LightBDD

What LightBDD is

LightBDD is a free behavior driven development framework for writing readable tests and following their execution. Its scenarios support parameterized steps, inline or tabular parameters, and shared scenario context. As tests run, LightBDD tracks step progress and execution time, and it can run asynchronous scenarios and steps. Feature reports are available in HTML, XML, and plain text formats.

The project lists integrations with NUnit, xUnit 2 and 3, Microsoft Test Framework, Fixie, and TUnit. It also supports dependency injection containers. A Visual Studio extension provides project and feature class templates along with code snippets for scenarios and composite steps. The Quick Start describes acceptance tests as partial feature classes, with scenario definitions and step implementations kept in separate parts.

LightBDD packages are distributed through NuGet. Listed runtime support includes .NET 5+, .NET Framework, .NET Standard, .NET Core, and UWP, and the framework runs locally on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It is provided under the BSD 2-Clause License, with no paid tiers stated. The README points users to the project wiki and notes that NuGet packages include debug symbols for diagnostics. A community project, LightBDD.ScenarioSync, can synchronize LightBDD scenarios with Azure DevOps test cases.

Who it suits

LightBDD suits developers writing acceptance tests who want readable scenarios, execution tracking, and feature reports. It is a fit for teams using its listed test frameworks and .NET runtimes, with local execution across Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Limits

The free plan is the BSD 2-Clause licensed framework. No paid tiers are stated; it runs locally and does not support Gherkin.

Getting started

1. Open the LightBDD repository on GitHub.
2. Install LightBDD packages through NuGet.
3. Choose a listed test framework and supported .NET runtime.
4. Use the Visual Studio extension for project and feature templates, if working in Visual Studio.
5. Organize acceptance tests as partial feature classes with scenario definitions and step implementations.

Verdict

Choose LightBDD if you want a free, locally run framework for readable behavior driven tests and your development setup matches its listed runtimes and test integrations. Its reports and Visual Studio tooling support test authoring and review. Look elsewhere if Gherkin support is required.