In [[behavior-driven development]] ([[BDD]]), **[[Given-When-Then]] ([[GWT]]) scenarios** are the core building blocks used to describe and test the expected behavior of a system from the user's perspective. They offer a structured and human-readable format for detailing what conditions exist, what actions are taken, and what outcomes should be observed. Here's a breakdown of each element: **Given:** - This section sets the initial context or preconditions for the test. It describes the state of the system before the action being tested is performed. This might include data setup, user accounts, system configuration, or any other relevant factors. **When:** - This section represents the action or event that triggers the desired behavior being tested. It describes what the user does or what system event occurs that the test scenario is focusing on. **Then:** - This section specifies the expected outcome or result of the action performed in the "When" step. It describes what the user should see, what state the system should be in, or what changes should occur after the action is taken. By combining these elements, GWT scenarios provide a clear and concise way to communicate the desired behavior of the system from the user's point of view. This format not only benefits developers by facilitating clear and testable requirements, but also fosters collaboration and shared understanding between developers, testers, and other stakeholders. Here are some additional points to consider: - **Variations:** While GWT is the most common format, some frameworks might use slight variations like Given-Then-Do or Specify-Because-Expect. The core concept remains the same. - **Examples:** Scenarios can have multiple "Then" steps to specify different aspects of the expected outcome, and examples can be added to cover different conditions within the same scenario. - **Readability:** Focus on clear and concise language, avoiding technical jargon. The goal is for anyone with a basic understanding of the domain to comprehend the scenario. # Given-When-Then structure for Logic Model The Given-When-Then (GWT) structure in BDD can support the development of a [[Logic Model]] as a project governance tool in several ways: **1. Clear communication and alignment:** - GWT scenarios force stakeholders and developers to express the desired system behavior in plain language, using keywords like "Given," "When," and "Then." This clarity avoids misunderstandings and promotes alignment within the project team. - By focusing on user-centric scenarios, the Logic Model built from GWT becomes a shared reference point for decision-making, ensuring everyone understands the project's goals and expected outcomes. **2. Behavior-driven development:** - BDD emphasizes defining the "what" of the system before the "how," focusing on desired behavior before technical implementation details. This aligns well with the Logic Model's goal of representing the project's core logic independent of specific technologies or architectures. - GWT scenarios capture this logic in a structured way, making the Logic Model more readable and easier to maintain as the project evolves. **3. Improved decision-making:** - GWT scenarios, along with the derived Logic Model, provide a concrete basis for evaluating proposed solutions and changes. By considering how proposed changes impact the "Given," "When," and "Then" states, the team can make informed decisions that stay aligned with the project's core logic. - This can help avoid scope creep and ensures that the project focuses on delivering the desired value to users. **4. Continuous improvement:** - BDD encourages iterative development with frequent feedback loops. The Logic Model derived from GWT scenarios can be continuously updated and refined as the project progresses and learnings are gathered. - This enables the project to remain flexible and adaptable to changing needs and ensures the Logic Model stays relevant and representative of the actual system behavior. However, it's important to note that simply using GWT or BDD doesn't automatically guarantee a successful Logic Model as a project governance tool. Here are some additional considerations: - **Effective collaboration:** Building a good Logic Model requires active participation and contributions from various stakeholders. BDD and GWT facilitate this collaboration, but ensuring everyone feels engaged and empowered is crucial. - **Model maintenance:** The Logic Model should be updated regularly to reflect changing requirements and project realities. Neglecting to maintain the model can lead to it becoming outdated and losing its value as a governance tool. - **Tool selection:** While GWT and BDD provide methods for describing behavior, additional tools and techniques might be needed to fully represent the Logic Model for complex projects. Overall, the GWT structure of BDD offers a valuable approach for building and utilizing a Logic Model as a project governance tool. By promoting clear communication, behavior-driven development, and continuous improvement, it can significantly enhance project clarity, alignment, and decision-making, ultimately leading to successful project outcomes. # Conclusion Overall, GWT scenarios are a powerful tool in BDD, enabling effective communication, collaboration, and testing of software behavior from a user-centric perspective. They offer a valuable bridge between technical implementation and user experience, ensuring that developers deliver software that meets user needs and expectations. # References ```dataview Table title as Title, authors as Authors where contains(subject, "Given-When-Then") or contains(subject, "GWT") ```