Testing applications and software help developers find bugs in the system and ensure a seamless user experience for the final clients. Using various methodologies, developers can make software more reliable, and even ensure its perfect functionality before they are released. One such method is Behavior Driven Testing which allows developers to ascertain the exact features, usability, and behavior of an application. As evident from its name, the method offers a clear view of the application’s behavior as the final user might observe.
Let’s learn about the meaning, features, and benefits of BDD testing in detail;
Behavior Driven Testing: Meaning
Behavior Driven Testing is a testing method that analyses software/applications based on their behavior as used in different scenarios by final users. Offering a clear and more in-depth overview of the software functionality, the testing method describes the way an application might behave in different use behaviors or testing environments. As compared to traditional testing methods, BDD testing does not involve complex test script creation. Users can use simple language like English to make test cases understandable for every stakeholder thereby offering greater transparency and reliability. Moreover, developers can ascertain with complete surety whether software behavior is in line with the expected use or not.
Process:
1. Developers or dedicated software testing personnel use automated testing tools to create testing scripts in simple languages like English without any requirement for codes.
2. Test execution and validation:
After creating the test scripts, the application can be tested using an automated testing platform. The platform allows automated test execution and validation allowing developers to evaluate the software behavior, locate any discrepancy, and resolve the same.
3. Refining and improvement:
Based upon the results of Behavior Driven Testing, the application is reviewed and necessary improvements are made. This process continues as the new features are added.
Benefits:
1. Early detection and resolution of errors:
Through behavior testing, developers can easily locate any potential errors in the software, find the root cause based on behavior reports, and make necessary amends to ensure a seamless user experience.
2. Test scenarios and their reusability:
The test scenarios created for BDD testing of one software can be further reused for different testing projects thereby reducing effort, cost, and hassle.
3. Test automation:
The testing method can be easily performed using modern testing platforms like Testsigma thereby reducing the hassle of developers. The platform can perform automated testing which in turn improves efficiency.
4. Easy to understand test scripts:
The testing method involves a simple English language for test script creation which is easy to understand by different stakeholders like business personnel, and developers. Moreover, these test scripts can be easily modified according to the testing needs and type of software.
5. Better collaboration:
Due to its easy-to-understand test scripts, different stakeholders can come together and collaborate on the testing, software development, and improvement steps. This reduces misunderstandings and errors.
Conclusion:
Behavior driven testing therefore serves as one of the most effective methodologies that developers and companies must opt to test their software systems. Offering readable and easy-to-understand application behavior reports, the testing method ensures collaboration, streamlines the testing process, and even allows test script reusability.
