What is TDD, how it is different from BDD?
Answer
Hey there! Let’s dive into the concepts of TDD and BDD in a simple and straightforward way.
First, TDD stands for Test-Driven Development. It’s a software development approach where you write tests before writing the actual code. The process follows a cycle: write a test for a specific functionality, run it (it fails since there’s no code yet), write the minimal code to make the test pass, and then refactor the code to improve it. This ensures that every piece of code is tested and works as expected from the start. It’s very developer-focused and centers on the technical correctness of the code at a unit level.
On the other hand, BDD, or Behavior-Driven Development, takes a broader perspective. It builds on TDD but focuses on the behavior of the application from the user’s point of view. In BDD, developers, testers, and non-technical stakeholders collaborate to define the desired behavior using plain language (often in a format like “Given-When-Then”). These descriptions are then turned into automated tests. Unlike TDD, which is more about low-level code testing, BDD emphasizes communication and ensuring the software meets business needs and user expectations.
To wrap it up, the key difference is the focus: TDD is about writing tests to guide coding at a technical level, while BDD is about defining and testing the behavior of the system as a whole, involving everyone in the process. If you’re new to coding, starting with TDD can help you build solid code, and as you grow, exploring BDD can help align your work with real-world user needs.
Interesting Fact: Did you know that BDD was introduced by Dan North in 2003 as a way to make TDD more accessible to non-developers by focusing on behavior and plain-language scenarios?