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Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) is an Agile software development methodology that focuses on defining and creating a product's features based on what the end-user expects from their interactions. BDD helps eliminate bloat, extra code, unneeded features, and lack of focus by encouraging developers to focus exclusively on the intended app or program behaviors. This methodology combines TDD and acceptance testing practices, augmented and refined.

As a result of their adoption of BDD, successful selenium software testing companies have seen several tangible advantages. Let us show you five of these advantages to see what your organization can gain by implementing a BDD process as a foundation for your software development and delivery.

Instantaneous Feedback

A strong link between feature specification in feature files and automated acceptance tests is provided by using BDD, supported by SpecFlow or another tool.

BDD enables the inclusion of business stakeholders and end-users with limited software development expertise in the pool of input and feedback. BDD may be used more easily in continuous integration and delivery systems because of this extended feedback loop.

As a result, it's well-suited to practices like DevOps and Continuous Integration and Delivery. When automated tests are in place that provide quick and precise feedback to all parties involved, these practices flourish.

Due to SpecFlow's status as a code-based library and an essential part of the automated acceptance test, the framework can easily be incorporated into automated build systems. As for automation, developers and testers can use SpecFlow in conjunction with a wide range of tools without compromising the integrity of Gherkin's syntax.

Superior Coding

Using BDD may also improve the quality of your application's codebase. Developers have a good reason to participate in the three amigos sessions. The shared understanding and the shared language are developed and refined.

As a result, they'll be able to keep the business entities and terminology in mind as they write the code that implements the specification. If everyone understands what is meant by 'an active account,' then the specification is complete.

For example, by creating an Account class with a property called "active," developers can model the implementation using this terminology. It will be much easier to understand what the implementation is doing if there is a direct link between the specification. For instance, when training new developers, this is a lifesaver.

Detailed & Updated Specs

The likelihood of your specs being meaningful and correct skyrockets when you eliminate any room for ambiguity and thoroughly research the subject matter. Your documentation is constantly reviewed, revised, and enhanced when BDD is paired with an Agile approach in which software is given in tiny increments.

Compared to the traditional software development paradigms, this is a considerable improvement. Instead of designing everything upfront, delivering detailed design documents, and deviating from those specifications for months or even years, it is now much easier to keep documentation meaningful and correct.

Supplying The Right Products

When a developer is asked to create a feature, they are often given insufficient or misaligned information rather than a developer making a mistake, which can lead to irritation and flaws in the program.

There is no fault with the software itself, but a communication issue is blamed. BDD aims to solve these communication problems by involving business people (such as Product Owners or Business Analysts), developers, and testers at an early stage in the development process.

These three sessions are meant to clear up uncertainty and find flaws in the standards so they can be improved. Because all parties are on the same page about what the feature should perform, it is much easier to write clear and concise specifications documents (feature files, in Gherkin format). As a result, there should be fewer complaints about problems caused by a lack of clear communication.

Transparency Regarding The Impact On Business Of Failed Tests

Specifications written in Gherkin feature files can be turned into executable code using tools like SpecFlow, which can be used to run automated acceptance testing for your project.

This is referred to as 'living documentation in the BDD community. When an automated acceptance test fails, it is immediately evident which business outcome is impacted because specifications are directly linked to the implementation of these tests. This benefit will last long after the actual product is implemented if the automated acceptance test suite is maintained correctly.

Understanding The Workings Of Behavior-Driven Development

Conducting behavior-specific tests or functional specifications that specify executable scenarios for the software is fundamental to behavior-driven development. The following are included in this list:

When a project begins, when a product is being developed, and when the product is finished, behavior-specific tests can be conducted. It is a minimal need for BDD that the behavioral tests (equivalent to unit tests) are in place before the development process begins. Behavioral testing fails before development begins but passes as development develops. The product is ready if all of the behavioral tests are passed.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts!

Rather than debating the merits of a notion, you can't back up; create a haven where you may experiment. Here, you can experiment with different ways to implement the same or additional features or set time limits for them to run. Try it out and see what happens. Make changes as necessary.

Introduce Behavior-Driven Development, and you'll see that this is also quite true. You will have to adjust many things, including how requirements are handled, how developers and testers work together, and the automation solution. Keep it small, give it a shot, and observe what's changed and how it can assist you (suspend your cynicism throughout the trial period).

Conclusive evidence is a pilot project's results in your own selenium automation testing company, with your domain as the target audience.