Behat
Behat is free, open-source software for writing executable software specifications in plain language.
What Behat is
Behat is free, open-source software 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 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 a framework. Installation is available through Composer or a PHAR executable, and both methods run using PHP. Its extension system can change or expand nearly any part of its functionality; available extensions cover framework integrations, browser automation, reporting, and data fixtures. Behat does not provide its own 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. The software is maintained by volunteers and provided without warranty.
Good
- Runs Gherkin specifications
- Supports browser, API, shell, and database checks
- Works with any PHP framework or none
- Extension system can replace or enhance functionality
Watch out
- Does not include its own assertion tool
- Software is provided without warranty
- Symfony 8 support starts with Behat 4.0
Who it suits
Behat suits PHP developers who want to define software behavior in Gherkin and run those specifications through different testing methods. It can work with or without a PHP framework.
Verdict
Behat gives PHP teams a flexible way to express and execute behavior-focused specifications. Users need PHP and an external assertion library if their tests require assertions.
Plans and prices
From Behat's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Behat | Free | Free software; provided without warranty |
The facts
Each one read from Behat's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Assertions
- Behat does not include its own assertion tool, and its documentation lists external assertion libraries that can be used.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Community support
- The project directs users to its Gitter channel for questions and its contribution guide for issues or feature contributions.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limit
- Behat supports current PHP and third-party dependency versions, and says Symfony 8 support starts with Behat 4.0.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Behat's extension system can enhance or replace nearly any part of its functionality.checked 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.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Framework support
- Behat is designed to work with any PHP framework or with no framework.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The documented installation methods are Composer and a PHAR executable, both run using PHP.checked 4 Oct 2026
- PHP implementation
- Behat is the PHP implementation of Cucumber and runs specifications written in Gherkin.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Behat is an open source behavior-driven development tool for writing executable software specifications in plain language.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Security support
- The project states that each major version receives security fixes for 24 months after the next major release.checked 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.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Warranty
- Behat describes itself as free software maintained by volunteers and says its license provides it without warranty.checked 4 Oct 2026
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