#bdd development

[nitor-infotech]

 BDD Explained Simply: Why It Matters in 2025  

Ever feel like your product owner is speaking an ancient tongue while the developers are speaking a fictional language altogether - and QA’s just quietly panicking in the corner?  

That’s exactly the chaos that Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) was invented to avoid. If you’re wondering, “What is BDD?” think of it as the tech world’s version of couples' therapy. It gets everyone talking in the same language before the misunderstandings start costing money.  

Let’s see how we can define it. 

What is BDD? 

Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) is a collaborative approach that encourages teams to write requirements in plain language, often using the Given-When-Then format.   

This ensures that everyone, from developers to business analysts, shares a common understanding of the application's behavior. This understanding leads to more effective software testing and alignment with business goals.  

Now that we’ve nailed down the basics, let’s take a quick trip through how BDD has grown - and why it still matters today.    The Evolution of BDD 

Originally an extension of Test-Driven Development (TDD), BDD has grown to prioritize collaboration and clarity. While TDD focuses on writing tests before code, BDD emphasizes understanding the desired behavior before development begins. This shift has proven especially beneficial in complex projects where miscommunication can lead to costly errors.  

As BDD evolved, so did comparisons. Let’s clear the air on how BDD stacks up against its cousin, TDD. 

BDD vs. TDD 

Although improving code quality is the goal of both BDD and Test-Driven Development (TDD), their areas of emphasis are different. To guarantee functioning, TDD places a strong emphasis on writing tests before code, mostly through unit testing. BDD, on the other hand, centers on the application's behavior and promotes collaboration among all stakeholders.  

With the differences out of the way, it’s time to dive into the guiding principles that make BDD tick.    Key Principles of BDD 

Behavior Specification: Define how the application should behave in various scenarios. 

Collaboration: Engage with all stakeholders in the development process. 

Plain Language: Use understandable language to describe requirements, reducing ambiguity. 

Understanding the “why” behind BDD helps us appreciate the real-world value it brings to modern development teams.    Benefits of BDD Today 

Improved Communication: By using a shared language, BDD enhances understanding among team members. 

Culture of Collaboration: Writing scenarios together fosters teamwork and shared ownership. 

User-Centric Development: Focuses on delivering features that provide real value to users. 

Early Issue Detection and Reduced Ambiguity: Identifies potential problems before coding begins. 

Automated Testing: Integrates seamlessly with tools like Cucumber and SpecFlow for efficient automated testing in software testing. 

Faster Feedback: Provides immediate insights into the application's behavior, accelerating development cycles. 

Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Ensures the final product aligns with user expectations, boosting satisfaction. 

But let’s be real - no approach is perfect. Here’s what to watch out for when implementing BDD.    Challenges and Considerations 

While BDD offers many benefits, it's not without challenges: 

Potential Verbosity: Writing detailed behavior specifications can be time-consuming. 

Tool Complexity: Integrating BDD tools into existing workflows may require a learning curve. 

Learning Curve: It could take some time for teams to get used to new procedures and tools. 

Maintenance: Keeping scenarios up to date requires ongoing effort. 

However, with proper training and adoption strategies, these challenges can be mitigated. 

Of course, the right tools can make or break your BDD journey. Take a look at what’s in the toolbox in the next section.    Popular Tools in BDD 

The following are popular tools in BDD: 

Cucumber: A popular tool with multilingual support 

SpecFlow: Tailored for .NET environments 

Behave: Suitable for Python projects 

JBehave: Designed for Java applications 

Now that you know the tools, let’s see how BDD plays out across a typical development lifecycle. 

BDD Lifecycle 

The BDD lifecycle unfolds like this: 

Discovery: Collaboratively identify desired behaviors. 

Formulation: Write scenarios in plain language. 

Automation: Implement tests using BDD tools. 

Validation: Execute tests and make adjustments in response to input. 

BDD isn’t just about writing tests. It’s about aligning your team, your code, and your users. In 2025, with increasingly complex systems and shorter release cycles, it’s your secret weapon for building software that doesn’t just “work,” but works well - for everyone. 

What’s more, anything that means fewer awkward retro meetings is worth a try, right? 

Want to build smarter, faster, and with fewer bugs? Explore Nitor Infotech’s product engineering services! Let’s turn your brilliant ideas into equally brilliant products!  Contact us today! 

[beatheprincess]

Guys I feel like I kinda relapsed today (cw) pretty much hid myself away (I hate the public) and dont feel pretty "enough" :/ it's so stoopid cus its back n forth , I was on a good streak, loved my body, loved my appearance verses feburary I hated looking at myself entirely, I even stopped taking selfies on snapchat to help w my recovery, and it helped so much ! And it helped me stop body checking too but now I finally reached my goal and got bio oil 🥺🙌🏽 v happy (and saved money too!) Hehe <3 hopefully the next 3months my skin can get better n I can feel more beautiful ♡ with healthy skin ^.^

Thanks for listening 🎉

[aspire-blog]

Deep Dive into BDD Frameworks for Seamless Workflow Optimization

Discover how BDD frameworks can streamline workflow and drive productivity. Get insights into the latest tools, techniques to optimize the software development process.

[grotechminds]

What is Cucumber in software testing? Cucumber is an open-source software testing tool written in Ruby. Cucumber enables you to write test cases that anyone can easily understand regardless of their technical knowledge. Embark on your Software Automation Testing industry journey by enrolling in the GROTECHMINDS software testing cucumber, cucumber framework ,cucumber software , bdd cucumber framework ,BDD framework in selenium, cucumber software testing Courses.

[ficandkaboodle]

*walks up to podium and taps mic to make sure it’s on before leaning in and saying-*

Sometimes I feel like Terzo has a complicated relationship with his face

Okay so a sorta disclaimer but you ever have those headcanons you’re not 100% bent in, you could go either way with it being discussed or not? That is this.

I am also talking as someone in a slightly similar position so it makes sense in my brain but apologies if I do a crummy job at explaining it.

Okay so it’s no secret whatsoever that Terzo’s face was heavily based on Bela Legosi. Like, to the point they are almost one-to-one. And Bela was a very handsome man, thus Terzo is a very handsome man.

Or at least, he should be.

Sometimes I think Terzo has trouble reconciling that he’s good-looking. Like, he can fathom that he looks like Bela Legosi; he can fathom that Bela is attractive; but somewhere along the way, the math just doesn’t math and he can’t completely buy into the possibility that he actually looks good. Like sure, he can put on a performance and act like he’s hot shit but I don’t think he’s 100% committed to the idea. Hell, he might not even be 75%.

I remember once somebody made a post editing out Terzo’s paints and they pointed out how the blackness was very slimming and I wondered if perhaps that was intentional? Like perhaps Terzo feels a bit of insecurity regarding his rounder/softer features. Maybe this is even more of a thing he’s developed with age?

Whatever the case, he’s hardly ever without his paints. Almost like it’s a security blanket of sorts. He’s not completely invincible but they safeguard him from revealing his decidedly less pleasant features to others. In these paints, he is Papa Emeritus III: Sex God, Totally Normal and Handsome-Looking Guy. He can’t buy into it, but he knows you will.

I wouldn’t consider it as BDD because I don’t have that and I’m personally drawing from my own experiences of recognizing traits of mine in others that I know are seen as attractive, but somewhere along the line I can’t comprehend the same being applied to me.

I think in Terzo’s case, it’s mostly just the result of years of strain and disappointment manifesting in ugly ways. He hates everyone but doesn’t lash out as much as he lashes in. Unfortunately his confidence in his looks is somewhat of a casualty. I don’t even think he necessarily gets all Howl Pendragon at the idea of not being pretty, I think he sort of just.

Like you can call him handsome and if y’all are some his close enough he’ll gently laugh it off but internally go “No I’m not??” Which is…sad. Which is depressingly suitable for the saddest Emeritus son.

[sins0fthefather]

Wrath.

Jeff the Killer HCs:

General HCs:

Full Name: Jeffrey Alexander Woods (Only responds to Jeff though. Best case scenario if you call him his full name is he’ll ignore you, worst case scenario is him flipping his shit on you)

Age: 22-25 (Based on where in the story a character study/fic takes place)

Birthday: September 22 (Older than Liu by 2 years)

Wasian— Father is Chinese, mother is a born n’ raised Texan

Biromantic, Demisexual

Has autism, C-PTSD, BPD (contributor to his auditory hallucinations), NPD, ASPD, and BDD

Right Handed

6’1 (185~ cm)

Covered in burn scars, most noticeably on his chest, forearms, and back

He uses white facepaint, it makes his face’s silhouette look “cleaner” in his eyes

His cuts have healed up for the most part, although he’ll have moments where he relapses and cuts at them again. The ends will also sometimes tear if he does something like laugh too hard.

Very touchy with other people, but he despises being touched first. He prefers to initiate physical contact- both because of the control aspect of it and because of his general distrust of others.

His sense of humor waxes and wanes from extreme condescension to the most morbid sentences you’ve ever heard. Half of the time it doesn’t even sound like a joke.

Reckless driver, cursed with terrible road rage

Smokes cigarettes, his brand of choice is Marlboro

Drinks vodka straight as if it were water

I feel like his favorite band would be Tool or Slipknot. His music taste is just metal and dad rock.

Was brought up in a Catholic school for most of his life, although he obviously doesn’t keep up with the practice anymore. This is a big catalyst for why he develops a god complex however since he “has authority over life and death”— something unique only to gods from what he was taught.

Very observant of the people around him. He memorizes speech patterns, demeanors, even the way people walk. He’s gotten to the point where he can read people and their intentions well before they’re explicitly stated, making it much easier for him to spot a lie. However this also makes it much easier for him to tell when he’s truly pushing somebody’s buttons, and there’s nothing he loves more than pushing people past their limit.

Always stealing glances of himself in any mirror he walks past

He’s an opportunistic killer. Limiting himself to patterns clashes with the creativity and the thrill of the moment to him. However, there are specific elements of a kill he will often repeat if the mood strikes him. An example of this would be often including strangulation (albeit usually not the direct cause of death) to reflect his acquired need for control in all moments of his life. Sometimes he will also pose bodies in a “prayer” position to call back that god complex I mentioned.

He doesn’t always kill people immediately. If someone catches his eye, usually because he finds them beautiful in some aspect, he’ll take it a step further. He has no problem with being patient when the situation arises for it- stalking the person, learning their habits and schedules, the whole shebang. He’ll then slowly start to ruin said person’s life, isolating them through the slaughter of those closest to them and destroying any sense of peace and security they once had. He’s the sound that goes -bump- in the night. He’ll toy with his food until he eventually grows bored, disposing them like all the rest. After all, how dare someone else try to be beautiful in his presence- a punishment of the highest order is necessary.

His anger can be very… explosive. He doesn’t stick around very long for enough people besides victims to see it, but it can be as unpredictable as his own kills. It’s worse when he’s silent in his anger however, since with the former you at least have enough of a warning to brace yourself.

Backstory-Centric HCs:

(TW: csa, murder, mutilation, religious trauma, general stuff)

Takes place in college. Jeff is 22 at the start while Liu is 20.

Instead of being a one-off instance, Jeff and Liu have been subjected to bullying/borderline harassment since middle school. This builds up Jeff’s gradual distrust of others and leads to him shutting himself off from his peers.

Most of said bullying revolved around their mixed race situation. It only got worse as Jeff shut himself off and Liu became a people pleaser.

The two didn’t even have peace at home, since their parents were sexually abusive and excused it through their religion. It was “all apart of god’s love” as they said. This + the bullying leads Liu to develop DID and kickstarts Jeff’s resentment towards their parents. It also led Jeff to develop a twisted belief on what love and beauty is since god apparently “favored” the beauty of his parent’s form of “love.”

On one particular instance of bullying/harassment, a small group of people he grew up with planned on jumping and mugging Jeff behind a bar. Things escalated when Jeff retaliated in self defense, beating his aggressors with a nearby pipe found laying against a dumpster. He didn’t leave unscathed however, since one of the attackers dropped a lighter into the flammable materials (alcohol, trash, etc) that had been scattered in the fight, planning on making everyone go down in that moment. Jeff managed to survive (albeit with severe burns along his body) after being found by an employee who went to go check out the noise/smell of smoke, but the others succumbed to their wounds.

While in a heavy state of shock and psychosis (paired with being drugged up out the wazoo at the hospital) his usual unchecked auditory hallucinations worsened, leading his mind to trick him into believing this situation was a sign from god- that he was supposed to survive while his tormentors burned. Paired with his already twisted concepts of love and beauty, he began to believe that his burns were part of god’s plan to make him more beautiful- because he was favored.

This only gets worse when he’s released from the hospital’s custody due to a neglect in checking his mental state. After being sent home with his family and therefore being thrown back into the abusive environment he hoped to escape when going to college he ends up experiencing a psychotic break, mutilating himself in the process.

When his parents catch him, they attack him. In their eyes he had disgraced them, no longer upholding the “beauty” of heaven that they enforced. He ends up killing them in self defense, but furthers it by mutilating their bodies in an act of defiance induced by his break. He believes he’s outdone god in this moment, deluding himself into thinking he’s on the same level (or even better) than god.

While overcome by his psychotic break, he ends up severely wounding Liu after he wakes up to check out the noise. It becomes a conspiracy on if Liu survived or not since his body was never found by authorities.

The reason why Jeff continues on his spree after these instances is the feel of control he gets. After being forced into submission by those around him for so long, he finally feels a stable sense of power over those he deems as less than him.

He ends up wandering throughout the states after this, hopping from town to town. He never stays in one place for long, although sometimes he’ll revisit his home town to give the urban legend fanatics something to fear again.

[fact-agenda]

The facts about Gender Dysphoria

Gender Dysphoria is a mental condition. It isn't a feeling, it's a mental condition. You don't just wake up and say, "I'm the opposite gender just because I wear what that gender wears. HAHAHAHA!"

According to the National Institute of Health or (NIH), Gender dysphoria (GD), according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5), is defined as a "marked incongruence between their experienced or expressed gender and the one they were assigned at birth."

It is unknown what causes Gender Dysphoria, some say it's assigned at birth, some say it comes from abuse, it is unknown what causes it. Many people go through therapy to get help and others will do a transition to the opposite gender and become a Transsexual, this is the CORRECT historical term and I will use it. This will help them look the opposite gender but they cannot change their DNA. When they die and their bones are dug up, they will still be male or female. Those are the only two genders that exist. You are a man or a woman, nothing else.

While children can experience gender dysphoria, it is recommended that they experience puberty before taking any medication or surgery. To make it simple, let them grow up into an adult.

Children CANNOT be trans, plain and simple.

Kids are stupid. They don't know what they want. A transgender kid is like a vegan cat. We know who is doing it.

Everyone at some point in time experiences being uncomfortable with their body. For girls, it can be big breasts or their periods. For boys, it can develop into muscle dysmorphia, A type of BDD that affects men and is characterized by an obsessive desire to have a more muscular body. Men with muscle dysmorphia may engage in dangerous behaviors to build muscle, such as excessive exercise, strict dieting, and abusing anabolic steroids. Muscle dysmorphia can lead to exercise addiction and eating disorders.

It is recommended that they go through counseling to help with these feelings or just go through puberty. Again, just let them grow up.

Girls can be tom boys without needing to be a boy. Boy can like girl things, dolls, dress-up, etc, without needing to be a girl.

Very often, kids feel a sexual attraction to the same gender and that is confused with Gender Dysphoria. NEVER confuse this with being trans. Kids can be gay, lesbian, or bisexual at a young age but not understand those feelings because they don't see these relationships on TV.

Keep in mind, only 7% of the US population is gay, lesbian, or bisexual. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, gender dysphoria prevalence accounts for 0.005–0.014% of the population for biological males and 0.002–0.003% for biological females. It's extremely low and you can't just trust what someone says. There are men who are taking the trans identity and using it to hurt women. You can't just call yourself trans without going through counseling because if you just trust someone's word, then you are going to hurt more people than help them.

The surgery isn't always needed. Not every person with Gender dysphoria grows up into a transexual adult. Any sane transsexual will tell you that. Blaire White, Buck Angel, Sara Higdon are all transsexuals on YouTube I recommend watching and they will tell you that many people regret the surgery because they weren't told the risks that they would have.

Below are videos of detransitioners giving their stories on the truth of transitioning. They are not traitors to the alphabet community, they aren't transphobic, they are people who were tricked by a doctor who cared more about money than the person's safety.

[hygieiahub]

BDD mindset to quit:

To overcome body dysmorphia, it's important to cultivate a mindset shift away from several unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. Here are some key mindset changes that can help:

1. Challenge Distorted Thinking

People with body dysmorphia often have irrational, exaggerated, and distorted beliefs about their appearance. Overcoming this requires learning to identify and question these distorted thoughts, replacing them with more realistic and balanced perspectives.

2. Reduce Self-Criticism

Individuals with body dysmorphia tend to be extremely self-critical about their perceived flaws. Letting go of this harsh inner critic and practicing self-acceptance and self-compassion is crucial for recovery.

3. Shift Focus Away from Appearance

Body dysmorphia causes people to become hyper-focused on their appearance. Reorienting attention and value away from physical attributes and towards inner qualities, talents, and relationships can help reduce this obsession.

4. Embrace Body Diversity

Recognizing that all bodies are different and valid, and rejecting societal beauty standards, can counter the damaging belief that one's body is inherently "flawed."

5. Limit Exposure to Triggering Media

Be mindful of the media and content you consume. Unfollow or mute accounts that promote harmful ideals or make you feel bad about your body. Seek out diverse representation that celebrates different body types.

6. Practice Body Appreciation

Take time each day to appreciate what your body can do, rather than focusing on perceived flaws. Engage in activities that make you feel strong, capable, and comfortable in your own skin.

7. Reframe Negative Self-Talk

When you notice critical thoughts about your appearance, consciously reframe them in a more compassionate, balanced way. Ask yourself, "Would I say this to a friend?"

8. Surround Yourself with Positivity

Spend time with people who make you feel accepted, valued, and comfortable in your own skin. Limit interactions with those who contribute to negative feelings about your body.

9. Challenge Comparison Mindset

Recognize that comparison is the enemy of self-acceptance. Remind yourself that everyone's body is unique and worthy of respect, including your own.

10. Focus on Function Over Aesthetics

Shift your attention away from appearance and towards what your body allows you to do. Celebrate the remarkable ways it enables you to move, experience the world, and engage in the activities you enjoy.

11. Seek Professional Support

Consider working with a therapist or counselor who specializes in body image and self-esteem. They can help you identify the root causes of your struggles and develop effective coping strategies.

12. Be Patient and Persistent

Changing deeply-ingrained thought patterns and societal conditioning takes time and consistent effort. Celebrate small wins and be kind to yourself throughout the process.

The journey to overcoming body dysmorphia requires patience and consistent effort to retrain one's mindset. But with the right support and a willingness to let go of unhealthy thought habits, it is possible to develop a healthier relationship with one's body and appearance.

-hygieia's saint

[eoin-mcgonigal]

2, 3, 8, 22, 25, 26, and 38

hi chambers! 💖

2. show us a picture of your handwriting?

3. three films you could watch for the rest of your life and not get bored of?

swedish film edition! ronja rövardotter (1981), stinsen brinner... filmen alltså (1991) and fucking åmål (1999) 🥰

8. any reoccurring dreams?

not whole dreams, but many reoccurring themes presented in similar ways in dreams. i have a lot of dreams re: the childhood trauma that lead to my personality disorder, and i remember almost all of my dreams, so sometimes i wake up more exhausted because my brain is so active at night. one reoccuring theme in my dreams is that i can hover/fly. it's my favourite theme to have in a dream.

22. say 3 things about someone you love.

he commented on my face when i was 5 years old, which was the trigger for me developing bdd. he doesn't know how much we love him. i always feel special when he listens.

25. fave season and why?

spring, because i get to bask in my chickens' and cats' happiness as they come alive after the winter. because the roads dry up. because i get to see primula veris pop up in the garden. because the days get longer. because i stop freezing for the first time in six months 🤍

26. fave colour and why?

light blue grey. because it makes me feel calm inside and like i belong

38. fave song at the moment?

lady franklin's lament by david coffin is a banger.

[memorymessage]

re: leaving instagram

i've noticed the subtleties in the transactional interactions on instagram.

if i'm not actively posting bodychecks, people start to forget my existence. even people i thought were genuinely reaching out to me to become friends—they seem to only want to talk to me if i've been posting photos of my body. they only like the stories that are of my body.

(not everybody. you know who you guys are, and i appreciate you endlessly.)

i'm not naïve or foolish—this is what i signed up for. this is what i get for: A: engaging with an app that is personal-photo-based in the first place, and B: fostering a mutual community of people with eating disorders.

i made my bed, now lie in it; i reap what i sow; i dug my own grave, etc, etc.

when i first made the account, i was rabid about posting photos every day. i had been private online for so long that i felt like i was breaking open a dam. i grew up on myspace. i had a camera in my own face every single day. but, after i transitioned as masc years later, i became ashamed of my feminine features. i only posted photos where i passed as masc well enough, which took great effort, make up, and some costume tricks (yes...i may have cut up hair extensions and made myself a beard). and, even then, i would get nervous about posting any photos at all—deathly afraid of my femininity.

there were a few instances where i would create fake social media accounts, give myself a fake name, and post pictures of myself dolled up as femme to the nines. an outlet to release the feminine side of myself without fear, but keeping the entity as far away from the "real" me as possible. but, even that was fake and untrue to myself—wearing makeup i never wore. wearing extensions that were shoved away, tangled, in a box.

i haven't been honestly myself in online spaces in many, many years.

this instagram account was the first time i truly let myself be... me.

but the novelty of posting pictures every day wore on me. i do still have an ed and bdd, after all.

especially when i reached my lowest weight of all time spring of last year. i felt like every picture i posted should be "perfect". the smaller i became, the more i scrutinized myself. looking even the slightest bit too large in any given angle was unacceptable.

the attention i got during that time was also at its peak.

and my mentality from that time regarding photos of myself never recovered.

my weight went up. it became harder and harder for me to want to take pictures. even when i would force myself to take pictures, it became harder to pick one i even wanted to post. not to mention, chronic illness has absolutely debilitated me the past year. most days, i am in bed, in pajamas, in no state (mind and body) to take photos.

and people started talking to me less and less, liking my posts less and less, viewing my stories less and less. the only time people would remember i existed is when i posted an acceptable bodycheck. then i would get a short-lived spike in people liking me again. only to die down until i posted my next check.

people weren't interested in my text posts, or the videos i would share. to put it plainly—people are not interested in me as a person.

why does this matter?

two reasons: it reinforces my bdd-based belief that i am only worth anything if i am thin and pretty. and... i was on myspace trying to be the next audrey kitching scene queen at age 10, meaning attention from others validating my very existence was interwoven into my young, developing brain. and there it yet remains.

and it's not just about other people. taking a good photo of myself gives me sense of pride and rejuvenation so immense that i'll never be able to explain. i assume that feeling also took root from the myspace scene queen days. a new pfp was everything back then, after all. i guess my brain still thinks it is.

my instagram account did not start like this. it used to be a small, casual little place where i would upload daily snaps. and it's sad this is where it has ended.

my insecure little delusions raveled up in themselves, tangling my body and leaving me motionless in fear of judgment. paralyzed.

in short: we're not having fun anymore, and i need to do myself a service and take responsibility for that.

i need to leave.

(for now.)

[grotechminds]

Cucumber Step Definitions: Best Practices

Cucumber Step Definitions: Best Practices

In the world of software development, especially in the realm of cucumber behaviour driven development , Cucumber has become a popular choice for writing executable specifications. One of the key components of software testing cucumber  is the step definitions, which define how each step in a scenario should be executed. In this article, we'll explore some best practices for writing effective and maintainable step definitions in Cucumber.

Table of Contents

Sr#

Headings

1

Understanding Step Definitions

2

Writing Clear and Concise Steps

3

Using Regular Expressions

4

Parameterization

5

Reusing Step Definitions

6

Organizing Step Definitions

7

Keeping Step Definitions DRY

8

Using Backgrounds Effectively

9

Writing Maintainable Step Definitions

10

Conclusion

1. Understanding Step Definitions

Step definitions in Cucumber are essentially the glue code that connects your feature files to your actual code implementation. They define what should happen when each step in your feature file is executed.

2. Writing Clear and Concise Steps

It's important to write step definitions that are clear and easy to understand. Avoid using overly technical language or complex logic. Instead, focus on making your steps as simple and straightforward as possible.

3. Using Regular Expressions

Regular expressions can be a powerful tool for matching step definitions to your feature file steps. However, they can also be complex and difficult to understand. Use them judiciously and only when necessary.

4. Parameterization

Parameterization allows you to make your step definitions more flexible by passing in values from your feature files. This can be useful for reusing steps with different inputs.

5. Reusing Step Definitions

One of the key benefits of using cucumber framework  is the ability to reuse step definitions across multiple scenarios. This can help reduce duplication and make your tests easier to maintain.

6. Organizing Step Definitions

Organizing your step definitions in a logical manner can help make your tests more readable and maintainable. Consider grouping related steps together or using tags to categorize your steps.

7. Keeping Step Definitions DRY

The DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle applies to step definitions as well. Avoid duplicating code in your step definitions and look for opportunities to refactor common logic into reusable methods.

8. Using Backgrounds Effectively

Backgrounds in Cucumber allow you to define steps that should be run before each scenario in a feature file. Use backgrounds sparingly and only for setting up the initial state of your tests.

9. Writing Maintainable Step Definitions

To ensure your step definitions are maintainable, follow best practices such as keeping them simple, using meaningful names, and avoiding hardcoding values.

Conclusion

Writing effective step definitions in Cucumber is crucial for creating maintainable and readable bdd cucumber framework . By following best practices such as writing clear and concise steps, using parameterization, and organizing your step definitions effectively, you can create more robust and maintainable tests.

FAQs

Q: How do I debug step definitions in Cucumber?

A: You can use BDD framework in selenium  built-in debugging features, such as the --dry-run flag, to identify and fix issues in your step definitions.

Q: Can I use multiple step definition files in Cucumber?

A: Yes, you can split your step definitions across multiple files to keep them organized. Just make sure to include all your step definition files in your test runner configuration.

Q: How do I handle asynchronous code in step definitions?

A: You can use cucumber framework testing async/await syntax or promises to handle asynchronous code in your step definitions.

Q: Is it possible to skip certain steps in a scenario?

A: Yes, you can use the @skip tag to skip certain steps in a scenario. Just make sure to document why those steps are being skipped.

Q: Can I use Cucumber for API testing?

A: Yes, cucumber framework selenium  can be used for API testing by defining steps that interact with your API endpoints.

[js-developer]

Exploring the Powerhouse: 30 Must-Know JavaScript Libraries and Frameworks for Web Development

React.js: A declarative, efficient, and flexible JavaScript library for building user interfaces.

Angular.js (Angular): A web application framework maintained by Google, used for building dynamic, single-page web applications.

Vue.js: A progressive JavaScript framework for building user interfaces. It is incrementally adaptable and can be integrated into other projects.

Node.js: A JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine that enables server-side JavaScript development.

Express.js: A web application framework for Node.js that simplifies the process of building web applications.

jQuery: A fast, small, and feature-rich JavaScript library that simplifies HTML document traversal and manipulation, event handling, and animation.

D3.js: A powerful library for creating data visualizations using HTML, SVG, and CSS.

Three.js: A cross-browser JavaScript library and application programming interface (API) used to create and display animated 3D computer graphics in a web browser.

Redux: A predictable state container for JavaScript apps, often used with React for managing the state of the application.

Next.js: A React framework for building server-side rendered and statically generated web applications.

Svelte: A radical new approach to building user interfaces. It shifts the work from the browser to the build step, resulting in smaller, faster applications.

Electron: A framework for building cross-platform desktop applications using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

RxJS: A library for reactive programming using Observables, making it easier to compose asynchronous or callback-based code.

Webpack: A module bundler for JavaScript applications. It takes modules with dependencies and generates static assets representing those modules.

Babel: A JavaScript compiler that allows developers to use the latest ECMAScript features by transforming them into browser-compatible JavaScript.

Jest: A JavaScript testing framework designed to ensure the correctness of your code.

Mocha: A feature-rich JavaScript test framework running on Node.js and in the browser.

Chai: A BDD/TDD assertion library for Node.js and the browser that can be paired with any testing framework.

Lodash: A modern JavaScript utility library delivering modularity, performance, and extras.

Socket.io: A library that enables real-time, bidirectional, and event-based communication between web clients and servers.

GraphQL: A query language for APIs and a runtime for executing those queries with your existing data.

Axios: A promise-based HTTP client for the browser and Node.js, making it easy to send asynchronous HTTP requests.

Jasmine: A behavior-driven development framework for testing JavaScript code.

Meteor.js: A full-stack JavaScript platform for developing modern web and mobile applications.

Gatsby.js: A modern website framework that builds performance into every website by leveraging the latest web technologies.

Chart.js: A simple yet flexible JavaScript charting library for designers and developers.

Ember.js: A JavaScript framework for building web applications, with a focus on productivity and convention over configuration.

Nuxt.js: A framework for creating Vue.js applications with server-side rendering and routing.

Grunt: A JavaScript task runner that automates common tasks in the development process.

Sass (Syntactically Awesome Stylesheets): A CSS preprocessor that helps you write maintainable, scalable, and modular styles.

Remember to check each library or framework's documentation and community support for the latest information and updates.

[reenoon]

Week8: Body Modification

Source: (Pegg 2019)

In today's ultra-visual social media era, body modification is not just about changing one's appearance. It is a highly social and political act linked to self-branding in the digital world and the battle against algorithms.

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Source: (Muscular Men Women: Over 12,249 Royalty-Free Licensable Stock Illustrations & Drawings | Shutterstock 2025)

On platforms such as Instagram, poses and edits that follow aesthetic templates are widely shared. Furthermore, these often pursue gender, sexuality, and beauty ideals. For example, female influencers use pornographic expressions that emphasize their lips and body lines (Drenten and Gurrieri, 2019). Men tend to post photos of their muscles and strike poses that emphasize masculinity.

Such posts often compel individuals to engage in fame labour, which refers to the effort required to reconcile the gap between their ideal online self and their offline reality (Marwick, 2013; Mavroudis, 2020). This persistent dissonance can, in many cases, lead to the development of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

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Is social media damaging our body image?

Young people today take filters for granted and believe that their value is determined by the number of “likes” they receive. I myself feel like deleting Instagram posts that don't get many “likes.” I also tend to post mostly edited photos. I think many young people have had similar experiences.

According to Ramsey, this kind of thinking can lead to lower academic performance, risky behavior, and even affect future employment prospects.

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This can be considered a social problem created by social media. In other words, body modification is not just a personal issue, but also a cultural and social one. Through social media, we are redefining what we consider to be “beautiful” and whose bodies should be visible.

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Reference

  Drenten, J. & Gurrieri, L., 2019. Sexualized labour in digital culture: Instagram influencers, porn chic and the monetization of attention. Gender, Work & Organization, pp.1–26.

  Marwick, A.E., 2013. Status Update: Celebrity, Publicity, and Branding in the Social Media Age. New Haven: Yale University Press.

Muscular Men Women: Over 12,249 Royalty-Free Licensable Stock Illustrations & Drawings | Shutterstock 2025, Shutterstock, <https://www.shutterstock.com/search/muscular-men-women?image_type=illustration>.

Pegg, S 2019, Body modification – when consent is not a defence, The Conversation.

[charlieaugust]

Week 8: Digital Citizenship and Health Education: Body Modification on Visual Social Media

            In the digital age, visual social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and so on, are being more integral in our daily lives and exposing content that can harm many digital citizens who consume content regularly online, guiding many to idealising unrealistic standards, in which leading to negative consequences like body modification (Tiggemann, 2022).

Body modification being defined as the the altering of one’s body or appearance (Featherstone & Nottingham Trent University, 2000). Content online has allowed users to post selfies for many to see, in many times these images use social media features like filters to help modify and enhance body parts, such as enlarging eyes, lips, noses or to shave off some size on the waists or arms too (Tiggemann, 2022). This culminates to viewers being dissatisfied by their body features, since they would compare themselves to online content bodies and in the end leading to developing body dysmorphic disorder or BDD, where it is a psychiatric disorder that causes people to be obsessed with the flaws in their appearance (Ioannou et al., 2024). Other harmful content that has come about in social media is pornification of content, in which it is acceptance and normalisation of sexual themes in mainstream media (Paasonen et al., 2007). Such examples can be seen with selfies displaying nudity or suggestive implications, in which having such exposing content can consequences of being addicted to porn. (Martini & Gangadharbatla, 2023).

            While there is content that can bring about negative consequences, there are others that do the opposite in bring good to many, with the help of health campaigns. Public health campaigns are defined as movements in promoting global health and to spread awareness to many (Bugshan et al., 2022). These campaigns are able to educate awareness of body modification, in order to better arm themselves of such content and to live a healthier lifestyle, instead of following how others look (Bugshan et al., 2022).

Bugshan, W. M., Qahtani, S. J. A., Alwagdani, N. A., Alharthi, M. S., Alqarni, A. M., Alsuat, H. M., Alqahtani, N. H., Rabia Alqahtani, M., Thaar Alshammari, M., Albaqami, R. A., & Almotairi, A. H. (2022). Role of Health Awareness Campaigns in Improving Public Health:A Systematic Review: Life Sciences-Public Health. International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/363412994_Role_of_Health_Awareness_Campaigns_in_Improving_Public_HealthA_Systematic_Review_Life_Sciences-Public_Health

Featherstone, M., & Nottingham Trent University. Theory, C. & S. C. (2000). Body modification. SAGE.

Ioannou, M., Tzani, C., Price, P., Walker, F., Williams, T. J. V., & Fumagalli, A. (2024). NoFilter: The impact of social media body dysmorphic disorder in adults. Mental Health Science, 2(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.89

Martini, D., & Gangadharbatla, H. (2023). Pornified Content in Social Media: Exploring the Impact on Brazilian Addicts. The Journal of Social Media in Society, 12(1), 257-.

Paasonen, S., Nikunen, K., & Saarenmaa, L. (2007). Pornification and the Education of Desire, Pornification : sex and sexuality in media culture (pp. 1-20). Berg.

Tiggemann, M. (2022). Digital modification and body image on social media: Disclaimer labels, captions, hashtags, and comments. Body Image, 41, 172–180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.02.012

[qualityassurance11]

How to Choose the Right Automation Framework for Your Team 

As software development cycles become shorter and more agile, the pressure to deliver high-quality software faster is growing. Automation testing plays a crucial role in achieving this speed without compromising on quality. However, the success of your automation efforts largely depends on choosing the right automation testing framework.

A well-chosen framework improves test efficiency, reduces maintenance overhead, and enhances collaboration across teams. In this blog, we’ll walk you through essential criteria, framework types, team considerations, and tips for making the right choice.

What Is an Automation Framework?

An automation framework is a structured set of guidelines that help in efficient automation of testing tasks. It includes:

Standards for coding

Test data handling

Object repositories

Reporting and logging tools

Integration with CI/CD pipelines

The framework acts as the backbone of your test automation strategy — defining how tests are created, executed, and reported.

Types of Automation Testing Frameworks

Before choosing one, it’s important to understand the different types of automation frameworks available:

1. Linear Scripting Framework

Best for: Small projects and teams with minimal automation experience.

Description: Record-and-playback; fast but not scalable.

Drawback: Lacks modularity; hard to maintain.

2. Modular Testing Framework

Best for: Medium-sized teams with a moderate level of complexity.

Description: Breaks down the application into modules and writes test scripts for each.

Benefit: High reusability.

3. Data-Driven Framework

Best for: Apps requiring testing with various data sets.

Description: Separates test data from scripts; uses external files like Excel or CSV.

Benefit: Greater flexibility and scalability.

4. Keyword-Driven Framework

Best for: Non-technical testers or business analysts.

Description: Uses keywords to represent actions (e.g., click, input).

Benefit: Highly readable and reusable.

5. Hybrid Framework

Best for: Teams with complex testing needs.

Description: Combines features of data-driven and keyword-driven frameworks.

Benefit: Balanced performance and maintainability.

6. Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) Framework

Best for: Agile teams with high collaboration between QA and business stakeholders.

Description: Uses Gherkin syntax for writing test cases.

Tools: Cucumber, SpecFlow, Behave.

Benefit: Encourages collaboration and better documentation.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Framework

Choosing a framework isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are key considerations to make an informed decision:

1. Team Skill Set

Is your team well-versed in scripting languages?

Can non-technical members contribute?

Choose frameworks that align with your team’s current capabilities.

Pro Tip: If your team has minimal coding experience, BDD or keyword-driven frameworks are ideal.

2. Application Under Test (AUT)

Web, mobile, desktop, or API?

Complex UI or heavy data processing?

The nature of your application impacts framework choice.

Example: Appium is great for mobile, while Selenium suits web applications.

3. Integration Needs

Does it integrate well with CI/CD tools like Jenkins or GitLab?

Can it support your preferred reporting and defect-tracking tools?

Pro Tip: Choose frameworks that offer easy plugin support or REST APIs for integrations.

4. Maintenance & Scalability

Can the framework handle a growing number of test cases?

How easy is it to update and maintain?

Example: Hybrid frameworks are more scalable compared to linear scripting ones.

5. Community and Support

Does the framework have active community support?

Are regular updates and patches available?

Pro Tip: Opt for open-source tools with strong community backing like Selenium, Playwright, or Cypress.

6. Cost & Licensing

Are you looking for open-source or commercial tools?

What’s your budget?

Example: Selenium is free; tools like TestComplete are licensed but offer enterprise-grade features.

How to Evaluate a Framework: Decision Checklist

Use this checklist to evaluate potential frameworks:

✅ Supports your tech stack

✅ Fits your team’s skill level

✅ Easily integrates into CI/CD

✅ Offers robust documentation

✅ Provides reusable and modular code structure

✅ Maintains test data separately

✅ Scales well with test suite growth

Creating a Proof of Concept (PoC)

Before committing to a framework, run a small pilot or proof of concept:

Automate a few critical test cases

Test integration with CI/CD

Measure execution time and reporting capabilities

This real-world validation helps avoid surprises later.

Tips for a Successful Framework Implementation

Document Everything — From setup to teardown.

Create Reusable Components — Keep your code DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself).

Invest in Training — Upskill your team for better ROI.

Adopt a Naming Convention — Helps organize and scale your test suite.

Review Regularly — Reassess your framework choice every 6–12 months.

Conclusion

Choosing the right automation framework is not just a technical decision — it’s a strategic one. It impacts productivity, test coverage, team collaboration, and ultimately, software quality.

By evaluating your team’s skill set, understanding your application requirements, and considering scalability and integration needs, you can confidently select a framework that aligns with your goals.

If you’re looking for a platform that simplifies this process, GhostQA offers an intuitive, AI-powered automation testing solution designed for agile teams. Whether you’re working on web, mobile, or API testing, GhostQA helps accelerate test cycles with smart script generation, seamless CI/CD integration, and actionable analytics — making it easier than ever to scale your quality assurance efforts.

[teohjiatian]

I’ve seen too many friends tighten their jawlines in selfies, filter out acne, or obsessively crop their feeds to look “perfect.” But these are more than vanity moves—they’re part of aesthetic labour and microcelebrity culture pushing unachievable beauty ideals on visual social media.

Recent research confirms my concerns: a 2023 study of 16–18‑year‑olds found higher body dysmorphic symptoms among teens who used image-heavy platforms like Instagram or TikTok, especially when driven by appearance-focused motivations (Gupta et al., 2023). In Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, large‑scale surveys (2024) also link heavy social media use to BDD and increased interest in cosmetic procedures—24% of Saudi adults scored high on BDD when spending 4–7 hours daily on Instagram or Snapchat (Ateq et al., 2024).

Worse yet, a 2025 systematic review led by Simon Fraser University reveals that social media intensifies delusional distortions—like “delusion amplification”—affecting people with BDD, eating disorders, and narcissism (SFU News, 2025). This supports the idea that microcelebrity pressures—camouflaged as personal branding—can actively harm mental health.

I believe calling out aesthetic templates isn’t complaining—it’s digital citizenship. If we keep scrolling without critique, we silently endorse the idea that your face needs polishing before it’s share-worthy. Social media’s subtle nudges don’t just influence behavior; they can warp self‑perception into something clinically concerning.

That’s why I work to counter this by posting unfiltered selfies, sharing research about filters’ effects, and promoting body-positive creators. It’s not enough to post awareness once—this resistance requires consistency.

So next time you snap a filtered selfie, ask yourself: am I presenting a version of me that’s mine—or one shaped by someone else’s algorithm?

References:

Ateq, K., Alhajji, M., & Alhusseini, N. (2024). The association between use of social media and the development of body dysmorphic disorder and attitudes toward cosmetic surgeries: a national survey. Frontiers in Public Health, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1324092

Gupta, M., Jassi, A., & Krebs, G. (2023). The association between social media use and body dysmorphic symptoms in young people. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1231801

SFU News. (2025, March 11). Social media use amplifies delusional disorders: SFU study. https://www.sfu.ca/sfunews/media/media-releases/2025/03/social-media-use-amplifies-delusional-disorders--sfu-study.html