# Behave

Last updated on : 09 Jan 2026

Overview

Behave is a behavior-driven development (BDD) testing framework for Python, similar to Cucumber, Cucumber-JVM, and SpecFlow. It allows you to write test scenarios in plain, human-readable language rather than direct code.

Key Features:

- Uses Gherkin syntax (Given-When-Then) to describe test behaviors
- Enables sharing of test steps across multiple scenarios
- Supports mobile app testing on both iOS and Android platforms via Pcloudy
- Separates test specification from implementation
- More accessible to non-technical stakeholders than traditional frameworks like unittest or pytest

## Prerequisites

Before setting up Behave for mobile testing, ensure you have:

1.  Python and PIP - Latest versions installed on your system
2.  Virtual Environment - Familiarity with creating Python virtual environments using venv
3.  Pcloudy Account - Active account with valid credentials
4.  API Access Key - Available in your account profile or Quick Actions tab
5.  Mobile App Upload - Your Android (.apk) or iOS (.ipa) application uploaded to Pcloudy via the web interface
6.  Project Files - Access to your test project repository

## Setup Instructions

### 1. Create Virtual Environment

```java
python -m venv behave-env
source behave-env/bin/activate
```

On Windows:

```java
behave-envScriptsactivate
```

### 2. Install Dependencies

Copy your project files into the virtual environment directory, then install required packages:

```java
pip install -r requirements.txt
```

### 3. Configure Test Environment

Edit the config.json file with your credentials and mobile configuration. The sample below shows the basic structure—refer to the Capability Generator page for a complete customized configuration tailored to your needs:

```java title="Java"
"Pcloudy_Username": "your-email@example.com",
"Pcloudy_ApiKey": "your-api-access-key",
"Pcloudy_ApplicationName": "your_app.apk",
"Pcloudy_DeviceFullName": "SAMSUNG_GalaxyS21_Android_12.0.0",
"Pcloudy_DurationInMinutes": 10
```

Configuration Parameters:
- Pcloudy_Username: Your registered email address
- Pcloudy_ApiKey: Your API access key (found in account profile or Quick Actions tab)
- Pcloudy_ApplicationName: Exact filename of your uploaded app (e.g., "your_app.apk" or "your_app.ipa")
- Pcloudy_DeviceFullName: Target device identifier from Pcloudy (e.g., "SAMSUNG_GalaxyS21_Android_12.0.0")
- Pcloudy_DurationInMinutes: Maximum test session duration in minutes

## Running Tests

### Single Device Execution

Navigate to your project directory and execute:

```java
paver run SingleDevice
```

This command will launch the Behave test suite on a single mobile device in the Pcloudy cloud.

## Optional: Advanced Features

Enable additional capabilities in your configuration:

- Video Recording: Capture test execution videos for review
- Performance Data: Collect performance metrics during tests
- Device Logs: Gather device logs for debugging
- WildNet: Test local applications

## Troubleshooting

Common Issues:
- Authentication failed - Verify your username and API key are correct
- App not found - Ensure the app is uploaded and filename matches exactly in config
- Device not available - Check device name spelling or try a different device

## Additional Resources

- Complete samples and documentation: Pcloudy GitHub Repository
- Support: support@pcloudy.com