TestNG vs Cucumber: Which is better suited for your test automation framework?

The current era is the age of software and technology. Numerous software are made and tested every day for various purposes.

In the process of software development and software testing, a systematic approach is required.

When we talk of software testing, this is where the automation framework enters the scene.

This part of software development and testing helps developers curate test scripts that can take the required helpful feedback for a particular software.

Several automation tools are available; two of the most discussed tools are TestNG and Cucumber.

Each has its specialities; all you have to do is choose one as per your requirements.

Let’s have an analytical breakdown of TestNG vs Cucumber

TestNG

TestNG stands for Test Next Generation. It is an extension of the JUnit framework. This software specializes in testing Java applications.

Let’s list the features of TestNG:

Annotations feature for the organization of steps and feedback, etc.

Parallelization of test

Supports Data Driven Testing (DDT)

More suitable for Java-based application testing

Straightforward syntax, best suited for tech experts

Let’s trace the details of the features a bit deeper and understand the test objectives that can be checked using this tool.

After this section, we will clearly compare the two tools.

1. The Feature of Annotations

Those who prefer well-organized software testing will agree that annotations are no less than a boon for this purpose.

Testers can set the order of execution of tests and can also control the pace of the test.

It is beneficial in setting the preconditions and postconditions of software testing.

This feature not only draws accurate feedback but also increases the efficiency of the whole process.

2. Parallelization of test

This feature of TestNG helps software testers run multiple tests simultaneously; this not only fetches feedback faster but also increases the testing time manifold.

This parallelization feature enables the software to test at multiple levels, at different threads, targets, and varied machines.

It increases the effectiveness of the test feedback and boosts the test suits’ scalability.

3. Data Driven Testing (DDT)

In TestNG, the test suites are designed to run tests using multiple data sets. The same test logic can run tests for various goals through this approach.

Testers using this tool can easily parameterize the test feedback with so much ease due to its data-driven feature.

Potential software issues can easily be traced and resolved through this feature.

Cucumber

Cucumber is also a well-known test automation tool used for software testing globally.

A tool different from TestNG in many aspects, it has so much to offer that it fulfils the requirements of many software testers.

Every software is made differently in terms of the goals for which they are designed.

Hence, each test must have a unique test case and script.

It justifies the relevance of a significantly different tool, equally looked for among software testers.

This discussion will help us proceed towards the conclusion of the TestNG vs Cucumber discussion.

Let’s get the details of this tool through the list of features that it exudes:

Behavior Driven Development (BDD) methodology
Gherkin language, known for it’s natural format
This tool supports multiple programming languages. This feature adds to the flexibility of the tool.

Let’s discuss the details of these features:

1. Behavior Driven Development (BDD) Methodology

The test outcomes of Cucumber focus on the behaviour of the system.

It prioritizes the end user perspective, making it more accessible and transparent.

The features of this tool, by all means, showcase the ease of use by not only the experts but also the newbies or those with significantly less technical background.

2. Gherkin Language

Cucumber is considered the most accessible and comprehensive automation tool in software testing. It is true because of the language used in its operation.

Gherkin language is a domain-specific language that follows a natural syntax.

It is used in Behaviour-driven Development scenarios.

The texts of the test description under the Gherkin language are simple and human-readable.

Keywords such as ‘when’, ‘then’, ‘and’, ‘but’, ‘given’ etc are used, making it super comprehensive.

It helps foster collaboration among the technical and non-technical software development and testing teams.

Gherkin writes descriptions as several steps where each step is a scenario. The scenarios consist of the keywords functioning as test cases.

This format helps testers to comprehend the characteristics of the software easily.

3. Integration With Multiple Programming Languages

Cucumber supports several programming languages, such as Java, Python, Ruby, and many others.

This feature helps it cover a broad range of users across language preferences.

When to Choose Which One

The finalizing procedure of the automation tool for your software testing depends on several factors, such as the nature of the project, expertise and preferences of the different stakeholders involved, goals of the software testing, etc.

Let’s get a one-on-one breakdown of the two tools:

TestNG

It is good software, supporting the majority of the tests of Java-based software.
The language is more straightforward, which is suitable for technical pros.
Well-suited for carrying out well-planned, structured software testing.
Concise and standard syntax, ideal for managing high-end test suits efficiently.

Cucumber

It is a behavior-driven software based on the Gherkin language syntax.
The easy-to-comprehend keywords are the highlight of this software, an aid to non-programmers.
Businesses can rely on it as it is best to collaborate with tech and business stakeholders.
Everyone involved can easily comprehend the test results and add the preferred requirements, making collaboration easy.