Behavior-Driven Development Using Specification by Example: An Approach for Delivering the Right Software Built in Right Way

Abstract

This chapter highlights a crucial problem seen often in software development that is bridging the communication gap between business and technical language and that it can be addressed with “Behavior Driven Development” (BDD) methodology supplemented with “Specification By Example” approach of delivering the right software that matters. Effective communication has always been a challenge between clients, business stakeholders, project managers, developers, testers and business analysts because a “ubiquitous” language that every one can easily understand and use does not exist. Specification By Example serves as that ubiquitous language for all, helps build right software that matters through effective communication. Specifications are written in plain English language using the Gherkin syntax to describe various behaviors of software. BDD tools help write software specification using gherkin language and also create a living documentation that is automatically generated by programming language reflecting the current state of software at any given point of time.