Cucumber BDD Interview Questions

Checkout Vskills Interview questions with answers in Cucumber BDD to prepare for your next job role. The questions are submitted by professionals to help you to prepare for the Interview.

Q.1 What is Cucumber BDD?

Cucumber is a tool used for BDD (Behavior-Driven Development) that allows stakeholders, testers, and developers to collaborate and create executable specifications in plain text.

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Q.2 What are the key components of a Cucumber feature file?

The key components are: Feature: The overall description of the feature being tested. Scenario: Represents a single test scenario with a clear objective. Given-When-Then steps: The steps that define the behavior of the scenario.

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Q.3 Explain the role of Gherkin in Cucumber BDD.

Gherkin is the language used in Cucumber to write feature files. It provides a structured and human-readable format for describing application behavior.

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Q.4 How does Cucumber execute test scenarios?

Cucumber parses the feature files written in Gherkin and matches the steps defined in the step definitions. It then executes the corresponding automation code for each step.

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Q.5 What is the purpose of the 'Background' keyword in Cucumber?

'Background' is used to define steps that are common to all scenarios within a feature. It helps avoid repetition of common setup steps.

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Q.6 How do you handle data-driven scenarios in Cucumber?

Data-driven scenarios can be achieved using scenario outline and examples. Scenario Outline allows defining placeholders for parameters that are replaced by data from the examples table.

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Q.7 Explain Cucumber hooks and their significance.

Cucumber hooks are methods that run before or after specific scenarios or scenarios within a tagged scope. They are used for setup and teardown activities, like initializing the driver or closing resources.

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Q.8 What are tags in Cucumber, and how are they useful?

Tags are annotations in Cucumber feature files that help organize and categorize scenarios. They are useful for selective test execution and running specific groups of scenarios.

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Q.9 How do you parameterize step definitions in Cucumber?

Step definitions can be parameterized using regular expressions and capture groups. The values from the Gherkin steps can then be passed as arguments to the corresponding methods.

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Q.10 What are the advantages of using Cucumber BDD for test automation?

Improved collaboration between stakeholders, testers, and developers. Human-readable feature files serve as documentation. Easy to understand by non-technical stakeholders. Encourages behavioral thinking during test design.

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Q.11 Explain the difference between Cucumber and other testing frameworks like JUnit or TestNG.

Cucumber is a BDD framework, whereas JUnit and TestNG are unit testing frameworks. Cucumber focuses on behavior-driven scenarios written in Gherkin, while JUnit and TestNG are used for traditional unit testing.

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Q.12 What is the purpose of the 'Scenario Outline' keyword, and when should you use it?

'Scenario Outline' allows defining a template scenario with placeholders for parameters. It's used when you have multiple sets of data to test the same scenario, reducing duplication in feature files.

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Q.13 How do you handle asynchronous behavior in Cucumber test scenarios?

Asynchronous behavior can be handled using explicit waits or asynchronous testing libraries like cucumber-waitfor.

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Q.14 Can you explain the role of Cucumber's 'Background' and 'Scenario' in terms of test execution order.

'Background' steps are executed before each scenario in the feature file, whereas 'Scenario' steps are executed in the order they appear within the scenario.

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Q.15 What are 'Scenario Hooks' in Cucumber, and when would you use them?

Scenario Hooks run before and after each scenario, providing a way to set up and tear down specific state or actions for every scenario.

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Q.16 How do you handle test data management and data cleanup in Cucumber BDD?

Test data management and cleanup can be achieved through hooks, creating a database rollback mechanism, or using separate test data for each scenario.

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Q.17 Explain how you would integrate Cucumber with a continuous integration tool like Jenkins.

You can use Jenkins plugins for Cucumber to integrate Cucumber test reports into Jenkins and trigger automated Cucumber tests as part of the build process.

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Q.18 What are the best practices for writing effective Gherkin scenarios?

Use business-oriented language. Keep scenarios focused and atomic. Avoid technical details in Gherkin steps. Use Scenario Outline for data-driven tests.

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Q.19 How would you handle scenario failures in Cucumber BDD?

When a scenario fails, Cucumber generates detailed failure reports, highlighting the failed step and the underlying reason. These reports aid in debugging and identifying the root cause.

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Q.20 Explain the benefits of using tags in Cucumber feature files.

Tags allow you to organize scenarios, control test execution, and group related features or scenarios for selective testing.

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Q.21 What is a 'Step Definition'? How do you create and use it in Cucumber?

A 'Step Definition' is a piece of code that maps Gherkin steps to the actual automation code. They are written in programming languages like Java, Ruby, or JavaScript and are used to execute test actions.

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Q.22 How do you handle browser-specific testing with Cucumber?

You can use Cucumber's 'Scenario Hooks' to initialize different browser drivers or use a configuration file to specify the browser and driver details.

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Q.23 Can you explain the flow of execution when Cucumber runs multiple scenarios in a feature file.

Cucumber executes each scenario independently, starting with the 'Background' steps (if present) and then proceeding to the steps within the scenario.

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Q.24 How would you handle authentication in Cucumber scenarios for web applications?

Authentication can be handled by using 'Background' steps or hooks to log in and out of the application before and after scenarios.

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Q.25 What are the limitations of Cucumber BDD?

It may slow down test execution due to its natural language parsing. It requires clear communication and collaboration between stakeholders to write effective Gherkin scenarios. It may not be suitable for all types of testing, such as low-level unit testing.

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Q.26 How do you handle test data dependencies between scenarios in Cucumber BDD?

Test data dependencies between scenarios can be avoided by keeping scenarios independent and self-contained. Each scenario should set up its required data as part of the 'Given' steps.

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Q.27 What is the purpose of 'Scenario Context' in Cucumber, and how would you use it?

'Scenario Context' allows sharing data between steps within the same scenario. It is helpful when you need to pass data between steps without using instance variables.

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Q.28 Explain the 'Scenario Outline' example table and how you would use it for parameterized testing.

The 'Scenario Outline' example table provides test data for parameterized testing. Each row in the table represents a set of inputs for the scenario, and placeholders in the scenario are replaced by the corresponding values from the table.

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Q.29 How can you generate test reports in Cucumber?

Cucumber generates test reports in different formats, such as HTML, JSON, and XML. You can use plugins or third-party libraries to generate comprehensive reports.

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Q.30 What is the role of regular expressions in Cucumber step definitions?

Regular expressions are used to match Gherkin steps to their corresponding step definitions. They allow flexibility in handling variations of Gherkin steps.

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Q.31 How do you handle test environment-specific configurations in Cucumber BDD?

Test environment-specific configurations can be managed using property files or configuration files, with different values for each environment (e.g., development, staging, production).

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Q.32 What are 'Background' steps used for, and when should you avoid using them?

'Background' steps are used to set up a common state for all scenarios in a feature file. Avoid using them when the setup is not truly shared across scenarios.

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Q.33 How would you handle dynamic web elements that load asynchronously in Cucumber tests?

Asynchronous web elements can be handled using explicit waits, implicit waits, or the 'cucumber-waitfor' library to wait for the elements to appear before interacting with them.

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Q.34 Explain the role of 'Scenario Hooks' in Cucumber parallel execution.

'Scenario Hooks' run before and after each scenario, so they may need to be thread-safe when running scenarios in parallel to avoid data conflicts or shared resource issues.

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Q.35 What are the different types of Cucumber reports, and how are they beneficial?

HTML Reports: Easily readable and user-friendly format for non-technical stakeholders. JSON Reports: Machine-readable format for integration with other tools and systems. Jenkins Reports: Integrates with Jenkins for continuous integration environments.

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Q.36 How do you handle multiple languages and internationalization (i18n) in Cucumber BDD tests?

You can use feature files with localized Gherkin keywords and create corresponding step definitions for each language to support internationalized testing.

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Q.37 Explain the 'dry-run' option in Cucumber and its purpose.

The 'dry-run' option checks if all the steps in the feature files have corresponding step definitions without actually executing the scenarios. It helps identify missing or unused step definitions.

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Q.38 What are the differences between Cucumber's 'Background' and 'Scenario Outline'?

'Background' sets up a common context for all scenarios in a feature, while 'Scenario Outline' allows you to execute the same scenario with multiple sets of data.

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Q.39 How do you maintain the test automation codebase for Cucumber BDD projects?

You can maintain the codebase by organizing feature files, step definitions, and reusable components in a structured directory, using version control systems, and following coding standards.

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Q.40 What are some best practices for optimizing Cucumber test execution speed?

Use parallel execution of scenarios to leverage multi-core processors. Keep the number of scenarios per feature file manageable. Limit the use of slow-running tests and ensure efficient data handling.

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Q.41 How do you handle test data privacy and security in Cucumber BDD tests?

Test data privacy and security can be addressed by using masked or anonymized data, avoiding sensitive information in feature files, and securing test data repositories.

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Q.42 Explain the concept of 'Scenario Hooks' with tags and how you would use them to run specific setup or teardown actions selectively.

'Scenario Hooks' can be tagged, allowing you to run specific setup or teardown actions only for scenarios with certain tags. This helps in customizing test execution behavior.

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Q.43 What is the purpose of the 'Scenario Context' in Cucumber, and what are its limitations?

'Scenario Context' allows sharing data between steps within the same scenario. However, it is not suitable for sharing data across scenarios or scenario outlines.

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Q.44 How do you manage test data when working with RESTful APIs in Cucumber BDD tests?

Test data for RESTful APIs can be managed using JSON or YAML files, either directly in feature files or in separate data files, to maintain a separation of concerns.

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Q.45 Explain how you handle test environment setup and cleanup in Cucumber BDD for different execution environments (e.g., local, staging, production).

Test environment setup and cleanup can be managed using hooks or configuration files, where you specify the environment-specific details for each execution environment.

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Q.46 What are the common challenges you've faced while working with Cucumber BDD, and how did you overcome them?

Be prepared to share real-world challenges you encountered, such as ambiguous requirements in Gherkin scenarios or managing complex test data setups.

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Q.47 How would you integrate Cucumber with a test management tool to track test execution and defects?

Cucumber can be integrated with test management tools using plugins or custom integrations to automatically report test results and link them to corresponding defects.

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Q.48 Explain the concept of 'Step Definitions' reuse, and how do you ensure the maintainability of step definitions in a large Cucumber project.

'Step Definitions' can be reused across scenarios, reducing duplication. To ensure maintainability, use shared libraries, follow coding standards, and refactor step definitions when necessary.

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Q.49 How do you handle JavaScript-heavy web applications in Cucumber tests?

For JavaScript-heavy applications, you can use tools like Capybara with Poltergeist or Selenium WebDriver with JavaScript support to interact with the application.

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Q.50 What is the purpose of 'Scenario Outlines' without examples, and when would you use them?

'Scenario Outlines' without examples serve as templates, providing a structure for scenarios that may be defined later with specific test data.

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Q.51 Explain the advantages of using Cucumber BDD with Page Object Model (POM) design pattern for test automation.

Combining Cucumber BDD with POM enhances code reusability, readability, and maintainability by keeping page interactions separate from step definitions.

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Q.52 How do you handle assertion failures and error handling in Cucumber BDD tests?

Assertion failures can be handled using exception handling mechanisms like try-catch blocks, and Cucumber's built-in error reporting will provide details about the failed step.

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Q.53 What is the role of 'Background' steps in scenarios that require user authentication or login?

'Background' steps can be used to handle user authentication or login, ensuring that each scenario starts with the user in the expected state.

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Q.54 How do you ensure that Cucumber feature files remain up-to-date and relevant throughout the development lifecycle?

Regularly review and update feature files during the development process, involving stakeholders to keep the requirements and scenarios aligned with changes.

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Q.55 Can you explain the process of parameterizing Cucumber test scenarios using examples from your previous projects.

Be prepared to demonstrate how you used 'Scenario Outline' and examples tables to parameterize test scenarios with various test data combinations.

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Q.56 What are Cucumber 'Hooks'? How can you use them for setting up and tearing down test environments?

Cucumber 'Hooks' are blocks of code that run before or after scenarios. You can use them to set up and tear down test environments, such as starting and stopping application servers or databases.

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Q.57 Explain the concept of 'Scenario Outline' with a real-world example from your testing experience.

Provide an example of how you used 'Scenario Outline' to test a feature with multiple test data sets, making the scenario more concise and efficient.

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Q.58 How do you handle complex scenarios that involve multiple steps and interactions with different pages or components?

For complex scenarios, you can break them down into smaller, more manageable steps or leverage the Page Object Model (POM) design pattern for better maintainability.

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Q.59 What is the difference between Cucumber's 'Given', 'When', and 'Then' steps? When would you use each one?

'Given' steps are used for preconditions, 'When' steps for actions, and 'Then' steps for expected outcomes. Use them according to the behavior you want to describe.

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Q.60 How do you handle scenario failures in Cucumber, and how do you troubleshoot the root cause of failures?

When a scenario fails, you can inspect the generated test reports to identify the failed step and analyze the underlying cause by reviewing the logs and test data.

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Q.61 Explain the advantages of using Cucumber BDD for API testing over other testing approaches.

Cucumber BDD provides a clear and readable format for API test scenarios, making it easier to understand and collaborate with non-technical stakeholders.

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Q.62 How do you implement data-driven testing with Cucumber using external data sources like Excel or databases?

Data-driven testing can be implemented by reading data from external sources and feeding it into the 'Scenario Outline' examples table through custom data providers.

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Q.63 Explain the concept of 'Scenario Hooks' with order and priorities. How can you control the execution order of hooks.

'Scenario Hooks' can have a specific order and priority to control their execution sequence. You can use the '@Before' and '@After' annotations with an order value to set the execution order.

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Q.64 What are 'Background' steps used for, and how do they differ from 'Scenario Hooks'?

'Background' steps are used to set up common preconditions for all scenarios in a feature file, while 'Scenario Hooks' are more flexible and can be customized per scenario.

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Q.65 How do you handle data cleanup or restoration after test execution to leave the environment in a consistent state?

Data cleanup can be handled in 'Scenario Hooks' with teardown steps to restore the database or application state after each scenario.

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Q.66 Can you explain the relationship between Cucumber and other testing frameworks, like Selenium or Appium.

Cucumber is primarily a BDD tool for writing feature files, whereas Selenium and Appium are automation tools for web and mobile testing, respectively. Cucumber can be integrated with Selenium or Appium to execute the test scenarios.

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Q.67 What is 'Dependency Injection,' and how can you implement it in Cucumber for better test scenario management?

'Dependency Injection' is a technique used to provide instances of classes to other classes when they are required. In Cucumber, you can use tools like 'PicoContainer' or 'Spring' for dependency injection.

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Q.68 How do you manage test data versioning and synchronization in Cucumber BDD projects?

Test data versioning and synchronization can be managed by using specific branches or tags in the version control system to track feature files and corresponding test data.

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Q.69 Explain the process of collaborating with non-technical stakeholders in writing Gherkin scenarios. How do you ensure clarity and accuracy in requirements.

Collaboration with non-technical stakeholders involves eliciting requirements, clarifying ambiguities, and using examples to ensure Gherkin scenarios accurately reflect the expected behavior.

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Q.70 Can you discuss any real-world challenges you faced while implementing Cucumber BDD in a team, and how did you resolve them.

Share challenges related to scenario maintenance, team collaboration, or integrating Cucumber with other tools, and explain the strategies you used to overcome those challenges.

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Q.71 Explain the concept of 'Scenario Outline Examples' with a use case. How does it help in providing multiple test data sets for a single scenario.

'Scenario Outline Examples' provide a way to execute the same scenario with different test data sets, making the testing more comprehensive and efficient.

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Q.72 How do you handle test dependencies or shared state between scenarios to ensure isolation and repeatability?

Test dependencies or shared state between scenarios should be avoided. Ensure each scenario is self-contained and independent to maintain isolation and repeatability.

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Q.73 What are the best practices for writing efficient and maintainable Cucumber step definitions?

Some best practices include using descriptive step definitions, avoiding complex logic in step definitions, and promoting code reusability.

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Q.74 Explain how Cucumber supports the concept of 'Data Tables' and how you would use them for parameterized testing.

'Data Tables' allow you to represent tabular data in Gherkin scenarios. They are useful for testing scenarios that require multiple inputs and expected outputs.

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Q.75 What are 'Background' and 'Scenario Outline' template features, and how can they be beneficial for managing large test suites?

'Background' and 'Scenario Outline' templates allow you to define reusable setup steps and parameterized scenarios, respectively, making test suites more organized and maintainable.

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Q.76 How do you prioritize scenarios for testing when there are time constraints?

Prioritize scenarios based on business-critical functionality, frequently used features, or high-risk areas to ensure maximum test coverage with limited time.

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Q.77 Explain the role of 'Tag Expressions' in Cucumber. How can you use them to execute specific sets of scenarios during test runs.

'Tag Expressions' allow you to filter and execute specific sets of scenarios based on tags. This is useful for running subsets of scenarios or executing scenarios with particular characteristics.

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Q.78 How do you handle scenarios that require interactions with pop-up dialogs or alerts in Cucumber tests?

For scenarios involving pop-up dialogs or alerts, you can use Selenium or other appropriate automation libraries to handle the interaction.

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Q.79 Explain how you perform cross-browser testing using Cucumber BDD.

Cross-browser testing can be achieved by defining tags for different browsers and executing scenarios with corresponding tags using multiple browser profiles.

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Q.80 What are 'Background Hooks,' and how are they different from 'Scenario Hooks'?

'Background Hooks' are hooks that run before the 'Background' steps of every scenario in a feature. They are useful for setup tasks common to all scenarios in a feature.

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Q.81 How do you handle test flakiness or intermittently failing scenarios in Cucumber BDD?

For intermittent failures, you can implement retry mechanisms, add additional waiting conditions, or investigate the root cause to address the flakiness.

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Q.82 Explain the process of integrating Cucumber BDD with a test management tool to track test coverage and link requirements.

Integration with a test management tool involves using Cucumber's reporting capabilities to generate test execution reports and linking those results to corresponding requirements.

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Q.83 How do you manage and share reusable step definitions across multiple projects or teams in a Cucumber BDD environment?

Reusable step definitions can be shared as separate libraries or modules accessible to all projects or teams through a shared repository or dependency management tool.

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Q.84 Can you explain the concept of 'Scenario Template' in Cucumber BDD, and when would you use it.

'Scenario Template' is a more abstract way of defining scenarios using placeholders for step details. It's useful when you want to create similar scenarios with minor variations.

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Q.85 How do you handle scenarios involving file uploads or downloads in Cucumber BDD tests?

For scenarios that require file uploads or downloads, you can use automation libraries that support file handling, such as AutoIt or Robot Framework, along with Cucumber.

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