligned with changing requirements.
• Testability. Break down scenarios into smaller, independent parts for easier testing.
• Use variables instead of fixed values. This enhances flexibility, reusability, consistency, and reduces the likelihood of errors.
• Define a common background for related scenarios. This reduces duplication and improves maintainability.
• Use business language. For understanding and implementing stakeholder expectations and accurately reflecting user needs.

By following these practices, you will elevate the quality of your BDD development.

Summary

It is crucial to implement BDD alongside modern approaches to test management, such as Agile Test Management. This allows for the proper identification and testing of requirements at early stages, minimizing the risks of significant delays and costs.

What is behavior driven development (BDD)? It is an effective method for ensuring high-quality software through productive collaboration, clear communication, and focusing on testing behavior from the user’s perspective. By following the principles and best practices outlined in this comprehensive guide, you will be able to enhance your BDD testing skills and create software that fully meets user expectations. Integrate BDD testing into your development process and experience significant improvements in both the quality and speed of software delivery.

The post Behavior-Driven Development (BDD): Meaning, Benefits & Best Practices appeared first on testomat.io.

“Why you need Cucumber for API testing?”

What is API testing?

Typically, API (Application Programming Interface) testing focuses on analyzing the app’s business logic, security, and data responses and is generally performed by making requests to one or more API endpoints and comparing the responses with expected results.

Performed manually or with automated testing tools, application program interface or API testing is used to check the API’s functionality and security levels to prevent a negative impact on its performance and reliability.

Why do we need API testing?

When using various websites, apps, and other software products, users want them to be secure, reliable, and free of errors. While there are any issues at the application programming interface layer, it can result in user-facing errors, slow performance, and damage your reputation. Here is why API testing can be useful:

• With application programming interface tests, QA teams can define how different software components interact and check if they work correctly.
• With application programming interface testing, teams can identify potential problems and make sure that the software will handle diverse conditions effectively.
• When it comes to potential software vulnerabilities, APIs can become a potential entry point for attackers. With application programming interface testing, testers can detect weaknesses in software to protect security and privacy.
• If any changes have been made, API testing prevents disruption to existing applications that use this API and helps maintain backward compatibility.

Types of Bugs Detected with Application Programming Interface Testing

Generally, during application programming interface testing we check the following:

• Data accuracy to verify that the data returned from an application programming interface aligns with expected formats, data types, etc.
• Missing or duplicate functionality to make sure that there are no repeated or missed features.
• Authorization or permission checks to verify the identity of a user/application that is requesting access to an API.
• Response time to reveal the duration of time required to process a request and return a response to the client
• Error codes in application programming interface responses to reveal whether the API request was successful or not.
• Reliability, performance, and security issues (checking how well the software performs, finding security problems, or issues like crashes and memory leaks).

Types of API Testing

Here are some of the common API testing examples with different types of tests based on which test cases can be created:

• Functional testing. With functional testing for APIs, you send requests to an API and validate that the correct responses are returned.
• Performance testing. With this type, you can verify that the application programming interface can handle large volumes of data and high traffic.
• Unit testing. As APIs have lots of small moving components, it’s effective to test them during the development phase and validate that each software module performs as designed.
• Integration testing. With integration testing, you can check if your application programming interface works well with different parts of your software, including web services, databases, or third-party applications. But you need to remember that opting for this type is essential if your application programming interface is complicated and not isolated from other components.
• Regression Testing. With this type, you can make sure that your application programming interface is still functional after an update or bug fixing has been performed.
• Security testing. This type of testing protects your API from data breaches, unauthorized access, and other security issues by systematically assessing the application programming interface for potential vulnerabilities and implementing measures to prevent or mitigate them.
• Load Testing. This type of testing helps test an API’s performance under high-user traffic to prevent slow response times, increased server load, and poor user experience.
• Stress Testing. With this testing type, you need to test an application programming interface with large data or sudden spikes in user requests.
• API Documentation Testing. With API document testing, testers make sure that application programming interface documentation is always up-to-date and correct while the API is set up and functions as documented.

What is Cucumber?

Written in Ruby, Cucumber is a BDD framework that allows teams to use a human-readable Gherkin syntax for writing test cases. When test scenarios are written in plain language, teammates without technical backgrounds can better communicate and easily understand what is going on in the project. Cucumber tests are linked to step definitions written in a programming language, which are then executed to verify the app’s behavior.

When using the Cucumber framework for API test automation, you can efficiently test the APIs to uncover any bugs or vulnerabilities before they become problems as well as save time and money in the long run.

Why use Cucumber framework for API testing?

• With Cucumber, teams can write test cases in plain English and avoid misunderstandings about what the tests are verifying.
• Cucumber can be integrated with various tools for application programming interface testing.
• Supporting BDD, teams can focus on the behavior of the application rather than the implementation details.
• Teams can reuse step definitions across different scenarios and maintain tests more easily.
• Thanks to Cucumber, teams can see what has been tested and what the results are.

API Testing Cucumber Your Steps to Follow

With API testing, teams can validate the business logic, data responses, and performance of server-side endpoints. When using the Cucumber BDD framework, testing teams can create tests written in Gherkin and make them understandable for the whole team. However, teams should understand the application programming interface specifications before writing tests. They need to overview the API’s purpose, functionality, endpoints, request methods, expected request formats, and response structures at the very start.

How to set up Playwright & Cucumber?

Prerequisites

On the begining you need to make sure you have the following in place:

A development environment with your preferred programming language (e.g., JavaScript, TypeScript, Python) installed.

node -v
npm -v

Step 1: Start a Project

From the very start, you need to initialize the Playwright project, which can be done by running the next command:

npm init playwright@latest

After that choose the programming language as Javascript when asked in the command line.

Next, you need to add project dependencies and establish configurations for test runners. Install Cucumber and REST Assured dependencies for application programming test interface.

npm i @cucumber/cucumber

Also, add the Cucumber extension to your VSCode:

Finally, you need to install the node-fetch library to your project using:

npm install node-fetch

Anyway, you can use any other HTTP library.

Step 2: Create Feature File

After you start the project and establish the appropriate configuration, it is imperative to create a structure so that your the feature files and step definitions will be well-organized for better clarity and understanding. Cucumber tests start with feature files, which describe the behavior of your application and when creating a feature file, you need to use Gherkin human-readable format with the following structure:

• Feature: it gives explanation to the feature that is going being tested.
• Scenario: it provides information about test scenario.
• Given: it describes the starting condition.
• When: it defines conditions.
• Then: it determines the expected outcome.

Here’s a Cucumber API testing example of a Feature file for the JS project:

Feature: Login User

  Scenario: Successful user login
    Given I send a POST request to the user endpoint with the following payload:
      | email                | password          |
      | jolir86609@ikaid.com | pass              |
    When the response status code should be 201
    Then the response body should contain "John Doe"

We have to create a feature folder and add our file to insert this code. After that add the path to this file and the steps file in vs.code =>settings.json Refer to the screenshot below for guidance:

Create a cucumber.json file and also add a path. It should look like this:

Step 3: Create Step Definition Directory

At this step, you can create a directory called step_definitions and add a JavaScript file (for example, login.js) Similarly, look at the structure of the file tree on top.

const { Given, When, Then } = require("@cucumber/cucumber");
const fetch = require("node-fetch");

Given("providing valid url", async function () {
    this.res = await fetch("https://app.testomat.io/api/login/", {
        method: "POST",
        headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
        body: JSON.stringify({
            email: "jolir86609@ikaid.com",
            password: "pass",
        }),
    });
});

When("the response status code should be 201", async function () {
    const status = this.res.status; // fetch returns status as a property
    if (status !== 201) {
        throw new Error(`Expected status code 201 but got ${status}`);
    }
});

Then("the response body should contain John Doe", async function () {
    const body = await this.res.json(); // fetch returns JSON via res.json()
    console.log(body);
    if (!JSON.stringify(body).includes("John Doe")) {
        throw new Error(`Response body does not contain 'John Doe'`);
    }
});

In the created file, you can implement the logic for each step defined in your feature file. Generally, step definitions are used to interpret Gherkin’s steps, execute actions like making API requests, and use assertions to validate API responses.

Step 4: Execute Tests

At this step, you can run your tests using the following command:

npx cucumber-js features

With this command, you can execute the tests defined in your Cucumber feature file and step definitions.

My test failed as the email is wrong, I know it. In addition, I checked this POST request with Postman also, you can see it better now.

Step 5: View Test Reports

To generate reports, you can integrate Cucumber’s built-in reporting features or use third-party tools like cucumber-html-reporter Based on test reports, you can get information about test coverage, success/failure rates, and potential areas of improvement.

Pay attention to the “format” settings in your cucumber.json file.

{
  "default": {
    "formateOptions":{
      "snippentInterface": "async-await"
    },
    "paths": [
      "tests/features/*.feature"
    ],
    "publishQuite": true,
    "dryRun": false,
    "require": [
      "tests/steps/*.js"
    ],
    "format": [
      "progress-bar",
      "html: cucumber-report.html"
    ]

  }
}

Cucumber Playwright Reporting with modern test management

Also, you can integrate test case management systems like testomat.io to get access to test results, metrics, and trends and quickly address any issues that arise during testing.

Push the Import button and just copy and paste the command in your CMD offered by TCMS to download your automated tests. By the way, it is a perfect option to sync your manual and automated tests in one place, consolidate Steps:

Similarly, with UI tips our test management suggests – launch a test execution of your Cucumber API Playwright framework.

Do not forget the recommendation to add a Playwright code runner plugin code to playwright.config.js file:

reporter: [
  ['list'],
  [
    '@Testomat.io/reporter/lib/adapter/playwright.js',
    {
      apiKey: process.env.TESTOMATIO,
    },
  ],
];

As a result, you can see such rich test result Report. It provides detailed insights into your test execution and comprehensive test run summaries, it ensures you have a clear view of your testing progress and quality metrics.

Best Practices for API Testing with Cucumber

• You need to remember that grouping your test cases by functionality is important. It will give you a better overview of the app status and improve maintainability.
• You can use mocking and stubbing techniques to simulate interactions with the application programming interface to isolate the application code from external dependencies and make the API testing process more efficient.
• You can apply hooks in Cucumber to set up preconditions and clean up post-conditions for test scenarios.
• You need to automate only what is not possible to be tested via unit or integration tests to avoid additional costs.

Bottom Line: What about using Cucumber test automation framework for Application Programming Interface (API)?

When you develop API-driven applications, you can use Cucumber for API testing. It offers a structured approach for writing human-readable feature files and linking them to step definitions. It helps teams create tests that are easy to understand and maintain.

There is no doubt that API testing is a critical part of the software development process. With Cucumber, you can make it more efficient and effective. By opting for Cucumber, you can deliver high-quality APIs and make sure that different app components function correctly.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our specialists for consultation!

The post Cucumber framework for API testing with Playwright example appeared first on testomat.io.

Today, we’ll focus on BDD testing — this methodology is aimed at improving communication between technical and non-technical team members. Additionally, we present a list of popular BDD testing tools. Enhance your team’s efficiency with our experts!

BDD Testing: A Brief Guide

Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) is a flexible software development methodology that centers on the expected behavior of the product. Documentation is written in simple, human-readable language — commonly Gherkin — allowing the development team to clearly understand business stakeholders’ needs. This ensures that business requirements for the product are understandable to both technical team members and non-technical unfamiliar with programming languages.

Conversely, involved stakeholders can better interpret developers’ efforts and vice versa.

The creator of this methodology, Dan North, defines BDD as follows:

Behavior-driven development is an ‘outside-in’ methodology. It starts at the outside by identifying business outcomes and then drills down into the feature set that will achieve those outcomes.

Concerning quality assurance, Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD) methodology requires a corresponding approach known as BDD testing.

What is BDD Testing?

BDD Testing is a flexible method of software testing that redefines QA activities on a project. 3 Amigos teams adopting the BDD approach write test cases in the simple, precise, and structured Gherkin language. These descriptions of system behavior can be easily converted into test scripts, interpreted, and executed by BDD frameworks.

The Gherkin Language is heart of BDD tests

As we know already, Gherkin is a domain-specific language used in BDD Testing to write human-readable test scripts. Gherkin Language has a clear structure and unique syntax, and not only in plain English, it also supports languages such as German, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, and more. But in this article we will limit only English.

Key Components of Test Scripts in Gherkin Syntax:

• Feature – a description of the functionality being tested. Note, that the functionality is described from the user’s perspective.

Example:

Feature: User login  
  As a user  
  I want to log into my account  
  So that I can access my dashboard

• BDD scenarios – components of a feature that define individual test cases. They represent a sequence of steps describing user actions and the expected behavior of the system.

Example:

Scenario: Successful login with valid credentials  
  Given I am on the login page  
  When I enter my username and password  
  Then I should be redirected to my dashboard

• Gherkin scenario steps – Descriptions of the system’s initial state, the actions that trigger changes, and the expected outcome. They are written using the keywords Given, When, Then, as well as And/But, which are used to combine multiple conditions or actions within a step.

Example: 

Scenario: Login with a registered account  
  Given I have a registered account  
  And I am on the login page  
  When I enter my username and password  
  Then I should see my account dashboard

• Background – A section that defines the steps to be executed before each scenario. This helps reduce code volume by avoiding repetition of setups common to multiple scenarios.

Example:

Feature: User profile editing  
  As a registered user  
  I want to update my profile information  
  So that I can keep my account details up to date  

  Background:  
    Given the user is logged in  
    And the user is on the profile page  

  Scenario: User updates profile picture  
    When the user uploads a new profile picture  
    Then the profile picture should be updated successfully  

  Scenario: User updates email address  
    When the user enters a valid new email address  
    And confirms the email change  
    Then the email address should be updated successfully  
    And a confirmation email should be sent to the new address

• Examples – different sets of input data that allow covering multiple test cases within a single scenario without duplicating code. They are formatted as a table.

Example:

Scenario Outline: Login attempt with various credentials  
  Given I am on the login page  
  When I enter <username> and <password>  
  Then I should see the message "<message>"  

  Examples:  
    | username      | password   | message            |  
    | user1         | pass1      | Welcome message 1  |  
    | user2         | wrongpass  | Invalid Credentials|  

All the components of the Gherkin syntax described above make up a feature file – a text file containing the specifications of the digital solution’s behavior.

Why Conduct BDD Testing?

BDD Testing can provide teams with several benefits. These relate both to optimizing the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) and fostering close collaboration within the project.

Take a look at the key advantages BDD implementation:

→ Improved project communication. This is facilitated by the easy-to-understand Gherkin language. The expected behavior of the software product, described in Gherkin, simultaneously performs two functions:

• serves as project documentation;
• forms the basis for tests.

→ Simple test automation. BDD tests can be automated directly without additional conditions or configurations. To achieve this, one should use one of the popular BDD testing frameworks. We will discuss them in more detail later.

Moreover, tests in this format are reusable. This saves the team from repetitive tasks.

→ Extensive test coverage. Testing in the BDD format describes application functions from the user’s perspective. Thanks to this you can address edge cases, consider various conditions, and identify issues at early stages of the development process.

→ Stability of the final product. The BDD approach enables continuous testing. This contributes to quick feedback and immediate bug fixes. As a result,  this helps to increase stability of the digital solution.

→ Delivering maximum value to users and stakeholders. BDD tests are based on business requirements and user stories. This ensures that the implemented functionality meets the expectations of both clients and stakeholders.

→ Gherkin scenarios can be written not only in English. As we mentioned at the top, Gherkin’s supported other national languages include French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, and more. But this localization support depends on the specific BDD tool.

Stages of Implementing BDD Tests

The process of implementing BDD tests may vary slightly depending on the specifics of the project. However, its key stages remain unchanged:

1. Definition software requirements. At this stage, it is necessary to discuss the requirements for the digital product with all stakeholders. This helps determine the object of the testing. Based on the established requirements, user stories should be written. These should describe the system’s behavior from the user’s perspective.
2. Do not forget about acceptance criteria. These mean conditions under which the test will be considered passed.
3. Writing BDD scenarios in Gherkin language. This stage involves creating feature files with functionality descriptions using Gherkin syntax — features. It is recommended that both technical and non-technical specialists collaborate on writing test scenarios.
4. Implementation step definitions. Write Gherkin steps with the help of the keywords Given-When-Then. These steps will later serve as the basis for automating your BDD tests.
5. Test automation. At this point, you should decide which BDD testing framework is best for your project. Now is the time to integrate Gherkin feature files with the automation tool.
6. Test Execution. Select the environment in which the tests will be run: local environments, staging ones, a CI\CD pipeline.
7. Evaluating the results. If a test fails, report the issue to developers for resolution. You may also need to refactor the tests if the failure is caused by an error in the test code.

At the end share the results of your work with stakeholders and determine if all objectives have been achieved. If the answer is “Yes,” you can deploy the product to the production environment.

What Are BDD Testing Tools?

So, to conduct BDD testing, specialized tools are essential. These are various testing frameworks that support the execution of tests written in a simple, human-readable language — primarily Gherkin syntax.

Recently, the practice of Behavior-driven development (BDD) has been rapidly growing, gaining recognition from more and more Agile teams. As is well known, demand creates supply. Consequently, the market is seeing an increasing number of different platforms that support this approach to development and testing.

Among the new players in the market are SpecFlow, Gauge, Behat, and others. However, the undisputed leader, which is closely associated with BDD tests, remains Cucumber.

Let’s explore whether the well-known framework really offers users the best functionality, or if its lesser-known alternatives can also surprise with their capabilities.

How to Choose the Best BDD Testing Tool: Key Criteria

Before we dive into the characteristics of popular BDD testing frameworks, it is important to highlight the aspects to consider when choosing your tool.

• Supported programming languages. The framework must be compatible with the programming language used in the project. For example, if Java is used, consider Cucumber or JBehave. For .NET projects, SpecFlow is an ideal option.
• Learning curve. Choose a BDD tool with a user-friendly interface and simple settings. This will allow you to get started quickly. To avoid future issues, assess the framework’s documentation and its community.
• Integration capabilities. Ensure that the selected tool integrates smoothly into your CI\CD pipeline. This could include Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, CircleCI, etc. Continuous testing is crucial for Agile projects.
• Available functionality. Check if the framework supports parallel test execution, cross-platform testing, report generation, and analytics. In other words, ensure it offers everything you may need during the product development process.
• Scalability. Your BDD tool should have the ability to scale as your project grows. Ensure that it can handle a large number of scenarios and step definitions efficiently.

Now let’s look at 10 popular BDD testing tools that can take communication on your project to the next level.

Cucumber

Cucumber —is a popular open-source BDD testing framework. It is primarily remembered by testers who implement Behavior-driven development (BDD) in their projects.

Using this tool you can verify the accuracy of specifications regardless of the language in which the executable code is written. This is possible because it supports almost all popular programming languages. Let’s discuss all the capabilities of the framework further.

Key Features of Cucumber:

• Support for Gherkin syntax. BDD scenarios are written in the Given-When-Then format. In other words, in a simple, human-readable language. This eliminates communication gaps within the team.
• Working with various programming languages. The framework supports a range of languages. They are Java, Ruby, JavaScript, and Python. Therefore, it is suitable for many teams.
• Extensive Integration Capabilities. Cucumber can integrate with Test Runners (JUnit, TestNG, etc.). They are used to execute tests and generate reports. The tool also can be easily integrated with CI\CD pipelines.
• Built-in reports. The tool contains detailed reports on the testing progress and different failures.
• Convenient filtering system for test scenarios. The tool includes tags. They enable you to run individual scenarios or groups of tests.
• Reusing of steps. This feature allows teams to optimize their testing efforts.

Testomat.io

Test management system testomat.io is known for its versatility. You are able to work with both – classic and BDD tests. Additionally, you can easily convert classic tests into BDD. And even more – import existing ones, write new test cases, etc.

With this TMS, you can involve non-technical specialists in the project work. This is made possible by its extensive capabilities:

• Enhanced Gherkin syntax Support. In this TMS, you can not only write tests in Gherkin. You can also use additional features to simplify the process.
• BDD scenarios editor. The tool is equipped with a Gherkin syntax checker. Therefore, if there are any errors, you will be promptly notified.
• Auto-fill of steps. When you write test cases, all steps are automatically added to the step database. Later, when you create new tests, you will be offered suggestions for auto-completion.
• Seamless integration with Cucumber. This allows you to import tests from this framework with one click and immediately work with them in the TMS.
• Test import and auto-conversion. You can import existing tests not only from Cucumber, but also from any testing framework you have previously worked with. Additionally, tests in the classic format can be imported and automatically converted into BDD tests.
• Support for Manual and Automated BDD Testing. In Testomat.io, you can create both manual and automated test cases. This helps to involve the entire team in the process.
• Convenient filtering and sorting of steps. The database allows you to organize steps by their types. You can also track the frequency of use of each step.
• Living docs. All your tests in the TMS automatically turn into dynamic project documentation. It gets updated every time changes are made to the tests.

BDD Generator by Davert

This is a small web application capable of generating random BDD tests in Gherkin language. These tests can be used for testing or educational purposes.

Key features of the tool:

• Generation of Random BDD Scenarios. The tool generates detailed scenarios, including backgrounds and scenario outlines.
• Support for Gherkin syntax. All scenarios are generated in Gherkin language. This makes it easy to integrate the tool with Cucumber.
• Efficient test organization. The scenarios created by the generator include tags, allowing for easy filtering.

SpecFlow

This is another open-sourced BDD tool. It allows users to work with tests in plain English. The framework is designed for the .NET ecosystem.

Key functionality of SpecFlow:

• Writing tests in Gherkin. The tool facilitates collaboration within the team thanks to easily readable test cases.
• Simple integration with the .NET ecosystem. The tool works seamlessly with: ( .NET Framework, .NET Core, .NET 5 and later versions).

SpecFlow also supports smooth integration with the Visual Studio IDE:

• Reuse of step definitions. The framework allows code to be used across multiple scenarios. This feature significantly reduces the QA effort.
• Integration with third-party tools. If you need to run tests and generate reports, you can integrate the tool with Test Runners (NUnit, MSTest, or xUnit). The framework also can be easily integrated into a CI\CD pipeline.
• Additional features. SpecFlow enables data-driven testing, parallel test execution, and filtering of Gherkin scripts.
• Documentation based on feature files. The tool generates human-readable specifications and test coverage reports.

To optimize the testing process, SpecFlow provides a range of extra tools and features, let us distinguish a few of them…

So, SpecFlow additional tools:

• SpecFlow Visual Studio plugin. It simplifies writing and managing feature files. It is particularly useful on BDD projects as it offers BDD-specific features:
• Gherkin Syntax Highlighting. Makes Gherkin scripts even more readable.
• Auto-Completion. Speeds up writing test cases with suggestions.
• Error Detection. The tool automatically identifies missing steps, incorrect parameters, and syntax errors.
• Easy Navigation. The editor links Gherkin steps with step definitions in the codebase.
• Comment Support. Users can leave comments in feature files, making documentation easier.

The next tool ensures consistent style and format in feature files, improving the readability of tests.

Key features of SpecFlow Formatter:

• Automatic indentation. Aligns Given-When-Then steps.
• Table Formatting. Aligns tables in examples and scenarios.
• Spacing Control. Removes unnecessary spaces while maintaining test readability.
• Case Sensitivity Control. Ensures consistent capitalization of keywords and steps.

SpecFlow+ Extensions.

This package of additional tools gives users access to convenient features:

• LivingDoc. Converts feature files into interactive project documentation.
• Visual Studio plugins. Enhance formatting, navigation, and analysis of SpecFlow projects.

AssertThat

Do you use Jira on your project? If so, you can manage BDD tests with the AssertThat solution. It offers all the necessary features for development and testing in this format. However, it has one key feature. It was created specifically for seamless integration with the popular project management system.

Key AssertThat features:

• Integration with Jira. This allows the team to create BDD scenarios directly in Jira, then manage them and user stories in a single environment.
• Gherkin syntax editor. Users have access to auto-completion and syntax checking features. This reduces errors and improves readability.
• CI\CD Pipeline Integration. The framework can easily be integrated into the continuous integration / continuous deployment process, making test execution more efficient.
• Scenario Manager. This feature allows you to manage multiple Gherkin scenarios simultaneously. Note: The editor can be customized to suit your individual needs.
• Comprehensive reporting. The tool offers reports on test execution and test coverage.

In addition to the features described above, the tool offers a free online Gherkin editor. It simplifies the creation and formatting of feature files.

AssertThat editor includes:

• user-friendly interface;
• syntax checking;
• automatic formatting;
• style customization for individual editing.

Behat

Behat is one more tool that rightfully made it to our list of popular BDD testing frameworks. It was created for the PHP community and supports PHP versions 5.3+. The rich functionality of the framework allows us to consider it a powerful tool for automated BDD testing:

Top Behat features:

• Clear, Easily Readable Scenarios. Like all the tools we’ve discussed earlier, Behat supports Gherkin syntax.
• Reusable Steps. You can link Gherkin steps with PHP code. This enables you to reuse them and create modular test scenarios.
• Support for Various Testing Types.

Behat can be used for:

• Unit tests
• Integration tests
• End-to-End tests
• acceptance testing

For API or functional testing, additional extensions are required:

• Command-Line Interface. The framework provides users with a reliable interface for running and managing BDD scenarios.
• Rich extension ecosystem. The tool’s capabilities can be extended by integrating with various solutions. For example, the Mink browser automation library allows for end-to-end browser testing.
• Selective Scenario Execution. The tool has a convenient filtering system to run specific scenarios.
• Living Documentation. All feature files are automatically transformed into project documentation, created in a human-readable format.

JBehave

JBehave is a solution for Behavior-Driven Development projects. It was created for Java products by Dan North. He is the author of the BDD methodology. With this tool, it is easy to align the actions of the development team with business expectations.

It provides users with the following features:

• Writing Clear BDD Scenarios. In this framework, you can write scenarios in the Given-When-Then format. Such an approach facilitates communication within the project.
• Built-in Reporting. JBehave allows generating reports in various formats. For example, HTML, XML, and others. These reports help track the progress of testing.
• Extensive integration capabilities. The framework is compatible with build tools (Maven, Gradle, etc.). Such integration ensures continuous automated testing. It also integrates with popular IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse. This aids in the development and debugging of scenarios.
• Support for parameterized steps. This feature allows you to reuse step definitions across different test scenarios.
• Convenient organization of user stories. The tool includes meta-tags, enabling users to filter and categorize user stories for selective execution of BDD tests.
• Support for parallel testing. This feature speeds up the testing process.

Robot Framework

This is a keyword-driven framework. It was designed for test automation. It supports the BDD approach, so it can be used in such projects.

Here are Robot Framework’s main features:

• Writing high-level test cases. Users can write easily readable tests with keywords. The advantage is that these keywords can be reused.
• Rich Ecosystem of libraries. For example, you can integrate SeleniumLibrary for web testing, DatabaseLibrary for database testing.
• Marking test cases. The tool allows you to assign specific tags to tests. For example, you can tag related tests in the same way. Then – run a group of tests separately from others. This is useful for regression testing. Critical/non-critical and mandatory/optional test cases can be tagged.
• Out-of-the-box reports.  Users have access to detailed reports in HTML and XML formats. If there’s a need to present results to business stakeholders, a less detailed report, such as Report.html, can be generated. Screenshots are also available for visualizing results.
• Parallel test execution. This is possible thanks to the parallel executor for Robot Framework – Pabot.
• Support for parameterized test cases. You can use test templates or external data sources in formats like CSV, Excel, etc.
• Cross-platform compatibility. The framework works on all major operating systems – Windows, macOS, and Linux.

To use Robot Framework in BDD projects, you will need the following extensions:

• Gherkin library — allows the framework to interpret Gherkin syntax.
• RF Gherkin Parser — imports Gherkin feature files into Robot Framework test suites.

The tool can also be used to run BDD tests without extensions. In that case, you will need to write the tests manually in the required format.

Gauge

This is an open-source test automation platform designed specifically for Behavior-Driven Development, offering all the features found in comparable tools. Key features encompass:

• Writing Tests in Markdown Format. Markdown syntax, like Gherkin, is designed to eliminate communication gaps between technical and non-technical team members. You can write scenarios and steps that can be easily understood by business stakeholders without specialized knowledge.

For example, a Markdown test case to test the website login functionality would look like this:

# User Login
## Valid Login
* Open the browser
* Navigate to "http://example.com"
* Enter username "user123"
* Enter password "pass123"
* Click login
* Verify "Welcome" is displayed

• Support for multiple programming languages. The tool supports Java, C#, Python, JavaScript, and Ruby. This makes it convenient for teams using different technology stacks.
• Reusability of step. The same steps can be used in multiple test scenarios, simplifying test maintenance.
• Support for different development environments. Gauge works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing you to test applications on different devices.
• Testing different types of applications. The tool integrates easily with Selenium, Appium, and Playwright. This enables testing for mobile, web, and desktop applications.
• Integration with CI\CD pipelines. This is possible due to the support for popular CI\CD tools, including Jenkins, Azure DevOps, and GitHub Actions.
• Data-driven testing. Users have several options – they can use external test data sources (such as CSV or JSON files) or specify multiple data sets in tabular format directly in the test.
• Out-of-the-box parallel testing support. This is an ideal solution for large projects with numerous test suites.
• Detailed reporting. Gauge allows you to generate HTML reports with detailed logs and screenshots.
• Extendable functionality. The tool offers a plugin based architecture, which allows it to be customized to meet the needs of specific projects.

Some BDD Extensions to Optimize Your Workflows

Apart from frameworks, testers can utilize various BDD extensions and plugins. They are specifically designed to help testers to write and manage BDD tests more efficiently.

Here are some of them:

VS Code Free Extensions

Cucumber (Gherkin) Full Support. Offers complete support for Gherkin syntax with features such as:

• Syntax highlighting;
• Keyword auto-completion;
• Multi-language support (spoken and programming languages);
• Syntax validation;
• Cucumber integration for running BDD tests directly in VS Code.

Snippets and Syntax Highlight for Gherkin (Cucumber). Speeds up writing Gherkin scripts using pre-built keyword and scenario snippets. Key features:

• Pre-built step snippets for quick insertion;
• Syntax highlighting in feature files.

Feature Syntax Highlight and Snippets (Cucumber). Highlights Gherkin syntax in feature files. Available functions include:

• Highlighting keywords and feature file structures;
• Using templates when writing scenarios.

The Gherkin Plugin for JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA

This is JetBrains’ official plugin for supporting Gherkin in IntelliJ IDEA and related IDEs. Key features include:

• Step auto-completion;
• Syntax highlighting;
• Linking Gherkin steps with step definitions written in supported programming languages like Java or Python;
• Easy navigation between steps and their definitions;
• Running Cucumber tests directly from the IDE.

Vim-Cucumber

This plugin supports Gherkin syntax for the Vim editor. Available features:

• Syntax highlighting.
• Validation of scenario structure through indentation management.
• Simple customization of the editor.

Gherkingen

A tool for generating Gherkin test templates for Golang. It supports various input formats. Primary functions:

• Transforming test data in formats like JSON or Excel into Gherkin scenarios.
• Automating the creation of repetitive scenarios.

Ghokin

A tool for formatting and modifying Gherkin files. Features include:

• Validating Gherkin syntax.
• Highlighting errors (missing steps, incorrect formatting, etc.).
• Enhancing the readability of feature files.

Tidy Gherkin for Chrome

This Chrome extension simplifies working with feature files through features like:

• Templates for feature file creation.
• Preview and quick application of changes.
• Syntax highlighting.
• Writing tips and rules suggestions.
• Auto-formatting of columns.
• Working with feature files directly from Tidy Gherkin.
• Generating step definitions in Java, Ruby, or JavaScript.

These extensions can improve testing efficiency, reduce errors, and optimize project collaboration.

Benefits of Using BDD Testing Tools in Agile Development

Still unsure whether to use BDD testing tools for your Agile project? It’s time to eliminate any doubts. These frameworks and extensions offer numerous benefits:

1. Close collaboration. Popular BDD testing frameworks allow you to write test cases in human-readable Gherkin language. This enables technical and non-technical stakeholders to contribute to creating test scenarios.
2. Improved understanding of software requirements. These tools transform user stories into actionable scenarios. This ensures the development team meets all business requirements.
3. Test optimization. With BDD testing frameworks you can create detailed test scenarios that cover all aspects of digital solution behavior. Many support testing with multiple sets of test data.
4. Support for test automation. BDD frameworks integrate seamlessly with automation tools, CI\CD pipelines, and other services, speeding up the testing process.
5. Comprehensive reporting. BDD testing tools eliminate the need for you to use external reporters. After all, test scripts written in Gherkin simultaneously serve as project documentation. Moreover, most tools have reports built into them on test execution and test coverage.
6. Alignment with Agile and DevOps practices. These tools enable ongoing testing, guaranteeing that product quality is confirmed with each update and enhancing delivery speed within DevOps pipelines.
7. Extensive scalability. BDD testing tools can scale effectively as your project grows, making them indispensable for managing large test suites.

With BDD tools, Agile teams can create high-quality digital solutions that meet the expectations of even the most demanding audiences.

Bottom Line

BDD testing tools are different platforms that support the BDD approach in developing and testing software products. By using syntax that is understandable even to non-technical individuals, these tools offer numerous advantages. The primary benefit, which can also be called the goal of BDD testing, is reducing communication gaps between team members.

Want to learn more about BDD testing tools? Interested in optimizing your QA processes with a powerful test management system?

Contact a testomat.io manager – we will be happy to answer all your questions.

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