Software testing is an important part of the SDLC process. Without conducting this phase properly, you cannot move forward with the deployment. It is often done in different parts or you could say using different types of approaches. As a developer, you need to know about them and their differences with each other properly. It helps you to pick the right testing approach for your project keeping in view all the core requirements.
Considering the most preferred methods, developers often go with ATDD, TDD and BDD testing approaches. All of these practices are different, hence their working methods are also unique. They are used to test and verify different cases that are related to software performance, efficiency, and security. If you are a beginner with little knowledge about testing, you need to start by learning the concepts of these methodologies. They are used by many professionals in the industry, hence mastering them will help you to become a better QA engineer.
In this blog, we will take a detailed look into the concepts of ATDD, TDD and BDD testing approaches. It will therefore be a good read for those who want to learn trending methodologies of software testing. So, without wasting much time, let’s start from the basics understanding the definition of each process.
What is Test Driven Development (TDD)?
Test Driven Development (TDD) is a testing procedure that focuses on the perspective of software developers. The primary purpose of this technique is to verify the efficiency of software code. In this practice, developers try to write test cases for every single functionality of the system. They use TDD procedures to ensure whether the software is working correctly or not. Based on the results, developers get a clear view how to modify the code or even write a new one to fix the prevailing issues in the software.
In Test Driven Development, developers try to write new code only if the existing ones fail the tests. This saves a lot of their time because programming from scratch is not required at the end of every test. Used mainly in the agile development process, TDD helps developers to write automated test scripts before writing a functional piece of code. It simplifies their method in development, because several passing benchmarks are already defined in the scripts, making their planning and vision clear.
How to Perform TDD?
Using TDD to check the viability of code is pretty simple and straightforward. It works on the concept of writing test scripts according to a particular benchmark. Keeping this in view, developers then write code to pass that benchmark, and hence the test as well. By following this process, teams enhance their code quality and eradicate the majority of the defects.
If you want to learn the step-by-step approach of Test Driven Development, take a look at the explanation given below.
1. Create a Test Case
At first, you will need to write a test case to check a particular software functionality. It is written keeping the core objective in mind, so that the viability of the code can be checked accordingly. Initially, this test will fail due to having no written code at hand. This will further indicate that the test case is created correctly focusing on a precise line of code.
2. Write a Function Code
Next up, you will need to write a code that can fulfill the designated functionality. Keep in mind that this code should pass the test script written above, as that is your primary verification benchmark. It is recommended to write a minimal code in this phase, one that could easily pass the test condition without any hiccups.
3. Run Test Again
After writing the code, you will need to check its viability by running the test again. If the code easily passes through the test, fulfilling the designated functionality, you are good to go with the next script functionality. But, if it fails, you will need to again check the code to see where are the defects and how they can be resolved.
4. Refactor Code
Once the code passes through the test comfortably, refactor the code with further optimizations. It will include code cleanup as well as structure improvement to make the execution more smooth. Make sure that the code remains functionally intact, so that the last automated test can also run quickly.
Benefits of TDD
Ensures Precise Code Testing
The major benefit of using Test Driven Development is the surety of getting an accurate code base. This is a test case that makes sure to meet the functional logic, so anything that hinders in achieving that is quickly reported to the developers. This lets them know that the code is not working correctly and needs a proper re-look.
Improves Functionality Testing
With the help of TDD, developers can focus on writing code that can fulfill the desired software functionality. It is a test case that is written in advance, so that developers can work according to it to program a particular functionality.
Encourages Code Optimization
In Test Driven Development, developers demand clarity from the clients. They need to know the benchmarks on which a software function should perform. This encourages optimized programming, ensuring proper cleanup and structuring of code at the end of each cycle.
What is Behavioral Driven Development (BDD)?
Behavioral Driven Development (BDD) is a testing approach that is derived from the concept of TDD. It primarily focuses on the behavior of the system, as how it responds upon passing a particular query. The test scripts in this case are therefore written to validate the behavior of the software. It helps developers to write code according to the response of the system. By using this practice, everyone on the project gets aligned with each other, building a clear channel of robust communication.
The most important thing about BDD is that it focuses on a language that is easily understandable to everyone. This is a great advantage because having everyone on the same page helps to build a strong collaboration in the team. By understanding the behavior of the feature collectively, everyone tries to plan their development actions in line with the major goal. This not only fosters good communication, but also ensures to write tests accurately keeping in view the behavior of the software.
How to Perform BDD?
Behavioral Driven Development is a collaborative approach in which every team understands the core goal and works according to it with each other. It helps to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical professionals by describing the test objectives in clear understandable terms. By using various examples and scenarios, BDD helps teams to write code according to the system behavior and user needs.
To better understand how the BDD approach works, take a look at the step-by-step explanation given below. It will let you understand how systematically this testing process runs, keeping in view the behavior of the software.
1. Identify Features
At the start, developers need to identify features that need to be built properly. It is recommended to study them one-by-one, so that a better understanding can be made for each feature. You can also prioritize some of them to put more focus, as that helps to designate resources accurately.
2. Create Scenarios
Next, you will need to create scenarios and acceptance conditions for each functionality. In this step, it is advised to collaborate with all stakeholders involved in the project. It will allow everyone to come on the same page and propose solutions with mutual agreement.
3. Write Code
As per the scenarios studied and functionalities decided above, you’ll now need to write code to bring them to reality. In this phase, keep in mind the acceptance conditions that have been set for them. The code you write should pass them properly, otherwise you won’t be able to proceed further.
4. Create Automated Test Cases
To check the viability of the code written, you will now need to create automated test scripts according to the scenarios defined above. It can be done by using various BDD frameworks such as Cucumber, SpecFlow and more.
5. Run Tests
Now, you will need to run the automated test to check whether the code is giving the output according to the expected behavior. If the code gives the exact same result as expected, then you can move to the final refactoring phase, otherwise have to go back to correct the defects of the code.
6. Refactor the Code
After getting the desired output, optimize the code with the needed improvements. Make sure to do everything while maintaining the viability of the functionalities stated above. It is the core benchmark you need to follow while executing the entire BDD process.
Benefits of BDD
Builds Collaboration
BDD enables all participating teams to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project. It helps to foster seamless communication, so that everyone can work on the project collectively. By integrating teams into the product development cycle, BDD ensures alignment across all stakeholders. Its use of easily understandable language allows teams to efficiently formulate behavior scenarios.
Cost Effective
BDD is a cost-effective process because it helps to correct code quality in advance by analyzing the behavior of the system. With this approach, the maintenance cost of the software becomes less, making minimal overheads for the stakeholders.
Fulfills User Needs
BDD enables developers to effectively meet business requirements. It leads to increased user satisfaction and a more trusted approach towards development. As the name suggests, BDD emphasizes system behavior over implementation, ensuring a user-centric approach. The consistent delivery of user-driven features enhances developer confidence and reinforces trust in the development process.
What is Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD)?
In the Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD) methodology, the development process begins with the creation of a single acceptance test. This test serves as a representation of the expected system behavior, ensuring that the implemented functionality aligns with user requirements. By defining the acceptance criteria upfront, ATDD fosters a shared understanding among developers, testers, and business stakeholders.
ATDD primarily emphasizes validating the functional behavior of the system rather than its underlying implementation. The acceptance test acts as a guiding framework for mobile app development, driving the team to work on the functionality according to the given scenario. This approach not only enhances code quality but also streamlines the feedback loop between all the involved teams. As a result, ATDD contributes to a user-centric development process, ensuring that each feature is built after meeting an acceptance test.
How to Perform ATDD?
The good thing about Acceptance Test-Driven Development is that it proceeds with the agreement of all stakeholders. From developers to testers and business analysts, ATDD ensures to take a view of all the parties before starting the development process. That is how a strong consensus is built between everyone, enhancing the code quality and overall output at the end.
If you want to know how the ATDD process works, here’s a quick explanation given below. It will give you a structured overview of the whole process that is quite easy to understand.
1. Define User Stories
First up, you need to collaborate with all the stakeholders that are involved in the project. Based on their ideas, you will need to document all the scenarios in which different functionalities are defined from the perspective of users.
2. Write Acceptance Criteria
Next, you will need to define the acceptance criteria for each story documented above. This will define the conditions that must be fulfilled before completing each test. Every developer will then need to write code keeping in view the criteria, as that will help them to develop each feature correctly.
3. Conduct Reviews
Engage with stakeholders and conduct reviews to learn whether the acceptance criteria defined above fulfill the core objectives. This will bring further clarity, letting you know that the acceptance criteria have been perfectly outlined.
4. Write Code
Developers are now required to write code to implement the functionality defined in the above acceptance test criteria. Creating a logic for that will be relatively easy in this stage, as developers already know the conditions required to pass the test.
5. Execute Acceptance Test
Now, you will need to execute the acceptance test to check whether the created functionality meets the defined criteria or not. This will also check the efficiency of the code, letting you know how much optimization it needs further.
6. Optimize Code
After clearing the acceptance test, refactor your code and optimize it with the required improvements. The code optimization should be carefully done while ensuring the functionality still passes the acceptance test.
Benefits of ATDD
Focuses on Client Needs
Acceptance Test-Driven Development establishes user acceptance criteria as the cornerstone of the development process. By defining expected outcomes upfront, ATDD enables developers to comprehensively visualize the final product, leading to more efficient coding practices. This methodology emphasizes the end user’s needs at every stage, compelling developers to approach development from the customer’s perspective.
Fast Resolution of Issues
Testing plays a critical role in the software development lifecycle. It requires multiple iterations to ensure that the implemented code aligns with predefined expectations. Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD) facilitates early issue detection and resolution, enabling developers to address potential defects at the initial stages of development.
Strengthens Collaboration
Collaboration starts as soon as the user story is defined and continues until the developed code meets the acceptance criteria. Acceptance Test-Driven Development fosters seamless cooperation among all the stakeholders of the project. By leveraging well-defined acceptance criteria, all team members gain a clear understanding of the objectives, ensuring more effective fulfillment of requirements.
Easily Manageable
A small team is sufficient for managing ATDD development due to its iterative nature. Smaller teams are not only easier to assemble but also tend to be more experienced and possess specialized skills relevant to the ATDD process. Additionally, the ATDD approach simplifies infrastructure and resource management compared to larger development teams.
Final Words
That brings us to the end of this blog in which we have discussed key differences between ATDD, TDD and BDD software testing approaches. Being a developer, it is important for you to understand different types of testing practices. It helps you to streamline the development process by finding issues in the functionalities and backend code in real-time before deployment. By using the practices defined above, you ensure that the software development is on the right path, delivering accurate results for each test. It not only helps to find the hidden issues timely, but also makes sure to put forward the most efficient version of the software in the deployment phase.
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