These are the unfiltered notes taken during the session and represent a variety of opinions expressed during the session.

What's the difference between BDD and TDD

• Is BDD just "hyper-tdd?"
• Complementary to each other.

Two main syntax "flavors"

• Context / Specification - rSpec model
• Given/When/Then - Gerkin model

Context / Spec

• Define your context (example: purchasing from a vending machine)
• As new cases are discovered, contexts build in complexity (vending machine is empty, etc)
• More complex context (classes) inherit from simpler, parent contexts.
• Difficulty working with Tabular Data

Given / When / Then

• Focuses on composing contexts vs inheriting
• Helps re-using context and features

Either / Or (Suitability for purpose)

• "Conventional Wisdom": Gerkin model works best for integration-style tests while Rspec model works best for unit style tests.
• Not all agree
• Statement was result of "truce" between Dave Astels and Dan North over competing ideas.

Objections over usefulness of BDD / BDD Tools as a whole 

• Converting plain text to executable specs is a barrier.
• Becomes a User Interface for end users over the code.
• Users don't appreciate text specifications
• Provides extra overhead / useless artifacts
• It's good design that makes things work well, not tools
• "Favor Individuals and Interactions over Tools and Processes" - Agile Manifesto 
• Testing is NOT the users' job. Neither is reading volumes of text specifications. 
• User Stories don't belong in a programming tool. 

Warnings

• Don't mistake the value sought from using the tools for the tools themselves
• Text specification is good only for things that require extreme specificity 
• Avoid the Cargo Cult mentality of using for the sake of using.

Other Notes:

• One of the goals of Agile is to shorten the feedback loop(s) from inception to release
• Research -> Analysis ->Design ->Code ->Test 
• Test-First shortens the C->T cycle
• TDD shortens the D->C->T cycle
• BDD shortens the A->D->C->T cycle
• Lean Startup shortens the R->A->D->C->T cycle
• You should be sure to be VERY familiar with your disciplines before you decide to experiment with NOT using them.