Python Testing Patterns

A guide to writing effective, maintainable tests with pytest's powerful fixtures, parametrize, and plugin system.

Usage

Ask about pytest patterns, fixtures, mocking, parametrize, or test organization.

Examples

• "Create a pytest fixture with setup and teardown"
• "How do I parametrize tests for multiple scenarios?"
• "Mock an external API call in pytest"

Guidelines

• Use fixtures for reusable test setup and teardown
• Use parametrize for testing multiple inputs with one test function
• Keep tests independent and avoid shared mutable state
• Use conftest.py for shared fixtures across test modules
• Follow Arrange-Act-Assert pattern for clear test structure