Utilizing Cucumber Testing to Deliver Quality App Experiences

The behavior-driven approach in software development is among the revolutionary techniques shaping software testing currently. Software testing is a critical part of the app and software development process, which detects and addresses any issues and defects in the development process. Developers use varying software testing tools for this purpose.

Cucumber testing is among such valuable tools for testing software in today’s business environment. Cucumber testing utilizes the principle of behavior-driven development or BDD to try and qualify software. Software testing is a fundamental process of creating reliable and error-free software. Cucumber testing enhances the process of evaluating and verifying the efficiency of software with impressive results.

This article evaluates Cucumber testing as a fundamental technique in identifying defects and flaws and improving the overall quality of a system. The report further examines the role of Cucumber testing in advancing app performance and overall app experience.

What is Cucumber Testing?

The Cucumber testing approach is a tool that assists developers in attaining high-level results in software testing. The Cucumber testing tool helps developers test apps and software under varying scenarios. This approach allows near-perfect conclusions on whether the software meets the intended functionality. The testing process takes a particular focus on the software’s behavior under each of the set circumstances.

Cucumber testing tools are often written in natural language and are simple to understand and use. This makes the application of the testing tool easy, even for people who may be non-experts. Its easy-to-use Cucumber testing assesses software’s functionality and behavior, such as incorrect passwords. The program detects any circumstances or scenarios a potential user may encounter.

While there are many ways of testing software, Cucumber testing has grown in popularity. The popularity is partly because Cucumber testing allows developers to collaborate with other stakeholders to build more correct/accessible applications. But also, because of the process, the approach is among the few that clearly understand each software’s behavior.

Most developers prefer Cucumber testing because, unlike most other tools, it helps minimize misunderstanding and reduces the need for lengthy comparisons of the respective codes. Over the years, this tool has also gained traction among developers, given its ease of maintenance and flexibility.

The primary purpose of Cucumber testing is to assist the team in quickly communicating the behavior of software and applications.

General Benefits of Cucumber Testing

Cucumber tests are easier to change compared to most traditional code tests. Collaborators also consider Cucumber tests less likely to break when instances of changes in codes occur. As such, there could be various great benefits associated with Cucumber.

1.   Cucumber Testing Enhances Communication Among Team Members

Developers often face a huge challenge associated with communication during the testing process. With Cucumber testing, this is no longer such a big concern considering the apparent improvements in communication witnessed.

2.   Straightforward Discussions About Codes

Lengthy discussions around codes can affect the timely delivery of high-quality software. However, this conversation is usually unavoidable, considering the delicate nature of coding. Luckily with Cucumber testing, developers and collaborators need not waste so much time discussing codes. 

3.   It is Easy to Shift from Traditional Bases Tests to Modern Tests

With Cucumber testing, developers can quickly change from standard code-based tests to current testing approaches.

4.   Flexibility and Ease

The other more important benefit of Cucumber testing is the flexibility of use. Users can utilize the tool with impressive flexibility and incredible ease.

The Cucumber Testing Tools vs. Traditional Testing

Users needed help with relying entirely on traditional methods of testing in the past. Cucumber testing differs significantly from conventional testing methods. The testing approach adopts behavior-driven development approaches. On the other hand, conventional testing approaches adopt the typical code-based approach. 

The other difference between Cucumber testing and traditional code testing is the level of consistency. Cucumber testing stands out, given that the codes used in this case rarely break. However, in conventional testing, there’s always a risk of the principles constantly breaking.

The Elements of Cucumber Testing

Cucumber testing has unique features that set it apart from traditional testing options. Here are some of the main elements salient in the Cucumber testing framework.

• Features

Feature in Cucumber testing refers to the specific part of the software being tested. Some of the features include logging into an account. The details in the segment include the name, the keyword, and the description.

A feature file in Cucumber testing may also refer to the entry point to the Cucumber tests. This is an essential part of the Cucumber testing process since it serves as the entry point into the testing process.

• Scenarios

Scenarios in the Cucumber testing process refer to the steps the developer and the customer undertake during testing. You can apply as many scenarios as possible during testing. The different techniques, in this case, allow the developer to decide which elements in the testing process they can improve on to enhance software quality.

• Steps

Steps should always be distinct from scenarios. Grades refer to the circumstances of the system. The events may refer to the given, which describes the initial condition of the variable. The framework comprises the Given, when, and then format. The three features define the state, the action, and the results.  

• Tags

The Cucumber testing approach also encompasses tags. Tags refer to the familiar prefixes that help keep the testing process well-organized. Each scenario can therefore be defined with a helpful tag. You only need to specify the tag names in the Cucumber option.

How Cucumber Option Enhances User Experience

Generally, Cucumber testing is one of the few user-focused options in the market today. While the testing tool requires some initial setup, it’s one of the most potent options once the design is complete. Here’s how Cucumber testing enhances user experience.

•  High-Quality Testing

Every software user describes quality as the topmost focus when considering different options in the market. Through testing Cucumber, tools help users identify bugs and other issues that may affect the software during development. Once the tools identify and address such possible defects, the overall user experience is highly enhanced.

• Increases Collaboration Among Users 

Collaboration is a crucial facet in the assessment of software testing tools. Compared to other means available, Cucumber testing is enhanced by having a common language and a uniquely shared framework for testing scenarios.

•  Automated Testing for A Better User Experience

Automation currently sets Cucumber testing apart from other similar options. Users prefer a software testing tool that’s fully automated to enable frequent and error-free testing options.  Automating the testing tools eliminates the need for constant testing in most manual options.

•  Easy to Maintain

A critical element for any testing tool should be its ability to ensure maintainability. Users prefer a tool that allows for the separation of the specific test cases from the existing codes. Users of Cucumber testing kits rarely worry about the probability of obsolesce, given the inherent ability to maintain tests notable with Cucumber testing.

• Reusability

Further, Cucumber testing greatly enhances reusability. Users can create reusable tests with this tool, which can be used across different projects. The reusability of the tests reduces the actual effort required for testing regardless of the number of projects.

Final Remarks

Cucumber testing is among the leading testing and automation tools globally currently. The device offers exceptional community support, reusability, maintainability, and increased collaboration. All these are on top of the integration capacity salient.

As the Cucumber testing tool grows in popularity, more companies are looking to try out this tool. If you are searching for an automation testing tool that suits your needs for mobile applications, then Kobiton has the solution for you. Contact us today to learn more.