Behavior Driven Development
Behavior Driven Development (BDD) is a software development methodology that extends Test-Driven Development (TDD) by emphasizing collaboration between developers, QA, and non-technical stakeholders. It focuses on defining software behavior through concrete examples written in natural language, typically using a Given-When-Then format, to ensure all parties share a common understanding of requirements. BDD tools like Cucumber or SpecFlow automate these behavior specifications as executable tests that guide development.
Developers should use BDD when building complex applications where clear communication between technical and business teams is critical, such as in agile projects with evolving requirements or regulatory environments needing precise documentation. It helps prevent misunderstandings by creating living documentation that describes system behavior in plain language, reduces rework from misinterpreted specs, and ensures features meet actual business needs through automated acceptance tests.