Welcome to the tutorial on working with background steps in Cucumber. Background steps allow you to define common steps that are executed before each scenario in a feature file. This helps in reducing repetitive code and maintaining the clarity of your test scenarios.
Example
Let's consider an example where you have a feature file for testing a login functionality:
Feature: User Login
Background:
Given the user is on the login page
And the user has entered valid credentials
Scenario: Successful Login
When the user clicks the Login button
Then the user should be redirected to the home page
Scenario: Invalid Login
When the user clicks the Login button
Then an error message should be displayed
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Steps to Use Background Steps
Follow these steps to work with background steps in Cucumber:
1. Define the Background
In your feature file, use the Background: keyword to define the common steps that need to be executed before each scenario. These steps will be shared across multiple scenarios.
2. Implement Background Steps
Create step definitions for the background steps. These step definitions should match the steps defined in the background section of your feature file.
3. Execution Flow
During the execution of your feature file, the background steps will be executed before each scenario. This ensures that the preconditions defined in the background section are met before running each scenario.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to define the
Background:keyword before the common steps. - Not implementing the step definitions for the background steps.
- Using background steps that are not actually required or do not represent a common setup for all scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I have multiple background sections in a feature file?
No, a feature file can have only one background section. It is intended to define common setup steps that apply to all scenarios.
2. Can I use scenario-specific steps in the background section?
No, the background section should only contain steps that are common to all scenarios. Scenario-specific steps should be defined within the individual scenarios.
3. What happens if a step in the background section fails?
If a step in the background section fails, the corresponding scenario will be marked as failed. The execution of the subsequent scenarios will continue.
4. Can I use scenario outline with background steps?
Yes, you can use scenario outline with background steps. The background steps will be executed for each example in the scenario outline.
5. Can I skip background steps for a specific scenario?
No, background steps are designed to be executed before each scenario. If you want to skip certain steps, consider using scenario-specific steps instead.
Summary
Background steps in Cucumber allow you to define common steps that are executed before each scenario in a feature file. By using background steps, you can reduce code duplication and ensure consistent test execution. Remember to define the background section, implement the step definitions, and understand the execution flow. Avoid common mistakes such as missing the background keyword or using unnecessary background steps.