python-testing-patterns

Python Testing Patterns

Comprehensive guide to implementing robust testing strategies in Python using pytest, fixtures, mocking, parameterization, and test-driven development practices.

When to Use This Skill

• Writing unit tests for Python code
• Setting up test suites and test infrastructure
• Implementing test-driven development (TDD)
• Creating integration tests for APIs and services
• Mocking external dependencies and services
• Testing async code and concurrent operations
• Setting up continuous testing in CI/CD
• Implementing property-based testing
• Testing database operations
• Debugging failing tests

Core Concepts

1. Test Types

• Unit Tests: Test individual functions/classes in isolation
• Integration Tests: Test interaction between components
• Functional Tests: Test complete features end-to-end
• Performance Tests: Measure speed and resource usage

2. Test Structure (AAA Pattern)

• Arrange: Set up test data and preconditions
• Act: Execute the code under test
• Assert: Verify the results

3. Test Coverage

• Measure what code is exercised by tests
• Identify untested code paths
• Aim for meaningful coverage, not just high percentages

4. Test Isolation

• Tests should be independent
• No shared state between tests
• Each test should clean up after itself

Quick Start

# test_example.py
def add(a, b):
    return a + b

def test_add():
    """Basic test example."""
    result = add(2, 3)
    assert result == 5

def test_add_negative():
    """Test with negative numbers."""
    assert add(-1, 1) == 0

# Run with: pytest test_example.py

Fundamental Patterns

Pattern 1: Basic pytest Tests

# test_calculator.py
import pytest

class Calculator:
    """Simple calculator for testing."""

    def add(self, a: float, b: float) -> float:
        return a + b

    def subtract(self, a: float, b: float) -> float:
        return a - b

    def multiply(self, a: float, b: float) -> float:
        return a * b

    def divide(self, a: float, b: float) -> float:
        if b == 0:
            raise ValueError("Cannot divide by zero")
        return a / b


def test_addition():
    """Test addition."""
    calc = Calculator()
    assert calc.add(2, 3) == 5
    assert calc.add(-1, 1) == 0
    assert calc.add(0, 0) == 0


def test_subtraction():
    """Test subtraction."""
    calc = Calculator()
    assert calc.subtract(5, 3) == 2
    assert calc.subtract(0, 5) == -5


def test_multiplication():
    """Test multiplication."""
    calc = Calculator()
    assert calc.multiply(3, 4) == 12
    assert calc.multiply(0, 5) == 0


def test_division():
    """Test division."""
    calc = Calculator()
    assert calc.divide(6, 3) == 2
    assert calc.divide(5, 2) == 2.5


def test_division_by_zero():
    """Test division by zero raises error."""
    calc = Calculator()
    with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="Cannot divide by zero"):
        calc.divide(5, 0)