Behaviour Driven Testing Explained: Benefits, Process & Tools

Getting software development right goes far beyond writing good code. It involves understanding user behaviours, aligning teams, and delivering seamless functionality. This is where Behaviour Driven Testing (BDT) becomes a crucial methodology, ensuring that everyone contributing to a software project speaks the same language and works towards meeting user needs.

But what exactly is BDT? Simply put, Behaviour Driven Testing is an extension of Test Driven Development (TDD), focusing specifically on user behaviour and experience. It fosters collaboration by using common, non-technical language to define software behaviour, ensuring clarity across developers, QA engineers, and stakeholders.

This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about BDT, including its benefits, process, commonly used tools, implementation strategies, and its comparison with Test Driven Development (TDD). By the end, you'll also have actionable steps to integrate BDT into your workflow successfully.

Core Benefits of Behaviour Driven Testing

Why should teams adopt BDT over other testing methodologies? Here are the top benefits that make it stand out:

1. Enhanced Collaboration Across Teams

BDT fosters a shared understanding of requirements between developers, QA engineers, and business stakeholders. By using plain, non-technical language, it breaks down communication barriers, enabling all parties to stay aligned and work cohesively.

2. Improved Test Coverage with User-Centric Focus

Instead of solely focusing on technical aspects, BDT prioritises real-world user behaviour. This allows teams to create scenarios that represent end-user interactions more effectively, ensuring better coverage and intuitive testing.

3. Code Clarity and Maintainability

By mapping tests directly to user stories, BDT simplifies how the code relates to associated behaviours. This makes it easier to review, maintain, or update code without confusion.

4. Eliminates Ambiguity

Concrete examples and scenarios in BDT help clarify vague requirements. Teams know precisely what needs to be built, tested, and delivered, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

5. Automates Testing for Efficiency

BDT seamlessly integrates with BDD automated testing frameworks, enabling more efficient automated test execution. Teams can save time, reduce repetitive work, and increase testing accuracy.

The BDT Process and Lifecycle

Implementing Behaviour Driven Testing involves several structured phases. Here's a typical BDT lifecycle in action:

Phase 1: Requirement Gathering

Collaborate with stakeholders to gather initial requirements and user stories. Translate these into behaviour scenarios using plain, precise language.

Phase 2: Define Scenarios in Gherkin Format

Create behaviour scenarios using Gherkin syntax (Given-When-Then). For example:

• Given: A user is logged in
• When: They click “Add to Basket”
• Then: The item should appear in their basket

Phase 3: Implement Step Definitions

Developers write code to map the Gherkin scenarios to specific application functions. This bridges scenarios to actual testing.

Phase 4: Run Automated Tests

Execute your automated tests, track outcomes, and fix failures as they occur.

Phase 5: Evaluate and Refine

Review results with the team, refine scenarios where necessary, and continuously improve your testing processes.

Tools Commonly Used in Behaviour Driven Testing

To ensure an effective BDT workflow, you’ll require reliable tools. Below are some of the most widely used ones, broken down by their functionality:

1. Cucumber

Cucumber is one of the most popular BDT frameworks. It supports Gherkin syntax for writing test scenarios and integrates seamlessly with test automation tools for smooth execution.

2. SpecFlow

Specifically designed for .NET applications, SpecFlow allows teams to write scenarios in Gherkin and run them within the Microsoft ecosystem.

3. Behave

Behave is the go-to choice for Python developers. It provides an intuitive way to implement behaviour scenarios in Python-based projects.

4. JBehave

For Java-based applications, JBehave stands out as a powerful and flexible BDT framework designed to handle complex projects.

5. Gauge

Gauge expands on BDT principles by offering features such as reusable specifications and robust reporting tools for continuous improvement.

Implementing BDT Successfully

Applying BDT effectively in your software development lifecycle requires careful planning and execution. Here’s how to get it right:

Educate Your Team

Training your team on the basics of Gherkin syntax and BDT workflows is essential. Clear understanding across developers, QA engineers, and stakeholders ensures alignment.

Start Small

Begin with smaller, simpler functionalities to test how well your team adapts to the methodology and workflows before scaling.

Pair BDT with Automation

Leverage BDD automated testing frameworks (like Cucumber or Behave) to automate repetitive tasks, ensuring long-term efficiency gains.

Continuous Feedback

BDT relies heavily on collaboration, so facilitate regular feedback sessions to refine scenarios and workflows as your project evolves.

BDT vs Test Driven Development (TDD)

While both Behaviour Driven Testing and Test Driven Development aim to improve the quality of software, they differ in focus and application.

Common Challenges of BDT

Despite its many advantages, BDT isn’t without its challenges. These include:

Time-Consuming Setup

BDT involves significant initial investment in training and creating behaviour scenarios.

• Difficulty in Writing Scenarios

Crafting clear, concise, and non-redundant scenarios requires practice and collaboration.

• Overhead of Automating Every Scenario

Automation tools can streamline testing, but automating all behaviours reflects diminishing returns in certain cases.

• Resistance to New Process

Not all teams adapt easily to major changes like BDT. Internal resistance or lack of buy-in could hinder implementation success.

Redefine Software Quality with Behaviour Driven Testing

Behaviour Driven Testing transforms how teams approach software development. By focusing on user behaviours, creating collaboration opportunities, and leveraging BDD automated testing, it sets the stage for stronger, more user-centric applications.

Are you ready to bring clarity, collaboration, and efficiency to your testing process? Start leveraging Behaviour Driven Testing today for scalable and impactful results!

Further Reading and Resources

• [Gherkin Scenario Writing Basics]
• [Introduction to Cucumber for BDT]
• [How to Automate BDD Tests in 5 Simple Steps]