JetBrains Cucumber Plugins: Updates, Migration & More

Hey everyone! Exciting news for those of you using JetBrains Cucumber plugins. Bartek, who works at JetBrains on IntelliJ IDEA, has been hard at work improving the core Cucumber plugins. This means some cool updates are coming your way, but also a few things you'll need to know to keep your projects running smoothly. Let's dive in!

A Big Thank You and a Heads-Up

First off, a huge shoutout to Bartek and the JetBrains team for their dedication to these plugins. Maintaining and improving these tools is vital for many developers, and their hard work is greatly appreciated. The Gherkin and Cucumber for Java plugins are getting some much-needed attention after a period of less active maintenance. This includes bug fixes, new features, and some clean-up under the hood.

Now, for the heads-up: the upcoming 2026.1 release of these plugins will include a few small, source-incompatible breaking changes. Don't worry, though! Bartek and the team are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible. This article is here to help you understand what's changing and how to adapt. Understanding these changes is crucial for ensuring your projects continue to function correctly after the update. These updates are essential for the long-term health and performance of the plugins, so let's get into the details and see what's in store!

Key Changes in the 2026.1 Release

So, what exactly is changing? Bartek has highlighted a few key areas that will impact developers. Let's break them down:

1. Streamlined CucumberJvmExtensionPoint Methods

Two methods in the CucumberJvmExtensionPoint interface have been updated to remove a redundant argument. This simplifies the API and makes it easier to use. Here’s what you need to know:

• The CucumberJvmExtensionPoint#isStepLikeFile(PsiElement, PsiElement) method has been updated to CucumberJvmExtensionPoint#isStepLikeFile(PsiElement). The second PsiElement argument was unnecessary and has been removed. This means you'll need to update your code to use the single-argument version of this method. Make sure to adjust your implementations accordingly to avoid any compatibility issues. This change streamlines the method signature and makes it cleaner to work with. Remember, adapting to these changes early will save you headaches down the road. Ignoring these updates could lead to unexpected behavior or compilation errors in your project. So, take the time to review your code and make the necessary adjustments. These kinds of improvements are all about making the developer experience smoother and more efficient in the long run. By simplifying the API, JetBrains is helping to reduce complexity and make it easier for developers to integrate with the Cucumber plugins. Always stay informed about the latest changes and updates in your development tools. This proactive approach ensures that you're always working with the most efficient and reliable versions of your software.
• Similarly, the CucumberJvmExtensionPoint#isWritableStepLikeFile(PsiElement, PsiElement) method has been updated to CucumberJvmExtensionPoint#isWritableStepLikeFile(PsiElement). Again, the second PsiElement argument has been removed for the same reason. Update your code to reflect this change. This adjustment mirrors the previous one, focusing on simplifying the method call and reducing redundancy. Keeping your codebase aligned with these changes is vital for maintaining compatibility and preventing issues. This is a common practice in software development: streamlining APIs to make them easier to use and understand. By removing unnecessary arguments, the methods become more focused and less prone to misuse. This, in turn, contributes to a more robust and maintainable codebase. It's always a good idea to stay on top of these kinds of changes, as they often indicate improvements in the overall design and functionality of the plugins you're using. Remember, these seemingly small tweaks can add up to a significant improvement in your development workflow. Embracing these updates will help you write cleaner, more efficient code.

2. Method Renaming: setCucumberRegex to setValue

The AbstractStepDefinition#setCucumberRegex(String) method has been renamed to AbstractStepDefinition#setValue(String). This is a straightforward change, but it's important to be aware of it. If you're using this method, you'll need to update your code to use the new name. This renaming is likely part of a broader effort to clarify the purpose of the method and make the API more intuitive. Method names should be clear and descriptive, and this change seems to align with that principle. Pay close attention to this change when migrating your projects to the new version of the plugin. A simple find and replace in your codebase can help you quickly update all instances of the method call. This kind of refactoring is a common practice in software development, and it's aimed at improving the overall quality and maintainability of the code. By adopting clear and consistent naming conventions, developers can make their code easier to understand and work with. This is especially important in large projects with multiple contributors. Remember, small changes like this can have a big impact on the long-term health of your codebase. Staying proactive and adapting to these updates will ensure that your project remains easy to maintain and evolve over time. So, take note of this renaming and make the necessary adjustments in your code.

3. More to Come (Stay Updated!)

Bartek mentioned that this list might be updated, so it's a good idea to keep an eye out for further announcements. Changes and updates are a constant part of the software development world. Keeping abreast of the latest news, patch releases and version upgrades is essential to the efficiency of your workflow. Regularly checking for updates and news can help ensure that your team is always working with the best tools available. Subscribing to newsletters, joining community forums, and following official channels are great ways to stay informed about plugin and tool changes. This proactive approach will enable you to adapt quickly and avoid any surprises. Moreover, being in the know allows you to plan for upgrades, coordinate with other team members, and take full advantage of new features. Embracing change and updates demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and a dedication to excellence in software development. Remember, staying updated is not just about avoiding problems; it's also about unlocking new opportunities and enhancing your skills. Don't be the developer who's always playing catch-up; be the one who's leading the charge with the latest and greatest tools.

Good News: Improved APIs and Documentation

It's not all changes and updates, though! Bartek also shared some great news: many nullability annotations have been added to public APIs, and Javadoc has been written for many of them. This is a significant improvement that will make development with these plugins much more pleasant. Nullability annotations help prevent null pointer exceptions, which are a common source of bugs. By adding these annotations, JetBrains is making it easier for developers to write robust and reliable code. This improvement is something to be enthusiastic about. Javadoc, or simply just documentation in general, is also a game-changer. Clear and comprehensive documentation is essential for any software library or plugin. It makes it easier for developers to understand how to use the API and helps them avoid common pitfalls. This is especially valuable when working with complex systems or when integrating with other tools. Investing in good documentation is an investment in the developer community and a sign of a well-maintained project. With better documentation, developers can learn more quickly, troubleshoot more effectively, and contribute more easily to the project. This translates to increased productivity and a better overall development experience. So, hats off to JetBrains for prioritizing these crucial improvements. They're making the Cucumber plugins more user-friendly and more powerful than ever before.

Need Help? Reach Out!

If you have any questions about the migration or the plugins in general, don't hesitate to contact Bartek. You can reach out here or via email at bartek.pacia at jetbrains dot com. This kind of direct support is invaluable during a transition period. Knowing that you can get help from the maintainer of the plugin can ease a lot of stress and uncertainty. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they're basic. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition for everyone, and Bartek is there to help. This open communication channel is a testament to JetBrains' commitment to its users. They understand that providing support is just as important as developing the software itself. So, if you're facing any challenges or have any doubts, take advantage of this opportunity to connect with the team. Your feedback is also valuable, as it can help shape the future development of the plugins. By engaging with the community, you're contributing to a better experience for everyone. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. There's a whole community of developers using these plugins, and together, you can navigate these changes successfully.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming updates to the JetBrains Cucumber plugins are a positive step forward. While there are a few breaking changes to be aware of, the improvements to the APIs and documentation will make a big difference in the long run. Keep an eye out for further announcements, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need help. Thanks again to Bartek and the JetBrains team for their hard work! These ongoing improvements highlight the importance of staying engaged with the tools you use and adapting to changes as they come. By doing so, you ensure that you're always leveraging the best possible resources for your development projects. Remember, the world of software development is constantly evolving, and continuous learning is key to staying ahead. Embrace these updates as an opportunity to refine your skills and enhance your workflow. The benefits of using well-maintained and well-documented tools are immense, and these improvements to the JetBrains Cucumber plugins will undoubtedly make a significant difference for many developers. So, get ready for the 2026.1 release and the exciting changes it brings. Your projects will thank you for it.