Gherkin vs. Cucumber — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 21, 2023
Gherkin is a domain-specific language for writing behavior specifications; Cucumber is a software tool that runs such specifications as tests.
Difference Between Gherkin and Cucumber
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gherkin and Cucumber are both terms associated with Behavior Driven Development (BDD). Gherkin is the language that's used to write tests in plain language which makes it easier for non-technical stakeholders to understand. Cucumber, on the other hand, is a tool that executes those tests.
While Gherkin serves as a bridge between the technical and non-technical members of a team by allowing tests to be written in a comprehensible format, Cucumber allows those tests to be implemented and checked against the software. Both play crucial roles in BDD.
Gherkin scenarios are written using a set of specific keywords, including "Given", "When", "Then", and others. Cucumber interprets these keywords to execute tests, ensuring that the software behaves as expected.
Understanding the difference between Gherkin and Cucumber is essential for teams adopting BDD. Gherkin structures the specifications, and Cucumber brings them to life.
Comparison Chart
Type
Language
Tool
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Purpose
Write behavior specifications
Execute specifications as tests
Users
Business stakeholders, testers
Developers, testers
Syntax Elements
Given, When, Then, And, But, etc.
Step definitions, hooks
Relationship to BDD
Provides structure for specs
Enables execution of specs
Compare with Definitions
Gherkin
Gherkin is a plain-text language for writing behavior-driven development specifications.
The team used Gherkin to detail the user's journey through the application.
Cucumber
Cucumber is a tool for running automated tests written in plain language.
We implemented Cucumber to ensure our software met the defined requirements.
Gherkin
The small green fruit of a plant related to the cucumber, used for pickling.
Cucumber
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a widely-cultivated creeping vine plant in the Cucurbitaceae gourd family that bears usually cylindrical fruits, which are used as vegetables. Considered an annual plant, there are three main varieties of cucumber — slicing, pickling, and burpless/seedless — within which several cultivars have been created.
Gherkin
Gherkin serves as a bridge between technical and non-technical members of a project.
Thanks to Gherkin, even our marketing team understood the software tests.
Cucumber
Cucumber bridges the gap between software documentation and technical testing.
Using Cucumber, our documentation directly influences our test cases.
Gherkin
Gherkin uses specific keywords like Given, When, and Then to structure scenarios.
In Gherkin, 'Given' sets the context for the scenario we're testing.
Cucumber
Cucumber works with Gherkin-written specifications to execute behavior-driven tests.
Once the Gherkin scenarios were ready, Cucumber took over for test execution.
Gherkin
Gherkin allows teams to define software behavior without detailing how it's implemented.
With Gherkin, we focus on 'what' the software does, not 'how' it does it.
Cucumber
Cucumber allows for integration with various tools and platforms.
With Cucumber, we seamlessly integrated our testing suite with our CI/CD pipeline.
Gherkin
The trailing plant that bears gherkins.
Cucumber
The fruit of this plant, harvested when immature and eaten fresh or pickled.
Gherkin
Gherkin is tool-agnostic, although it's commonly associated with Cucumber.
While we use Gherkin with Cucumber, it can be paired with other tools.
Cucumber
Any of several related or similar plants, such as the bur cucumber or the squirting cucumber.
Gherkin
Small prickly cucumber
Cucumber
Cucumber supports multiple programming languages including Ruby, Java, and more.
We chose Cucumber because it supports our primary development language.
Gherkin
A small cucumber, especially one used for pickling.
Cucumber
A tendril-bearing, climbing or sprawling annual plant (Cucumis sativus) widely cultivated for its edible cylindrical fruit that has a green rind and crisp white flesh.
Gherkin
A pickle made from such a fruit.
Cucumber
A vine in the gourd family, Cucumis sativus.
Gherkin
A small cucumber, often pickled whole.
Cucumber
The edible fruit of this plant, having a green rind and crisp white flesh.
Gherkin
A kind of small, prickly cucumber, much used for pickles.
Cucumber
A person who is calm and self-possessed.
Gherkin
A vine (Cucumis anguria) native to Africa and widely cultivated especially in the West Indies, having prickly fruit often harvested when immature for pickling.
Cucumber
A creeping plant, and its fruit, of several species of the genus Cucumis, esp. Cucumis sativus, the unripe fruit of which is eaten either fresh or picked. Also, similar plants or fruits of several other genera.
Gherkin
The fruit of this plant.
Cucumber
A melon vine of the genus Cucumis; cultivated from earliest times for its cylindrical green fruit
Gherkin
(slang) The penis.
Cucumber
Cylindrical green fruit with thin green rind and white flesh eaten as a vegetable; related to melons
Gherkin
See Sea gherkin.
Gherkin
Any of various small cucumbers pickled whole
Common Curiosities
How are Gherkin and Cucumber related?
Gherkin is the language used to write specifications, and Cucumber is the tool that runs these specifications as tests.
Why would a team use Cucumber?
A team would use Cucumber to execute behavior-driven tests, ensuring that the software meets the defined behavior specifications.
Can you use Gherkin without Cucumber?
Yes, while Gherkin is often paired with Cucumber, it's a language that can be used with other testing tools as well.
Is Gherkin's syntax fixed or flexible?
Gherkin's syntax is fixed, with specific keywords like "Given", "When", "Then" used to structure behavior scenarios.
How does Cucumber understand Gherkin's plain-text scenarios?
Cucumber uses step definitions, which are code implementations of Gherkin's plain-text scenarios, to execute the tests.
How can Cucumber integrate with other software tools?
Cucumber offers plugins and integrations, allowing it to work with various continuous integration tools, web drivers, and other testing utilities.
What is the main purpose of Gherkin?
Gherkin's primary aim is to provide a clear, plain-text format for writing behavior-driven development specifications that both technical and non-technical stakeholders can understand.
Do all BDD projects use Gherkin and Cucumber?
No, while Gherkin and Cucumber are popular choices for BDD, there are other languages and tools available for behavior-driven development.
Are Gherkin and Cucumber specific to a particular programming language?
No, Gherkin is a language-agnostic way of writing specifications. Cucumber supports multiple programming languages, allowing for broad application across projects.
Why is Gherkin considered plain-text language?
Gherkin is deemed plain-text because it allows writing specifications in a human-readable format without requiring a technical syntax.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
