Search icon CANCEL
Subscription
0
Cart icon
Your Cart (0 item)
Close icon
You have no products in your basket yet
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
Cucumber Cookbook
Cucumber Cookbook

Cucumber Cookbook: Over 35 hands-on recipes to efficiently master the art of behaviour-driven development using Cucumber-JVM

eBook
$24.99 $35.99
Paperback
$43.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital eBook copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

Cucumber Cookbook

Chapter 2. Creating Step Definitions

In this chapter, we will cover the following topics:

  • Creating your first Step Definitions file
  • Identifying duplicate and Ambiguous Step Definitions
  • Using regular expressions to optimize Step Definitions
  • Using Optional Capture/Noncapture groups
  • Transforming Data Tables to parse the test data
  • Implementing Data Table diffs to compare tables
  • Using Doc Strings to parse big data as one chunk
  • Combining Doc Strings and Scenario Outlines
  • Defining String transformations for better conversions

Introduction

Sometimes people who are not that well versed in Cucumber argue that creating a Step Definitions file is an overhead as compared to the frameworks that do not have Cucumber. But what they don't realize is that Cucumber auto-generates these Step Definitions, so it's not an overhead. With the knowledge of the concepts covered in this chapter, you will be able to write very effective and efficient Step Definitions.

In this chapter, we will start with the basic concepts of Glue Code/Step Definitions in detail by covering the different types of Step Definitions, the usage of regular expressions, and so on. To come up with optimized and efficient Step Definitions, we will also elaborate upon advanced concepts of Doc Strings, Data Table transformations, and Capture groups.

Creating your first Step Definitions file

Now let's assume you are an automation developer and you have to implement automated test cases for a Feature file. The next Step in this direction would be to write the Step Definitions for this Feature file. So, how do we write Step Definitions in a Cucumber project? Let's see how to do this in this recipe.

How to do it…

The easiest way to create Step Definitions is to let Cucumber take care of it. The Steps are as follows:

  1. Here is the Feature file used in our previous chapter. Let's use this Feature file to create our first Step Definitions:
    Feature: login Page
      In order to test login page
      As a Registered user
      I want to specify the login conditions
    
      Scenario: checking pre-condition, action and results
        Given user is on Application landing page
        When user clicks Sign in button
        Then user is on login screen
  2. When you save the Feature file and run (either via Eclipse or via a Terminal), Cucumber is going to give errors...

Identifying Duplicate and Ambiguous Step Definitions

Sometimes when we are writing Cucumber Step Definitions files, we get either Duplicate Step Definitions errors or Ambiguous Step Definitions errors. Let's try and understand the reasons why these errors arise, and how we can remove them through this recipe.

How to do it…

We will use the same Feature file from previous recipe. Perform the following Steps:

  1. Let's create one more class in the StepDefinitions package, called DuplicateAmbiguous.java, with the following content:
    package com.StepDefinitions;
    
    import cucumber.api.java.en.Given;
    
    public class DuplicateAmbiguous {
      
      //Duplicate Steps
      @Given("^user is on Application landing page$")
      public void user_is_on_Application_landing_page_duplicate() throws Throwable {
        //sample code goes here
        System.out.println("Duplicate");
      }
    
    }

    When you try to run the Feature file, observe the Cucumber output:

    Exception in thread "main" cucumber.runtime...

Using Regular Expressions to optimize Step Definitions

Until now, we have created Step Definitions with one-to-one relations with Steps. But this way of writing Step Definitions can be cumbersome as we write more and more Feature files. So, we will write generic Step Definitions that will apply to all the Steps that follow a certain pattern, thus bringing down the number of Step Definitions required. Let's see how to do this in this recipe.

How to do it…

  1. Let's assume we are writing Step Definitions for the following Scenario.
    Scenario: login fail - wrong username
        Given user is displayed login screen
        When user enters "wrongusername" in username field
        And user enters "123456" in password field
        And user clicks Sign in button
  2. Now run the Feature file, and copy and paste the Cucumber Step Definitions suggestions in the LoginSteps.java class. This is how LoginSteps.java looks:
    package com.StepDefinitions;
    
    import cucumber.api.java.en.Given;
    import...

Using Optional Capture and Noncapture Groups

Until now, we have covered how to write Step Definitions for various keywords in Feature files. Now let's talk about how we can efficiently use Step Definitions for multiple Steps.

Think about a situation where we are testing a positive situation in one Step and a negative situation in some other Step—the only difference in both Steps is just the word "No", while the remaining sentence is same. Based on the knowledge that we have acquired so far, we will write two Step Definitions for these two Steps. But is there a better way of doing this? Let's see how we can do this better in this recipe.

How to do it…

  1. For this recipe, consider the following Scenarios and focus on the highlighted text:
    Scenario: Optional Capture Groups/Alternation
        #positive
        Then I see following dollars in my account
        #negative
        Then I do not see following dollars in my account
       
        Scenario: Optional Non capture Groups
        Given...

Transforming Data Tables to parse the test data

In the previous chapter, we covered how Data Tables can be used to send large sets of data to a single Step. Now let's understand how to handle Data Tables in Step Definitions in this recipe.

How to do it…

  1. Let's assume we are writing Step Definitions for the following Scenario:
    Scenario: Existing user Verification
        Given user is displayed login screen
        Then we verify following user exists
          | Name    | Email           |
          | Shankar | [email protected] |
          | Ram     | [email protected]   |
          | Sham    | [email protected]  |
  2. Now run the Feature file, and copy paste the Cucumber Step Definitions suggestions in the LoginSteps.java class. These are the additional Steps in LoginSteps.java:
    @Then("^we verify following user exists$")
    public void we_verify_following_user_exists(DataTable arg1) throws Throwable {
        /* Write code here that turns the phrase above into 
        concrete actions
        For automatic transformation...

Introduction


Sometimes people who are not that well versed in Cucumber argue that creating a Step Definitions file is an overhead as compared to the frameworks that do not have Cucumber. But what they don't realize is that Cucumber auto-generates these Step Definitions, so it's not an overhead. With the knowledge of the concepts covered in this chapter, you will be able to write very effective and efficient Step Definitions.

In this chapter, we will start with the basic concepts of Glue Code/Step Definitions in detail by covering the different types of Step Definitions, the usage of regular expressions, and so on. To come up with optimized and efficient Step Definitions, we will also elaborate upon advanced concepts of Doc Strings, Data Table transformations, and Capture groups.

Creating your first Step Definitions file


Now let's assume you are an automation developer and you have to implement automated test cases for a Feature file. The next Step in this direction would be to write the Step Definitions for this Feature file. So, how do we write Step Definitions in a Cucumber project? Let's see how to do this in this recipe.

How to do it…

The easiest way to create Step Definitions is to let Cucumber take care of it. The Steps are as follows:

  1. Here is the Feature file used in our previous chapter. Let's use this Feature file to create our first Step Definitions:

    Feature: login Page
      In order to test login page
      As a Registered user
      I want to specify the login conditions
    
      Scenario: checking pre-condition, action and results
        Given user is on Application landing page
        When user clicks Sign in button
        Then user is on login screen
  2. When you save the Feature file and run (either via Eclipse or via a Terminal), Cucumber is going to give errors for the missing Step...

Identifying Duplicate and Ambiguous Step Definitions


Sometimes when we are writing Cucumber Step Definitions files, we get either Duplicate Step Definitions errors or Ambiguous Step Definitions errors. Let's try and understand the reasons why these errors arise, and how we can remove them through this recipe.

How to do it…

We will use the same Feature file from previous recipe. Perform the following Steps:

  1. Let's create one more class in the StepDefinitions package, called DuplicateAmbiguous.java, with the following content:

    package com.StepDefinitions;
    
    import cucumber.api.java.en.Given;
    
    public class DuplicateAmbiguous {
      
      //Duplicate Steps
      @Given("^user is on Application landing page$")
      public void user_is_on_Application_landing_page_duplicate() throws Throwable {
        //sample code goes here
        System.out.println("Duplicate");
      }
    
    }

    When you try to run the Feature file, observe the Cucumber output:

    Exception in thread "main" cucumber.runtime.DuplicateStepDefinitionException: Duplicate...

Using Regular Expressions to optimize Step Definitions


Until now, we have created Step Definitions with one-to-one relations with Steps. But this way of writing Step Definitions can be cumbersome as we write more and more Feature files. So, we will write generic Step Definitions that will apply to all the Steps that follow a certain pattern, thus bringing down the number of Step Definitions required. Let's see how to do this in this recipe.

How to do it…

  1. Let's assume we are writing Step Definitions for the following Scenario.

    Scenario: login fail - wrong username
        Given user is displayed login screen
        When user enters "wrongusername" in username field
        And user enters "123456" in password field
        And user clicks Sign in button
  2. Now run the Feature file, and copy and paste the Cucumber Step Definitions suggestions in the LoginSteps.java class. This is how LoginSteps.java looks:

    package com.StepDefinitions;
    
    import cucumber.api.java.en.Given;
    import cucumber.api.java.en.When;
    
    public...
Left arrow icon Right arrow icon

Description

This book is intended for business and development personnel who want to use Cucumber for behavior-driven development and test automation. Readers with some familiarity with Cucumber will find this book of most benefit. Since the main objective of this book is to create test automation frameworks, previous experience in automation will be helpful.

Who is this book for?

This book is intended for business and development personnel who want to use Cucumber for behavior-driven development and test automation. Readers with some familiarity with Cucumber will find this book of most benefit.

What you will learn

  • Explore the usage of the Gherkin Language to write meaningful and smart Feature files
  • Understand Scenario, Steps, Backgrounds, Scenario Outlines, and Data Tables
  • Discover the concepts of Glue Code and Step Definitions in detail
  • Gain insights into the different types of Step Definitions, Regular Expressions, Doc Strings, Data Table transformations, and Capture Groups
  • Master the advanced concepts of implementing Tags and Hooks
  • Override default Cucumber options and settings along with different output report formats
  • Run Jenkins and Cucumber from Terminal while running various Cucumber Scenarios in parallel
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to Malaysia

Standard delivery 10 - 13 business days

$8.95

Premium delivery 5 - 8 business days

$45.95
(Includes tracking information)

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Jun 02, 2015
Length: 162 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781785286001
Category :

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital eBook copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to Malaysia

Standard delivery 10 - 13 business days

$8.95

Premium delivery 5 - 8 business days

$45.95
(Includes tracking information)

Product Details

Publication date : Jun 02, 2015
Length: 162 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781785286001
Category :

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
$19.99 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
$199.99 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just $5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
$279.99 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just $5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts

Frequently bought together


Stars icon
Total $ 92.98
Selenium Testing Tools Cookbook Second Edition
$48.99
Cucumber Cookbook
$43.99
Total $ 92.98 Stars icon
Banner background image

Table of Contents

7 Chapters
1. Writing Feature Files Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
2. Creating Step Definitions Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
3. Enabling Fixtures Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
4. Configuring Cucumber Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
5. Running Cucumber Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
6. Building Cucumber Frameworks Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Empty star icon 3.7
(3 Ratings)
5 star 0%
4 star 66.7%
3 star 33.3%
2 star 0%
1 star 0%
Mark Lindsay Aug 21, 2015
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
Cheap and cheerful book - did the job
Amazon Verified review Amazon
S Jul 29, 2015
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
Well written and clearly laid out..You have clearly articulated the Mobile testing and the REST API test aspects
Amazon Verified review Amazon
cappucappu Aug 14, 2015
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon 3
Ich suchte nach einem Buch über Cucumber für Java für fortgeschrittene Anwender und war gespannt auf diese Neuerscheinung. Zwar werden viele Aspekte von Cucumber erwähnt, jedoch ist die Darstellung in Form von "Rezepten" nicht sonderlich gelungen. Die Erläuterungen sind häufig unzureichend und es haben sich auch kleinere Fehler eingeschlichen. Die Formulierungen der Szenarien (die Wort-, Satzwahl sowie der Inhalt) stellen meines Erachtens nach kein gutes Beispiel für gelungene Anforderungsdokumentation dar.Alles in allem hat das sicherlich dazu beigetragen, Wissen über Cucumber für Java zu vermitteln. Sprachlich und didaktisch ist noch "Luft nach oben".
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

What is the delivery time and cost of print book? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela
What is custom duty/charge? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customs duty are charges levied on goods when they cross international borders. It is a tax that is imposed on imported goods. These duties are charged by special authorities and bodies created by local governments and are meant to protect local industries, economies, and businesses.

Do I have to pay customs charges for the print book order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The orders shipped to the countries that are listed under EU27 will not bear custom charges. They are paid by Packt as part of the order.

List of EU27 countries: www.gov.uk/eu-eea:

A custom duty or localized taxes may be applicable on the shipment and would be charged by the recipient country outside of the EU27 which should be paid by the customer and these duties are not included in the shipping charges been charged on the order.

How do I know my custom duty charges? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The amount of duty payable varies greatly depending on the imported goods, the country of origin and several other factors like the total invoice amount or dimensions like weight, and other such criteria applicable in your country.

For example:

  • If you live in Mexico, and the declared value of your ordered items is over $ 50, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 19% which will be $ 9.50 to the courier service.
  • Whereas if you live in Turkey, and the declared value of your ordered items is over € 22, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 18% which will be € 3.96 to the courier service.
How can I cancel my order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Cancellation Policy for Published Printed Books:

You can cancel any order within 1 hour of placing the order. Simply contact [email protected] with your order details or payment transaction id. If your order has already started the shipment process, we will do our best to stop it. However, if it is already on the way to you then when you receive it, you can contact us at [email protected] using the returns and refund process.

Please understand that Packt Publishing cannot provide refunds or cancel any order except for the cases described in our Return Policy (i.e. Packt Publishing agrees to replace your printed book because it arrives damaged or material defect in book), Packt Publishing will not accept returns.

What is your returns and refunds policy? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Return Policy:

We want you to be happy with your purchase from Packtpub.com. We will not hassle you with returning print books to us. If the print book you receive from us is incorrect, damaged, doesn't work or is unacceptably late, please contact Customer Relations Team on [email protected] with the order number and issue details as explained below:

  1. If you ordered (eBook, Video or Print Book) incorrectly or accidentally, please contact Customer Relations Team on [email protected] within one hour of placing the order and we will replace/refund you the item cost.
  2. Sadly, if your eBook or Video file is faulty or a fault occurs during the eBook or Video being made available to you, i.e. during download then you should contact Customer Relations Team within 14 days of purchase on [email protected] who will be able to resolve this issue for you.
  3. You will have a choice of replacement or refund of the problem items.(damaged, defective or incorrect)
  4. Once Customer Care Team confirms that you will be refunded, you should receive the refund within 10 to 12 working days.
  5. If you are only requesting a refund of one book from a multiple order, then we will refund you the appropriate single item.
  6. Where the items were shipped under a free shipping offer, there will be no shipping costs to refund.

On the off chance your printed book arrives damaged, with book material defect, contact our Customer Relation Team on [email protected] within 14 days of receipt of the book with appropriate evidence of damage and we will work with you to secure a replacement copy, if necessary. Please note that each printed book you order from us is individually made by Packt's professional book-printing partner which is on a print-on-demand basis.

What tax is charged? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Currently, no tax is charged on the purchase of any print book (subject to change based on the laws and regulations). A localized VAT fee is charged only to our European and UK customers on eBooks, Video and subscriptions that they buy. GST is charged to Indian customers for eBooks and video purchases.

What payment methods can I use? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

You can pay with the following card types:

  1. Visa Debit
  2. Visa Credit
  3. MasterCard
  4. PayPal
What is the delivery time and cost of print books? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela