.. _features:

.. sidebar:: **Next Open Trainings and Events**

    - `Professional Testing with Python <https://python-academy.com/courses/python_course_testing.html>`_, via `Python Academy <https://www.python-academy.com/>`_ (3 day in-depth training), **March 3th -- 5th 2026**, Leipzig (DE) / Remote

    Also see :doc:`previous talks and blogposts <talks>`

pytest: helps you write better programs
=======================================

.. toctree::
    :hidden:

    getting-started
    how-to/index
    reference/index
    explanation/index
    example/index

.. toctree::
    :caption: About the project
    :hidden:

    changelog
    contributing
    backwards-compatibility
    sponsor
    tidelift
    license
    contact

.. toctree::
    :caption: Useful links
    :hidden:

    pytest @ PyPI <https://pypi.org/project/pytest/>
    pytest @ GitHub <https://github.com/pytest-dev/pytest/>
    Issue Tracker <https://github.com/pytest-dev/pytest/issues>
    PDF Documentation <https://media.readthedocs.org/pdf/pytest/latest/pytest.pdf>

.. module:: pytest

The ``pytest`` framework makes it easy to write small, readable tests, and can
scale to support complex functional testing for applications and libraries.


**PyPI package name**: :pypi:`pytest`

A quick example
---------------

.. code-block:: python

    # content of test_sample.py
    def inc(x):
        return x + 1


    def test_answer():
        assert inc(3) == 5


To execute it:

.. code-block:: pytest

    $ pytest
    =========================== test session starts ============================
    platform linux -- Python 3.x.y, pytest-9.x.y, pluggy-1.x.y
    rootdir: /home/sweet/project
    collected 1 item

    test_sample.py F                                                     [100%]

    ================================= FAILURES =================================
    _______________________________ test_answer ________________________________

        def test_answer():
    >       assert inc(3) == 5
    E       assert 4 == 5
    E        +  where 4 = inc(3)

    test_sample.py:6: AssertionError
    ========================= short test summary info ==========================
    FAILED test_sample.py::test_answer - assert 4 == 5
    ============================ 1 failed in 0.12s =============================

Due to ``pytest``'s detailed assertion introspection, only plain ``assert`` statements are used.
See :ref:`Get started <getstarted>` for a basic introduction to using pytest.


Features
--------

- Detailed info on failing :ref:`assert statements <assert>` (no need to remember ``self.assert*`` names)

- :ref:`Auto-discovery <test discovery>` of test modules and functions

- :ref:`Modular fixtures <fixture>` for managing small or parametrized long-lived test resources

- Can run :ref:`unittest <unittest>` (including trial) test suites out of the box

- Python 3.10+ or PyPy 3

- Rich plugin architecture, with over 1300+ :ref:`external plugins <plugin-list>` and thriving community


Documentation
-------------

* :ref:`Get started <get-started>` - install pytest and grasp its basics in just twenty minutes
* :ref:`How-to guides <how-to>` - step-by-step guides, covering a vast range of use-cases and needs
* :ref:`Reference guides <reference>` - includes the complete pytest API reference, lists of plugins and more
* :ref:`Explanation <explanation>` - background, discussion of key topics, answers to higher-level questions


Bugs/Requests
-------------

Please use the `GitHub issue tracker <https://github.com/pytest-dev/pytest/issues>`_ to submit bugs or request features.


Support pytest
--------------

`Open Collective`_ is an online funding platform for open and transparent communities.
It provides tools to raise money and share your finances in full transparency.

It is the platform of choice for individuals and companies that want to make one-time or
monthly donations directly to the project.

See more details in the `pytest collective`_.

.. _Open Collective: https://opencollective.com
.. _pytest collective: https://opencollective.com/pytest


pytest for enterprise
---------------------

Available as part of the Tidelift Subscription.

The maintainers of pytest and thousands of other packages are working with Tidelift to deliver commercial support and
maintenance for the open source dependencies you use to build your applications.
Save time, reduce risk, and improve code health, while paying the maintainers of the exact dependencies you use.

`Learn more. <https://tidelift.com/subscription/pkg/pypi-pytest?utm_source=pypi-pytest&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=enterprise&utm_term=repo>`_

Security
~~~~~~~~

pytest has never been associated with a security vulnerability, but in any case, to report a
security vulnerability please use the `Tidelift security contact <https://tidelift.com/security>`_.
Tidelift will coordinate the fix and disclosure.
