The Boston Python User Group

A presentation sponsored by Matterbeam

David Sturgis: Responsible Pytest Usage

PyTest is an increasingly popular framework for automated software testing in Python. In some ways, it can be very simple and minimal compared to the classic xUnitistyle unittest module built into Python. But it also has "a learning curve" (to put it mildly!) and some very powerful, complex features. Some very smart people (that I respect a lot) have told me that I should only use the simple, minimal features, and skip all the "fancy stuff". And after using, hacking on, and teaching people to use PyTest for a few years: I must disagree. (Some of that stuff is frickin' cool.) But where should we draw the line? What "essential" PyTest is worth your time and attention?

* The Philosophy: Less code, more tests!
* At a high level: How does PyTest work?
* PyTest plugins and general behaviors
* PyTest Marks and test running
* PyTest Fixtures: The Best, Worst, most controversial feature?
* Some of my favorite fun PyTest tricks, ranging from practical to clever to ridiculous

(Along the way, I'll call out some other Testing tools worth trying, and provide some context on Software Testing (and Test Driven Development), and why they're worth it, despite how fiddly and complicated the can get...)

Socializing at 6, then the talk starts at 7. Pizza will be provided by Matterbeam.

Unfortunately we won't be able to stream or record this session.