What is ATDD

Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD) is a development approach that brings developers, testers, and business stakeholders together. The idea behind ATDD is simple: write acceptance tests before building a feature to ensure everyone is on the same page about what the feature should do.

By getting input from all sides early in the process, ATDD helps ensure the final product meets business goals, improves quality, and reduces misunderstandings. This leads to quicker feedback and helps teams deliver software that solves the right problems.

This article will dive deeper into understanding ATDD.

What is acceptance test-driven development (ATDD)

These tests, written in simple, understandable language, focus on what the feature should do from the user’s point of view. The goal is to ensure everyone involved, whether they’re developers, testers, or business stakeholders, agrees on the feature’s requirements upfront.

ATDD encourages collaboration among developers, testers, and business stakeholders to clearly define the acceptance criteria—the conditions a feature must meet to be considered complete.

These criteria are automated acceptance tests describing how the system should behave in different scenarios. Writing these tests early helps avoid misunderstandings, ensures the team is aligned and allows for quick validation when the feature is ready.

Once the tests are written, developers use them as a guide to build the feature. After development, the tests are run to check that everything works as expected, helping catch issues early and ensuring the feature meets the defined requirements.

Example:

Suppose you’re developing a feature that allows users to update their profile information on a website.

Here’s how the acceptance test might look:

Test Scenario:

• Provided the user is logged into their account,
• When they update their email address to a valid new one,
• Then, they should see a confirmation message saying “Your email has been updated successfully.”

Before any code is written, the team agrees on these acceptance criteria and creates the test. The developers then write the code for the profile update feature, ensuring it meets the criteria.

Once the code is complete, the test is run to verify that the email update works as expected and that the confirmation message appears. This ensures that the feature behaves as expected from the user’s perspective, providing confidence that the right functionality has been built.

Importance of ATDD

Here’s why ATDD is important:

• Clear Communication: Since everyone (developers, testers, and business people) agrees on the requirements upfront, there’s no confusion about what needs to be built. It’s like everyone being on the same page before starting a project.
• Fewer Mistakes: By defining how the software should behave in advance, you avoid misunderstandings that can lead to bugs or features that don’t meet user needs. It’s much easier to fix problems early than when they’ve already been built into the system.
• Better Quality: With a clear understanding of the requirements, it’s easier to write tests to confirm the software works correctly. ATDD helps catch problems early so the final product is more reliable.
• Faster Development: Even though it might seem like you’re spending more time upfront, ATDD saves time in the long run because it prevents rework. There are fewer surprises later on, and developers spend less time fixing things that weren’t clear in the beginning.
• Customer Satisfaction: Since the customers are involved in setting the expectations, the final product is more likely to meet their needs. It’s like building precisely what they asked for, with no guesswork involved.

In short, ATDD is about teamwork, clear goals, and delivering software that works the way everyone expects, which makes the whole process smoother and more efficient.

Who performs ATDD

ATDD is performed by a team that includes:

1. Developers write the code to make the software work as expected.
2. Testers create and run tests to check if the software behaves correctly.
3. Business Stakeholders can be the product owner or anyone who understands the business needs. They help define what the software should do and make sure it meets the user’s needs.

So, ATDD is a team effort. Everyone works together to ensure the software is built right from the start.

Understanding the ATDD Cycle

The ATDD cycle consists of four stages: Discuss, Distill, Develop, and Demo. Each stage ensures the software is developed according to the customer’s needs and expectations.

Here are details about each stage:

1. Discuss – User Story

In this stage, the team discusses the user story, which represents what the customer wants to achieve with the software. The focus is on understanding the end goals from the customer’s perspective. This is a collaborative step where developers, testers, and business stakeholders clarify the requirements. The outcome of this stage is a clear, shared understanding of what the software needs to do.

Example: The product owner might say, “We need a feature that allows users to add items to a shopping cart and see the total price immediately.”

2. Distill – Acceptance Test Criteria and Automation

Next, the team distills the information from the discussion into specific acceptance criteria—detailed, testable conditions that describe the behavior the software must exhibit to meet the customer’s needs.

This includes considering various scenarios and how the system should respond under different conditions.

In addition to defining these criteria, the team also considers automating the tests. This helps ensure that the feature works as expected and can be easily tested.

Example: Acceptance tests might include:

• When an item is added to the cart, the total price should update.
• When the cart is empty, the total price should be zero.

3. Develop – Implementation

Now, the team moves to the develop stage, where they begin implementing the feature. The developers follow the Test First Development (TFD) approach, meaning they write tests first and then code to pass those tests.

The goal is to ensure that the software meets the acceptance criteria defined in the previous stage. The feature is developed iteratively, and the tests are run continuously to ensure that each part works as expected.

Example: The developer writes code to ensure that the total price updates when an item is added to the cart. If the test fails, they adjust the code until it passes.

4. Demo – Prototype Model

In the final stage, the team demonstrates the working feature to the business stakeholders. This is a prototype model where the team showcases the feature in action, ensuring it meets the customer’s needs.

After the demo, the team can gather feedback, make adjustments, and proceed with further iterations if the feature requires additional improvements.

Example: The team presents the shopping cart feature to the product owner, showing how the total price updates correctly when items are added or removed. Based on feedback, the team might tweak the feature before final release.

The Discuss, Distill, Develop, and Demo stages in the ATDD cycle help ensure that the software meets the customer’s needs and behaves correctly. Each stage builds on the previous one, creating a collaborative and efficient process for developing high-quality software.

What is the Test Format for ATDD?

ATDD is about ensuring everyone is on the same page about what needs to be built and how it will work and testing it automatically to ensure it works as expected. After the development and tests, the feature is shown to stakeholders for final approval. Below isa detailed insight into the test format.

User Story

A user story explains what a user needs from the product, focusing on what they want to do and why.

• Why it’s important: It helps the development team understand the user’s perspective and ensures the feature is being built for the right purpose.
• How it’s written: User stories are usually written in this format:

"As a [user type], I want to [action] so that [benefit]."

Example:

As a customer, I want to check my account balance so that I can know how much money I have available.

Acceptance Criteria

Acceptance criteria define what must happen for the feature to be considered complete and working as expected.

• Why it’s important: These criteria ensure the feature works correctly and give the development and testing teams a clear idea of what needs to be done.
• How it’s written: Often written in simple, clear Given-When-Then steps.

Example:

• Given the user is logged in
• When they visit the dashboard
• Then they should see their account balance displayed

Test Scenarios

Test scenarios are situations based on the acceptance criteria, outlining how the system should behave in different situations.

Scenarios test the system under different conditions to ensure everything works correctly. They also help identify edge cases (unusual situations that could break the system).

Examples:

• Scenario 1: The user is logged in and views the dashboard → The account balance is shown.
• Scenario 2: The user is logged out → The account balance is not shown.
• Scenario 3: The user has insufficient balance → An alert message appears.

Automation

Automating the acceptance tests means the system will run them automatically, ensuring everything works as expected every time code is added or changed.

• Why it’s important: Automation saves time and ensures that new changes don’t break things already working.
• How it works: Automated tests run through the same Given-When-Then steps written earlier to check if the system behaves as it should.

Example:

Each test scenario (like the one for checking the account balance) is automatically checked every time new code is added, ensuring everything still works correctly.

Demo

After the feature is built and all the tests pass, the feature is demoed to the stakeholders (like business owners or product managers).

• Why it’s important: This step allows stakeholders to give feedback and ensure the feature works as expected before it’s released.
• How it works: During the demo, the feature is shown in action, and stakeholders can interact to confirm that everything works as intended.

Example:

In the demo, the user logs in, goes to the dashboard, and checks that the account balance shows up correctly.

How to Perform ATDD

To perform ATDD, define the user story to explain what the user wants. Then, create acceptance criteria to set clear expectations. Next, test scenarios should be developed to make sure everything works in different situations.

Automate the tests to save time and check everything automatically. Finally, demo the feature to stakeholders for feedback before it’s finished.

Have a look at the below pointers to understand in detail :

Step 1: Define the User Story:

The first step is to write a crisp user story. This is a short description of the user’s wants and why. It helps everyone understand the goal of the feature. For example, a user story might be: “As a customer, I want to check my account balance so I can know how much money I have.”

Step 2: Set Acceptance Criteria:

Next, you define acceptance criteria. These are the specific conditions that must be met for the feature to be considered finished and working correctly. For example, the acceptance criteria might be: “If the user is logged in and goes to the dashboard, they should see their account balance.” These criteria make it clear what’s expected.

Step 3: Create Test Scenarios

Now, you create test scenarios based on the acceptance criteria. These are different situations that need to be tested to ensure the feature works as it should. For example, you might test, “If the user is logged out, the balance should not show,” or “If the user has no money, an alert should appear.” These scenarios cover all possible cases to ensure the feature is ready for all situations.

Step 4: Automate the Tests

Once the test scenarios are ready, you automate them. This means setting up tests that run automatically every time new code is added to ensure nothing breaks. Automation helps speed up the process and ensures everything works correctly as new changes are made.

Step 5: Demo the Feature

After the feature is built and tests pass, a demo is conducted for stakeholders, like product managers, to ensure it works as expected. They review the feature in action, confirm functionality, and provide feedback before finalization.

Examples of ATDD

Here is a simple example of how ATDD works in practice, from writing the user story to testing and demoing the feature.

Step 1: Describe the user’s need simply.
Example: “As a user, I want to see my shopping cart total so I know how much to pay before checkout.”

Step 2: Set clear conditions for when the feature is “done.”
Example: Given items are in the cart, When the user views it, Then the total price is displayed at the bottom.

Step 3: List test cases for different situations.
Example:

• Items added: Total price shown.
• Empty cart: Total is $0.
• Quantity updated: Total adjusts.

Step 4: Use tools like Cucumber to run tests automatically, ensuring accuracy after updates.

Step 5: Show stakeholders how the cart total displays properly, confirming it meets requirements.

Popular ATDD Frameworks

Below are some popular frameworks for Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD):

1. FitNesse

FitNesse is a popular web-based framework for collaboration between developers, testers, and business stakeholders. It uses a simple table format to describe tests in plain language, making it easier for non-technical users to understand and participate in the testing process.

Advantages:

• Collaborative: User-friendly interface enables input from both technical and non-technical members.
• Flexible: Customizable test fixtures and logic adapt to various testing needs.
• Organized: Combines documentation and testing in one environment.

Limitations:

• Learning Curve: Initial setup can be challenging for beginners.
• Limited Modern Support: May lack integrations with newer languages and technologies.

2. Cucumber

Cucumber is one of the most widely used frameworks for ATDD. It allows writing tests in Gherkin syntax, a a simple, natural language that is easy for everyone to understand. The tests describe application behavior in a clear and executable way.

Advantages:

• Readability: Cucumber uses Gherkin language (Given-When-Then), making writing and understanding test cases easy, even for non-developers.
• Wide language support: It supports many programming languages, such as Java, Ruby, and JavaScript, allowing it to integrate well into different development environments.
• Active community and integrations: Cucumber has a large community that integrates with many tools and CI/CD pipelines.

Limitations:

• Initial setup complexity: Getting started with Cucumber can require some configuration, especially for those new to BDD or ATDD.
• Performance: For large-scale projects, Cucumber’s execution speed might not be as fast asthat of other frameworks like Robot Framework or SpecFlow.

3. Robot Framework

Robot Framework is an open-source automation framework that is versatile and easy to use. It is mainly used for acceptance testing and robotic process automation (RPA), using a keyword-driven approach to create tests.

Advantages:

• Keyword-driven approach: Tests are written using plain English keywords, which is easy for non-developers to understand.
• Extensive library support: Robot Framework has many libraries and tools for web, database, and mobile testing.
• Flexible and adaptable: It can work with other testing tools and be extended with Python or Java.”

Limitations:

• Initial Setup: The framework might require some setup and configuration, especially for complex scenarios.
• Not as user-friendly for beginners: While the keyword-driven approach is simple, the setup can be tricky for first-time users.

4. SpecFlow

SpecFlow is a .NET-based framework for BDD and ATDD that enables writing tests in Gherkin syntax (similar to Cucumber). It integrates directly into Visual Studio, making it ideal for teams working in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Advantages:

• Seamless Visual Studio integration: SpecFlow integrates well with Visual Studio, which is great for .NET developers.
• Gherkin syntax support: It uses the same Given-When-Then format as Cucumber, making it easy for non-technical users to participate.
• Strong support for .NET: It works well in .NET environments and integrates with many other .NET testing tools and frameworks.

Limitations:

• Limited to .NET ecosystem: SpecFlow is designed for the .NET environment, making it less suitable for teams using other programming languages.
• Steeper learning curve for beginners: While SpecFlow is a powerful tool, it may take some time for new users to get used to writing and running tests.

5. Gauge

Gauge is an open-source test automation framework created by ThoughtWorks, designed for writing readable and maintainable tests. It supports multiple languages (Java, Ruby, C#, etc.) and integrates with other testing tools for flexible test automation.

Advantages:

• Readable and maintainable tests: Gauge writes test specifications in Markdown, making them simple to read and maintain.
• Flexible language support: It supports multiple programming languages, making it a versatile choice for different teams.
• Parallel execution: Gauge supports parallel test execution, speeding up the testing process for large test suites.

Limitations:

• Smaller community: Compared to Cucumber, Gauge has a smaller user base and less community support.
• Learning curve: While the syntax is simple, the framework can be more difficult to set up and configure than other tools.

Talk to an Expert

Similarities between TDD vs BDD vs ATDD

TDD, BDD, and ATDD are all approaches that help teams develop better software by ensuring the product works as expected.

While each has its unique focus, they share several key principles:

• Collaboration: They all encourage teamwork between developers, testers, and business people to ensure the software meets everyone’s needs.
• Test-first: In all three methods, tests are written before the code, helping developers know exactly what the software should do.
• Improved quality: They help catch problems early and ensure the software behaves correctly, leading to higher quality.
• Clear requirements: All three methods ensure everyone understands the goals and requirements before coding begins.
• Automated testing: They all use automated tests to quickly check if everything is working, saving time and reducing errors.
• Continuous feedback: Each approach provides feedback throughout development, allowing teams to spot and fix issues immediately.

They all aim to create software that works well and meets user expectations, just with slightly different focuses and techniques.

Differences Between TDD, BDD, and ATDD

TDD, BDD, and ATDD are all software development practices that involve testing, but each has a different approach and focus.

Below is a comparison of their key differences:

Best Practices for ATDD

To get the most out of Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD), it’s important to follow best practices that help ensure your tests are effective.

Here are some key practices:

• Involve All Stakeholders Early: ATDD works best when developers, testers, and business stakeholders collaborate from the start. This ensures everyone understands the requirements and expectations.
• Write Clear, Understandable User Stories: Make sure user stories are simple, clear, and easy for technical and non-technical team members to understand. Use the “As a [user], I want [ feature ] so that [benefit]” format to keep them focused on user needs.
• Define Acceptance Criteria Together: Acceptance criteria should be written with input from both developers and business stakeholders. Use “Given-When-Then” scenarios to make the requirements easy to test and verify.
• Automate Early: Start automating your acceptance tests as soon as the criteria are defined. This ensures quick feedback on whether the software meets business requirements and can help with regression testing later.
• Keep Tests Simple and Focused: Make sure each test covers one specific behavior or scenario. Avoid complex tests that might be hard to maintain or understand.
• Review Tests Regularly: Review your tests frequently to ensure they stay relevant and reflect any changes in the business requirements. This helps avoid outdated tests and ensures the software continues to meet user needs.
• Use Continuous Integration (CI): Integrate automated tests into your CI pipeline. Running tests with each code change gives immediate feedback, helping catch issues early.
• Make Tests Understandable for Non-Developers: Write tests so that even non-technical stakeholders can read and understand them. This keeps everyone on the same page about what’s being tested and ensures the business requirements are met.

By following these practices, you can ensure that your ATDD process runs smoothly, helping create software that meets user and business expectations.

Testing on Real Devices with BrowserStack

When building apps, testing them on real devices is important to ensure they work well across different platforms. BrowserStack makes this easy by letting you test on thousands of real devices and browsers.

Here’s why it’s helpful:

• Real Devices: Test on actual phones, tablets, and computers to get a more accurate result, not just simulations.
• Cross-Browser Compatibility: Check how your app works across different browsers (like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari) to ensure consistency for all users.
• Automated Tests: Automate your tests so they run every time you make changes, saving time and reducing mistakes.
• Test on Multiple Devices: Run tests on several devices simultaneously, speeding up the process and getting quicker results.
• Instant Results: Get immediate feedback on how your app is performing so you can fix problems fast.
• Easy Debugging: If there’s an issue, BrowserStack has tools to help you figure out what went wrong and fix it immediately.

By testing on real devices with BrowserStack, you can ensure your app works smoothly and reliably, regardless of your users’ device.

Try BrowserStack Now

Conclusion

Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD) is a way to ensure that the software you build meets the user’s needs.

It brings developers, testers, and business teams to agree on the requirements. This helps catch any problems early, ensuring the product works as expected. The focus is on building software that satisfies business needs and user expectations, with automated tests ensuring it’s done right.