Concordion
concordion.org
What it is
Concordion is a free, open-source tool for turning written specifications into executable checks and living documentation. Those checks run against the system under test; when they run, Concordion generates documentation that marks passing and failing assertions and shows expected and actual values for failures. The output can include tables and links to other specifications. The project offers Java specifications in Markdown or HTML, along with C# options. Java fixtures use JUnit, and Concordion.NET is documented with NUnit. Integrations include IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, Gradle, Maven, command-line execution, Jenkins, and Spring. The IntelliJ plugin supports HTML and Markdown, while Eclipse supports HTML specifications but not Markdown. Extensions can add commands, event listeners, or documentation changes, with examples such as Excel specifications, parallel runs, screenshots, and logging tools. Concordion runs locally on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and is licensed under Apache License 2.0. It is maintained by volunteers.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Concordion is an open-source tool for automating Specification by Example and creating living documentation.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Intended users
- The site identifies stakeholders, analysts, developers, and testers as users Concordion is for.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Audience
- The site identifies stakeholders, analysts, developers and testers as intended users.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Integrations
- The Java integration page lists IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, Gradle, Maven, command line, Jenkins, and Spring integrations.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Privacy
- The site privacy policy says it uses Google Analytics cookies and describes collecting browser, language, referring site, date, time, and visitor-request location data.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Support
- The FAQ directs users to the Google Group or Stack Overflow for general questions and to the project issue list for defects or enhancement requests.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Founded
- 2006Read 28 Sep 2026 · concordion.org
- Application interfaces
- Concordion can invoke application code directly or drive deployed application interfaces through libraries such as Selenium WebDriver, JAX/WS, JAX/RS or JDBC.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Build integrations
- The Java integrations page documents Gradle, Maven, command-line execution and Jenkins report publishing.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Build requirement
- Java downloads are available through Gradle and Maven, and the page says JUnit Vintage is also needed to use concordion:run with a JUnit 4 fixture.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Documentation output
- Generated specifications highlight passing and failing assertions, show expected and actual values on failure, and can include tables and links to other specifications.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Executable specifications
- Concordion instruments examples in specifications as automated checks that run against the system under test.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Extensions
- Extensions add functionality such as new commands, event listeners, and changes to generated documentation; listed examples include Excel specifications, parallel runs, screenshots, and logging tools.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- How it works
- Concordion turns specifications into executable checks that generate documentation when the checks run.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- IDE integrations
- The site describes an IntelliJ IDEA plugin with completion, navigation and test-running support, plus an Eclipse plugin for HTML specifications.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- IDE support
- The IntelliJ plugin supports HTML and Markdown specifications, while the Eclipse plugin supports HTML but not Markdown.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Java distribution
- The Java page lists version 4.0.1 for Gradle and Maven and offers a full distribution ZIP with source code and dependencies.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Jenkins limitation
- The integrations page warns that Jenkins Content Security Policy settings can prevent Concordion reports from working fully because reports use inline CSS and JavaScript.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- License and maintenance
- The FAQ states that Concordion is licensed under Apache License 2.0, and the site says it is maintained by volunteers.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Results
- Generated documentation highlights passing and failing assertions and shows expected and actual values on failure.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Security limitation
- The Jenkins integration page says Jenkins Content Security Policy defaults can block inline CSS and JavaScript used by Concordion reports, and describes relaxing the policy as a workaround.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Specification formats
- The download page offers Java with Markdown or HTML specifications and C# options.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Test frameworks
- Java fixtures use JUnit; the site also documents Concordion.NET integration with NUnit.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
- Test reporting
- The Jenkins HTML Publisher plugin can publish Concordion results, keep per-build history, and offer output as a zip file.Read 5 Oct 2026 · concordion.org
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free under Apache License 2.0
- Generated reports show assertion results and failure values
- Java and C# options are listed
- Extensions include parallel runs and screenshots
- Integrates with Jenkins and common Java build tools
Limits
- Eclipse plugin does not support Markdown
- JUnit Vintage is needed for concordion:run with JUnit 4
- Jenkins policy settings can block report styling and scripts
Who it suits
Concordion suits stakeholders, analysts, developers, and testers who want executable specifications to produce documentation. It supports teams using Java or C# and a range of IDE and build integrations.
Verdict
Concordion links written examples, automated checks, and generated documentation in one workflow. Its supported formats and integrations are specified, though IDE support differs and Jenkins reports may need policy adjustments.
Where Specifiction places it
- BDD Testing Tools#3 of 308.8