GraphQL vs REST - 10 Top Key Differences (Testers Edition)

GraphQL vs REST – 10 Top Key Differences (Testers Edition)

JMeter vs Postman | Top 10 Key Differences

Robot Framework vs Cucumber - Which is Better?

Robot Framework vs Cucumber – Which is Better?

Difference Between Robot Framework vs Selenium

Yashaswi Singh

Top 8 Robot Framework Alternatives For 2025

Calabash VS Appium: Which One is Better?

Specflow vs Selenium Top 10 Key Differences

Specflow vs Selenium | Top 10 Key Differences

Best 15 Ghost Inspector Alternatives List to Look For

Robot framework vs Cypress - What are the Differences

Robot framework vs Cypress – What are the Differences?


<p>Gherkin and Cucumber are integral components of Behavior-Driven Development (BDD), each playing a distinct role in the testing ecosystem. While Cucumber is a testing tool, Gherkin serves as a language for writing acceptance criteria. Understanding their fundamental differences is essential for teams adopting BDD methodologies.</p>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets"><p class="toc_title">Table Of Contents</p><ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Gherkin_VS_Cucumber_8211_Overview"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">1</span> Gherkin VS Cucumber &#8211; Overview </a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Cucumber"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.1</span> What is Cucumber?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Gherkin_Language"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">1.2</span> What is Gherkin Language?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Basics_of_Cucumber_and_Gherkin"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">2</span> Basics of Cucumber and Gherkin</a></li><li><a href="#Behaviour-Driven_Development_BDD_With_Cucumber_vs_Gherkin"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">3</span> Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD) With Cucumber vs Gherkin</a></li><li><a href="#Cucumber_and_Gherkin_in_the_Cloud"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">4</span> Cucumber and Gherkin in the Cloud</a></li><li><a href="#Cucumber_vs_Gherkin_8211_Web_Testing"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">5</span> Cucumber vs Gherkin &#8211; Web Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Gherkin_vs_Cucumber_8211_Key_Differences"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">6</span> Gherkin vs Cucumber &#8211; Key Differences</a></li><li><a href="#Why_to_Use_Testsigma_as_an_Alternative_Tool_to_Cucumber_and_Gherkin"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">7</span> Why to Use Testsigma as an Alternative Tool to Cucumber and Gherkin?</a></li><li><a href="#Gherkin_VS_Cucumber_VS_Testsigma_8211_Key_Differences_Which_is_Better"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">8</span> Gherkin VS Cucumber VS Testsigma &#8211; Key Differences: Which is Better?</a><ul><li><a href="#1_Nature_and_Role"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.1</span> 1. Nature and Role:</a></li><li><a href="#2_Functionality_and_Automation"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.2</span> 2. Functionality and Automation:</a></li><li><a href="#3_Collaboration_and_Readability"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.3</span> 3. Collaboration and Readability:</a></li><li><a href="#4_Versatility_and_Application"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.4</span> 4. Versatility and Application:</a></li><li><a href="#5_Execution_and_Reporting"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_2">8.5</span> 5. Execution and Reporting:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">9</span> Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions"><span class="toc_number toc_depth_1">10</span> Frequently Asked Questions</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="gherkin-vs-cucumber-overview"><span id="Gherkin_VS_Cucumber_8211_Overview"><strong>Gherkin VS Cucumber &#8211; Overview </strong></span></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-cucumber"><span id="What_is_Cucumber"><strong>What is Cucumber?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Cucumber is an open-source testing tool that allows you to execute automated tests written in the Gherkin language. For example, let&#8217;s say you&#8217;re developing a website, and you want to ensure that users can create an account successfully. You could write a Gherkin scenario that describes the steps the user takes, and Cucumber will execute those steps and report any issues it finds.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-gherkin-language"><span id="What_is_Gherkin_Language"><strong>What is Gherkin Language?</strong></span></h3>



<p>Gherkin is a language that uses a structured format to define application behavior. For example, let&#8217;s say you&#8217;re developing a feature that allows users to reset their passwords. You could write a Gherkin scenario that describes the steps the user takes to reset their password, such as entering their email address and clicking a &#8220;reset password&#8221; button. The scenario could also include expected outcomes, such as the user receiving an email with instructions on how to reset their password. This format makes it easy for non-technical stakeholders to understand and collaborate on test cases with developers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="basics-of-cucumber-and-gherkin"><span id="Basics_of_Cucumber_and_Gherkin"><strong>Basics of Cucumber and Gherkin</strong></span></h2>



<p>Cucumber and Gherkin are integral components of BDD that streamline testing efforts and enhance collaboration among stakeholders.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Gherkin’s structured syntax enables testers to describe application behavior in a human-readable format. Cucumber interprets Gherkin scenarios and executes them as automated tests. This synergy between Gherkin and Cucumber bridges the gap between business requirements and technical implementation that promotes effective communication and early defect detection.For testers, it is necessary to also know the difference between Cucumber and Gherkin. They should grasp Gherkin’s Given-When-Then format, write clear and concise scenarios, and learn to implement step definitions in programming languages supported by Cucumber.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behaviour-driven-development-bdd-with-cucumber-vs-gherkin"><span id="Behaviour-Driven_Development_BDD_With_Cucumber_vs_Gherkin"><strong>Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD) With Cucumber vs Gherkin</strong></span></h2>



<p>In the dynamic landscape of Behavior-Driven Development (BDD), the collaboration between Cucumber and Gherkin unfolds a narrative of effective communication. With its human-readable syntax, Gherkin becomes the language of choice for articulating behavior in plain text. It is a collaborative tool that fosters understanding between non-technical stakeholders and developers. On the execution side, Cucumber steps in, interpreting and running the scenarios penned in Gherkin. This collaboration between Gherkin&#8217;s expressive language and Cucumber&#8217;s execution prowess ensures that end-users expectations are understood and translated into robust, executable tests. To delve deeper into this symbiotic relationship, explore our comprehensive <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/behavior-driven-development-bdd-with-gherkin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blog here</a>, providing insights into how these tools synergize to elevate BDD practices to new heights.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cucumber-and-gherkin-in-the-cloud"><span id="Cucumber_and_Gherkin_in_the_Cloud"><strong>Cucumber and Gherkin in the Cloud</strong></span></h2>



<p>Cucumber and Gherkin have proven their adaptability in the era of cloud computing, where testing environments are becoming more agile and scalable. They seamlessly integrate with <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/cloud-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud-based testing</a> infrastructure, ensuring teams can adhere to Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) practices regardless of their chosen infrastructure. This flexibility allows for efficient collaboration and communication among team members, enabling them to create and execute tests in a cloud environment. The combination of Cucumber and Gherkin transcends traditional testing boundaries. It embraces the possibilities and advantages of the cloud, making <a href="https://scaledagileframework.com/behavior-driven-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BDD practices</a> more accessible and influential in the modern testing landscape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cucumber-vs-gherkin-web-testing"><span id="Cucumber_vs_Gherkin_8211_Web_Testing"><strong>Cucumber vs Gherkin &#8211; Web Testing</strong></span></h2>



<p>In web testing, the collaboration between Cucumber and Gherkin brings a powerful synergy. Cucumber acts as the executor, interpreting and executing test scripts written in Gherkin. With its human-readable syntax, Gherkin provides a clear and expressive language for articulating behavior, making it an ideal choice for collaboration between non-technical and technical stakeholders. This collaboration ensures that the testing process remains effective, transparent, and easy to understand. While Cucumber excels in the execution of Gherkin scripts, Gherkin remains focused on providing a language that is not only readable but also collaborative. Together, they empower teams to conduct web testing efficiently, balancing technical precision and human-centric communication.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gherkin-vs-cucumber-key-differences"><span id="Gherkin_vs_Cucumber_8211_Key_Differences"><strong>Gherkin vs Cucumber &#8211; Key Differences</strong></span></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Aspect</strong></td><td><strong>Gherkin</strong></td><td><strong>Cucumber</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Nature</strong></td><td>Language: Describes behavior in plain text.</td><td>Tool: Executes BDD scenarios in various languages.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Usage</strong></td><td>Writing: Primarily for creating strategies.</td><td>Execution: Executes Gherkin scripts.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Focus</strong></td><td>Readability: Focus on human-readable syntax.</td><td>Automation: Focus on automated <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-execution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test execution.</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Role</strong></td><td>Collaboration: Facilitates communication between stakeholders.</td><td>Implementation: Translates Gherkin into executable code.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Formality</strong></td><td>Informal: Designed to be easy for non-developers.</td><td>Formal: Requires coding for automation.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Flexibility</strong></td><td>Agile: Suited for agile and collaborative environments.</td><td>Versatility: Adaptable to various testing scenarios.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Output</strong></td><td>Scenarios: Output scenarios for multiple tests.</td><td>Results: Generates test results and reports.<br></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p>Understanding these key differences clarifies the distinct roles of Gherkin and Cucumber in BDD, fostering effective collaboration and streamlined testing processes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="why-to-use-testsigma-as-an-alternative-tool-to-cucumber-and-gherkin"><span id="Why_to_Use_Testsigma_as_an_Alternative_Tool_to_Cucumber_and_Gherkin"><strong>Why to Use Testsigma as an Alternative Tool to Cucumber and Gherkin?</strong></span></h2>



<p>Testsigma is a test automation tool that allows test creation in natural language. It enables non-technical team members to create and execute automated tests without the need for coding expertise.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Testsigma offers a range of features such as scriptless test creation, AI-powered <a data-wpil="url" href="https://testsigma.com/blog/self-healing-test-automation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-healing tests</a>, and <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-maintenance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test maintenance</a> that make it a popular choice among teams looking to implement <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated testing</a> in their SDLC.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
<p class="title">Automate Your Tests 5x Faster with Testsigma Start automating your tests</p>
</div>
<a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener" data-faitracker-click-bind="true">Try for free</a>
</div>



<p>In this context, we&#8217;ll compare Gherkin and cucumber with Testsigma to understand their differences and similarities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gherkin-vs-cucumber-vs-testsigma-key-differences-which-is-better"><span id="Gherkin_VS_Cucumber_VS_Testsigma_8211_Key_Differences_Which_is_Better"><strong>Gherkin VS Cucumber VS Testsigma &#8211; Key Differences: Which is Better?</strong></span></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="1-nature-and-role"><span id="1_Nature_and_Role">1. Nature and Role:</span></h3>



<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Gherkin: Primarily a language for describing behavior in plain text, focusing on readability and collaboration.</p>



<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Cucumber: An execution tool that interprets and runs BDD scenarios written in Gherkin.</p>



<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Testsigma: An <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/end-to-end-testing-frameworks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">end-to-end test automation platform</a> that employs natural language processing, but also provides the platform for execution and reporting eliminating the need for explicit coding in Gherkin.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="2-functionality-and-automation"><span id="2_Functionality_and_Automation">2. Functionality and Automation:</span></h3>



<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Gherkin: Emphasizes human-readable syntax, mainly for articulating behavior.</p>



<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Cucumber: Focuses on automating test scenarios written in Gherkin, requiring coding for execution.</p>



<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Testsigma: Leverages a no-code approach, allowing users to create and execute automated tests without scripting.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="3-collaboration-and-readability"><span id="3_Collaboration_and_Readability">3. Collaboration and Readability:</span></h3>



<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Gherkin Aims for informal, easy-to-understand language, promoting collaboration among non-developers.</p>



<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Cucumber: Integrates Gherkin scenarios into code, ensuring clear communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders.</p>



<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Testsigma: Enhances collaboration by providing a user-friendly, collaborative platform accessible to technical and non-technical users.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="4-versatility-and-application"><span id="4_Versatility_and_Application">4. Versatility and Application:</span></h3>



<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Gherkin: Suited for creating scenarios, emphasizing agile and collaborative environments.</p>



<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Cucumber: Adaptable to various <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/test-scenario/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing scenarios</a>, offering versatility in automated testing.</p>



<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Testsigma: Designed for <a href="https://testsigma.com/end-to-end-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">end-to-end test automation</a>, accommodating testing needs without coding.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="5-execution-and-reporting"><span id="5_Execution_and_Reporting">5. Execution and Reporting:</span></h3>



<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Gherkin: Outputs scenarios for manual or <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated tests</a> without execution capabilities.</p>



<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Cucumber: Executes Gherkin scenarios and generates test results, aiding in comprehensive testing.</p>



<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#8211; Testsigma: Executes automated tests seamlessly, providing real-time reporting for efficient <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-analysis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test analysis</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conclusion"><span id="Conclusion"><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></h2>



<p>In summary, Gherkin, Cucumber, and Testsigma each play distinctive roles in <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/behavior-driven-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Behavior-Driven Development</a> (BDD) and test automation. While Gherkin acts as a human-readable language, Cucumber translates it into executable code. Testsigma, on the other hand, stands out with its no-code approach, offering a collaborative platform accessible to both technical and non-technical users.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frequently-asked-questions"><span id="Frequently_Asked_Questions"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></span></h2>



<div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1754478635048"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What is the difference between Gherkin and Cucumber automation?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">In essence, Gherkin is a language for articulating behavior, emphasizing human readability, while Cucumber is a tool that interprets and executes Gherkin scenarios for <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated testing</a>. Gherkin serves as a collaborative, non-technical language, while Cucumber acts as the bridge between Gherkin and automation, requiring coding for implementation.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1754478645804"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What is the difference between Cucumber BDD and Selenium?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">While Cucumber is a tool that facilitates Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) by interpreting scenarios written in Gherkin, Selenium is a web automation framework. Cucumber focuses on collaboration and readable scenarios, whereas Selenium is designed to automate web applications. The former involves collaboration between non-technical and technical stakeholders, while the latter is a widely used automation tool for <a href="https://testsigma.com/website-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">web testing</a>.</p> </div> </div>


Gherkin vs Cucumber 10 Top Key Differences