What is Given-When-Then?

In Agile methodologies (often misconceived as a “methodology”, but truly intended as a way of working), clear communication of requirements is essential. The “Given-When-Then” (GWT) format offers a structured approach to defining acceptance criteria, ensuring that all stakeholders share a common understanding of a feature’s expected behavior.

Understanding the Given-When-Then Structure

The GWT format breaks down scenarios into three components:

Given

Specifies the initial context or preconditions.

When

Describes the action or event that triggers the behavior.

Then

Details the expected outcome or result.

This structure provides a clear and concise way to articulate requirements, making it easier for teams to implement and test features effectively.

Example of Given-When-Then in Practice

Consider a banking application where a user wants to withdraw cash:

Given

The user’s account is in credit, and no recent withdrawals have been made.

When

The user attempts to withdraw an amount less than their card’s limit.

Then

The withdrawal should be completed without errors or warnings.

This example outlines the preconditions, the action taken, and the expected result, providing a clear guideline for development and testing.

Benefits of Using Given-When-Then

Clarity 

Offers a straightforward way to express expected behavior, reducing ambiguity.

Testability

Facilitates the creation of test cases that align with specified criteria.

Collaboration

Encourages discussions among stakeholders, developers, and testers to ensure alignment.

By adopting the GWT format, Agile teams can enhance their communication and ensure that features meet the desired outcomes.