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Specifications Concepts

Understanding specifications, BDD, TDD, and executable testing practices.


In This Section

Core Concepts

Foundation of behavior-driven development and test-driven development.

  • Three-Layer Testing Approach
  • BDD Fundamentals
  • Executable Specifications
  • Specifications Evolution
  • Canon TDD Workflow
  • Ubiquitous Language

Organizing Specifications

How to structure and organize Gherkin specification files.

  • File Structure
  • Organizing Rules
  • Organizing Scenarios
  • Naming Conventions
  • Size Guidelines

Testing Taxonomy

Complete reference for test levels, verification tags, and test suites.

  • Test Levels (L0-L4)
  • Verification Tags (@ov, @iv, @pv, @piv, @ppv)
  • Execution Control (@ignore, @Manual)
  • Dependency Tags (@deps, @depm, @env)
  • Control Tags (@control)
  • Tag Inheritance
  • Test Suites

Discovery Techniques

Collaborative workshop techniques for discovering requirements.

  • Event Storming (Overview, Formats, Facilitation)
  • Example Mapping
  • Card Reference

Quality & Maintenance

Maintaining living specifications through continuous improvement.

  • Specification Quality Checklist
  • Review and Iterate

Compliance & Risk

Risk-based testing and regulatory compliance.

  • Risk Controls (OSCAL integration)
  • GxP Tagging (pharmaceutical/medical device)

Implementation Guides

Language-specific implementation details.


Quick Start

New to specifications? Start here:

  1. What is BDD?
  2. Three-Layer Approach
  3. Example Mapping Workshop
  4. Organizing Your First Feature

Tutorials | How-to Guides | Explanation | Reference

You are here: Explanation — understanding-oriented discussion that clarifies concepts.