Overview
Want to master Behavior-Driven Development through practical examples? This by-example guide teaches BDD through annotated code and scenario examples organized by complexity level.
What Is BDD By-Example Learning?
BDD by-example learning is a code-first approach where you learn through practical implementations of BDD scenarios and frameworks rather than narrative explanations. Each example shows:
- Gherkin scenarios - Natural language specifications that stakeholders can read
- Working code - Runnable step definitions and test implementations
- Framework integration - How BDD fits into real testing workflows
- Production patterns - Proven approaches from industry leaders
This approach is ideal for developers and testers who want to implement effective collaboration through executable specifications.
Learning Path
The BDD by-example tutorial guides you through examples organized into three progressive levels, from basic Gherkin syntax to enterprise-scale BDD implementations.
Coverage Philosophy
This by-example guide provides practical coverage of BDD through annotated examples. The focus is on implementing BDD workflows, not just theory.
What’s Covered
- Gherkin fundamentals - Given-When-Then, scenarios, features, backgrounds
- Step definitions - Mapping natural language to executable code
- Data-driven scenarios - Scenario outlines, example tables, data tables
- Framework integration - Cucumber (Java/JavaScript), SpecFlow (.NET), Behave (Python)
- Production patterns - Page Object Model, API testing, database testing, CI/CD integration
- Advanced BDD - Microservices scenarios, event-driven BDD, living documentation
What’s NOT Covered
- Manual testing techniques (see testing fundamentals for manual approaches)
- Unit testing details (see TDD tutorial for unit testing focus)
- Framework-specific advanced features beyond common patterns
Prerequisites
- Programming experience in at least one language (Java, JavaScript, Python, or C#)
- Basic understanding of automated testing concepts
- Familiarity with web applications and APIs
Structure of Each Example
Every example follows a consistent format:
- Brief Explanation: What BDD concept the example demonstrates
- Gherkin Scenario: Natural language specification
- Annotated Code: Step definitions with inline comments
- Example Execution: How the test runs and what it validates
- Key Takeaway: The core BDD principle to retain
This structure provides specification, implementation, and understanding all in one place.