Data Table in Cucumber Framework

In Cucumber, DataTables are used to pass multiple values or structured data from a feature file to step definitions.

They help:

1. Avoid repeating steps for similar data
2. Pass structured test data (like form fields, user details, etc.)
3. Simplify test maintenance

Syntax in Feature File

A step followed by a table becomes a DataTable:

Use Cases of DataTables

Cucumber lets you work with DataTables in several formats depending on the structure of the table.

1. Single Column (List)

Use this when there is only one column of data

Step Definition:

@And("add the customers with mandatory fields")
public void addCustomersWithMandatoryFields(DataTable dt) {
List<String> users = dt.asList();
for (String username : users) {
System.out.println("Creating user: " + username);
}
}

2. Multiple Rows with Headers (List of Maps)

Use this when there are multiple columns with headers — each row is a separate record.

Step Definition

@And("add the customers with mandatory fields")
public void addCustomersWithFields(DataTable dt) {
List<Map<String, String>> data = dt.asMaps(String.class, String.class);

for (Map<String, String> user : data) {
String username = user.get("Username");
String lastname = user.get("Lastname");
String postcode = user.get("Postcode");

System.out.println("Creating user: " + username + " " + lastname + " - " + postcode);
}
}

Use this when you want to access specific rows and columns.

@And("add the customers with mandatory fields")
public void addCustomersWithSpecificCell(DataTable dt) {
System.out.println("Row 1, Col 1: " + dt.cell(1, 0)); // tester
System.out.println("Row 2, Col 2: " + dt.cell(2, 1)); // two
}

Note: cell(rowIndex, columnIndex) is zero-based, except header row is always row 0.

Supported Data Formats in Java Step Definitions

Table Format	Java Collection Type
Single Column	List<String>
Multiple Columns, No Headers	List<List<String>>
Rows with Headers	List<Map<String, String>>
Vertical Headers	Map<String, String>
Nested Map	Map<String, Map<String, String>>

Data Table in Cucumber Framework

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