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Behat
What it is
Behat is a free, open-source behavior-driven development tool for writing executable software specifications in plain language. It is the PHP implementation of Cucumber and runs specifications written in Gherkin. Feature files can describe whole-application behavior and be checked through browser automation, HTTP API calls, shell commands, databases, filesystems, or PHP code. Behat is designed for use with any PHP framework or without one. It can be installed through Composer or as a PHAR executable, and both methods run using PHP. Its extension system can enhance or replace nearly any part of its functionality; available extensions cover framework integrations, browser automation, reporting, and data fixtures. Behat does not include an assertion tool, so users can pair it with an external assertion library. It supports current PHP and third-party dependency versions, with Symfony 8 support starting in Behat 4.0. The project says each major version receives security fixes for 24 months after the next major release. Volunteers maintain the software, which is provided without warranty; the project directs questions to its Gitter channel.
For and against
For
- Free, open-source software for executable specifications.
- Works with any PHP framework or without one.
- Feature testing can cover browsers, APIs, shells, and databases.
- Extensions cover browser automation, reporting, and data fixtures.
Against
- Does not include its own assertion tool.
- Installation methods both require PHP.
- Software is provided without warranty.
The verdict
Behat provides a flexible way to run Gherkin specifications across varied application interfaces and environments. Its reliance on PHP and external assertion libraries matters when assessing fit for a project.
Who it suits
Behat suits PHP developers who want to express application behavior in Gherkin and test it across browser, API, shell, or data-system interactions. Users must provide an external assertion library if they need assertions.
Plans and prices
Behat
Free software; provided without warranty
Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.behat.org
On the record
- Assertions
- Behat does not include its own assertion tool, and its documentation lists external assertion libraries that can be used.docs.behat.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Community support
- The project directs users to its Gitter channel for questions and its contribution guide for issues or feature contributions.docs.behat.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limit
- Behat supports current PHP and third-party dependency versions, and says Symfony 8 support starts with Behat 4.0.docs.behat.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Behat's extension system can enhance or replace nearly any part of its functionality.docs.behat.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Extensions
- Available extensions include integrations for PHP frameworks, browser automation, test result reporting, and data fixtures; the project says it does not maintain an official extension list.docs.behat.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Framework support
- Behat is designed to work with any PHP framework or with no framework.docs.behat.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The documented installation methods are Composer and a PHAR executable, both run using PHP.docs.behat.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- PHP implementation
- Behat is the PHP implementation of Cucumber and runs specifications written in Gherkin.docs.behat.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Behat is an open source behavior-driven development tool for writing executable software specifications in plain language.docs.behat.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security support
- The project states that each major version receives security fixes for 24 months after the next major release.docs.behat.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Testing scope
- Feature files can describe whole application behavior and can be tested using browser automation, HTTP API calls, shell commands, databases, filesystems, or PHP code.docs.behat.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Warranty
- Behat describes itself as free software maintained by volunteers and says its license provides it without warranty.docs.behat.org · read 4 Oct 2026
