Specification by Example
Specification by Example (SBE) is an Agile Testing approach that involves defining requirements and acceptance criteria through realistic examples rather than abstract statements. In SBE, developers and testers work closely with product owners and stakeholders to create a shared understanding of the desired functionality. Examples are converted into executable tests that verify the application's behavior against the agreed-upon requirements. SBE promotes effective communication, reduces ambiguity, and facilitates automated testing by expressing requirements in a clear, testable format.
Guide on Specification by Example
Specification by Example (SBE) is an agile practice that aims to reduce miscommunication between project stakeholders by using examples to clarify the expected behavior of any system or system part.
Importance of Specification by Example:
SBE helps to close the gap between domain experts and software developers, providing a common language that everybody can understand. It encourages active and consistent collaboration, stimulating regular feedback and improvements. It also allows early testing, reducing the risk of bugs and other issues later in the project.
Understanding Specification by Example:
In SBE, requirements are turned into executable specifications that are written before the software is implemented. These specifications show how the system should behave with concrete examples. This makes it easier to verify that the system is implemented correctly and that it meets users' needs.
How Specification by Example works:
1. Identifying examples: The development team, along with the stakeholders, collaborate to identify real-world examples that describe the desired functionality.
2. Illustrating specifications: These examples then illustrate the specifications of the system.
3. Turning examples into automated tests: The examples are then turned into automated tests.
4. Checking the system behaviour: The tests are used to validate the implemented system or feature against its expected behaviour.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Specification by Example
1. Understand the basics: Ground your understanding in the basics of SBE including its purpose, importance and workflow.
2. Use real-world examples: Most exam questions will have scenarios or case studies where you have to apply SBE. Take the time to understand these examples and how they relate to the topics you have studied.
3. Refer to agile principles: As a part of Agile project management, SBE operates under general Agile principles. Understand Agile processes and how they relate to SBE.
4. Practice: Practice multiple choice and essay questions about SBE to get a feel for what may be asked on the exam.
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