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---
name: pytesting
description: "Reference hub for pytest suite structure, naming, markers, and stack-specific testing patterns. Optimized for progressive discovery so naming and hierarchy guidance are loaded first when shaping or reorganizing tests."
x-personal-mcp:
id: pytesting
version: 1.0.0
tags:
- pytest
- testing
- python
- fastapi
- asyncio
- anyio
- deterministic
capabilities:
- resource://skills/pytesting/document
---
# Pytest Scaffolding
This skill is a collection of best-practice references and source-documentation links for building and maintaining pytest suites.
Use it to quickly find the right guidance for:
1. Baseline pytest structure and marker strategy.
2. Naming conventions and test hierarchy organization.
3. FastAPI route, dependency override, and lifespan testing patterns.
4. SQLAlchemy transaction and session testing patterns.
5. AsyncIO loop-scope, fixture-lifecycle, and cancellation-safe testing patterns.
Repository defaults:
- `uv run pytest` is the canonical invocation.
- pytest settings live in `pyproject.toml` under `[tool.pytest.ini_options]`.
- strict marker checking is expected (`--strict-markers`).
## Progressive Discovery Start
Use this load order by default so guidance stays targeted and naming conventions are pulled in early:
1. Classify intent first: naming and organization, baseline pytest mechanics, FastAPI testing, SQLAlchemy testing, or mixed.
2. For create/restructure/rename tasks, load [naming-and-organization.md](./references/naming-and-organization.md) first.
3. Load [pytest-docs.md](./references/pytest-docs.md) next for fixture and marker defaults.
4. Load at most one stack-specific reference unless the request is explicitly mixed stack.
5. If confidence is low after two references, ask one clarifying question before loading more.
Load budget defaults:
1. Single-stack task: 1 to 2 references.
2. Mixed-stack task: up to 3 references.
3. Avoid loading all references unless the user explicitly asks for a broad audit.
## Intent Router
Open only the reference that matches the immediate task.
1. Naming, file layout, discovery prefixes, class/function naming: [naming-and-organization.md](./references/naming-and-organization.md)
2. Fixture layering, marker policy, collect-only and fast-path commands: [pytest-docs.md](./references/pytest-docs.md)
3. Route tests, dependency overrides, lifespan handling: [fastapi-testing.md](./references/fastapi-testing.md)
4. Session and transaction fixtures, async ORM behavior: [sqlalchemy-testing.md](./references/sqlalchemy-testing.md)
5. Async test mode selection, event loop scope, cancel-scope teardown issues: [asyncio-testing.md](./references/asyncio-testing.md)
## Naming Pull-In Triggers
Always consult [naming-and-organization.md](./references/naming-and-organization.md) before recommending structure when any of these are true:
1. New tests are being added.
2. Existing tests are being reorganized or renamed.
3. The request mentions conventions, readability, hierarchy, or discoverability.
4. The task introduces parametrization where case naming affects failure readability.
## Baseline Best Practices
These are stable defaults regardless of stack:
1. Apply pytest naming and hierarchy conventions first so discovery and ownership stay predictable; see [naming-and-organization.md](./references/naming-and-organization.md).
2. Mirror `src/` into `tests/` so ownership and coverage are obvious.
3. Keep fixtures explicit and layered (`tests/conftest.py` globally, subtree `conftest.py` for domain-specific fixtures).
4. Register markers up front (`unit`, `integration`, `smoke`, `slow`, `external`) and keep strict marker checks enabled.
5. Separate fast feedback (`-m unit`) from broader integration/external lanes.
6. Validate structure early with collection checks before expanding assertions.
7. Keep test scope tight and count intentional; add tests only when each case protects a distinct behavior.
8. Start with the single core-intent behavior path, then add edge cases based on real risk.
9. Prefer parametrized tests for behavior variants instead of cloning near-identical test functions.
10. Reject low-signal assertions (for example `assert True` patterns) and avoid tests that only assert a mock was called.
11. Prefer behavior-first tests that exercise real code paths and concrete inputs over patching internals.
12. Use monkeypatching, mocks, and fakes extremely sparingly, only when no practical real-input alternative exists, and only after explicit user confirmation.
## Universal Test Double Policy (Repo-Local Placement)
Treat this policy as universal guidance for test authoring, while it is documented in this repository-local skill file for now.
Apply this policy whenever a test change introduces a fake collaborator or patched behavior:
1. Attempt a real-input, real-object test design first.
2. If that approach is impractical, explain why and request user confirmation before adding monkeypatching, mocks, or fakes.
3. Keep any approved test double narrowly scoped and document the exact boundary it replaces.
4. Do not treat call-only verification as sufficient; pair any test double with assertions on observable behavior or outputs.
5. Revisit approved test doubles when implementation seams improve so they can be removed.
## Stack-Specific Guidance
- For FastAPI, prefer dependency overrides and clear lifecycle handling; see [fastapi-testing.md](./references/fastapi-testing.md).
- For SQLAlchemy, prefer transaction-safe session fixtures and explicit async loading strategy; see [sqlalchemy-testing.md](./references/sqlalchemy-testing.md).
- For async fixtures, loop-scope selection, and cancellation-safe teardown, see [asyncio-testing.md](./references/asyncio-testing.md).
- For naming and tree organization, use the conventions in [naming-and-organization.md](./references/naming-and-organization.md).
## Source Documentation Entry Points
Primary upstream docs are curated in each reference page. Start with:
1. Pytest good practices: [pytest docs](https://docs.pytest.org/en/stable/explanation/goodpractices.html)
2. Pytest fixtures: [fixture how-to](https://docs.pytest.org/en/stable/how-to/fixtures.html)
3. Pytest markers: [marker examples](https://docs.pytest.org/en/stable/example/markers.html)
4. FastAPI testing: [FastAPI testing tutorial](https://fastapi.tiangolo.com/tutorial/testing/)
5. SQLAlchemy transaction testing: [SQLAlchemy external transaction pattern](https://docs.sqlalchemy.org/en/20/orm/session_transaction.html#joining-a-session-into-an-external-transaction-such-as-for-test-suites)
6. Pytest monkeypatch usage and limits: [monkeypatch how-to](https://docs.pytest.org/en/stable/how-to/monkeypatch.html)
7. pytest-asyncio configuration: [pytest-asyncio config](https://pytest-asyncio.readthedocs.io/en/stable/reference/configuration.html)
8. AnyIO cancellation semantics: [AnyIO cancellation and timeouts](https://anyio.readthedocs.io/en/stable/cancellation.html)
## Quick Validation Commands
Use these commands to check structure and execution lanes:
1. `uv run pytest --collect-only -q`
2. `uv run pytest -m unit -q`
3. `uv run pytest -m "not external" -q`
4. `uv run pytest -q`
## Output Contract
When this skill is applied, return:
1. Which references were consulted.
2. The discovery path used (intent classification, load order, and why).
3. Recommended structure, naming, fixture, and marker decisions.
4. Concrete naming outcomes: file/module naming pattern, class usage decision, and any parametrization `ids` conventions.
5. Exact validation commands.
6. Relevant source-doc links for any non-trivial recommendation.
7. Risks, assumptions, or open questions.
8. Explicit confirmation status if monkeypatching, mocks, or fakes were requested or used.
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# AsyncIO Testing Patterns (Pytest, FastAPI, AnyIO)
!!! info "Primary sources"
- [pytest-asyncio configuration](https://pytest-asyncio.readthedocs.io/en/stable/reference/configuration.html)
- [pytest-asyncio concepts](https://pytest-asyncio.readthedocs.io/en/stable/concepts.html)
- [pytest-asyncio fixture loop scope how-to](https://pytest-asyncio.readthedocs.io/en/stable/how-to-guides/change_fixture_loop.html)
- [pytest-asyncio default fixture loop scope how-to](https://pytest-asyncio.readthedocs.io/en/stable/how-to-guides/change_default_fixture_loop.html)
- [AnyIO cancellation and cancel-scope safety](https://anyio.readthedocs.io/en/stable/cancellation.html)
- [FastAPI async tests](https://fastapi.tiangolo.com/advanced/async-tests/)
## Agent Quick Path
Use this reference when tests involve asynchronous fixtures, HTTP clients, task groups, or teardown failures.
1. Confirm async plugin mode in pytest config (`asyncio_mode`).
2. Keep async fixture loop scope predictable, defaulting to `function` unless there is a measured need to broaden it.
3. Prefer one async testing model per lane (pytest-asyncio or AnyIO-style markers), and keep it consistent.
4. Keep async fixtures small and isolate stateful resources to the narrowest useful scope.
5. If teardown errors mention cancel scopes or task groups, validate that setup and teardown run in the same task context.
## Baseline Configuration
Recommended defaults for most projects using `pytest-asyncio`:
```toml
[tool.pytest.ini_options]
asyncio_mode = "auto"
asyncio_default_fixture_loop_scope = "function"
```
Why:
- [Strict mode](https://pytest-asyncio.readthedocs.io/en/stable/concepts.html#test-discovery-modes) is safer for multi-plugin environments, but [auto mode](https://pytest-asyncio.readthedocs.io/en/stable/concepts.html#test-discovery-modes) is often simpler when the suite is primarily asyncio-based.
- [Function loop scope](https://pytest-asyncio.readthedocs.io/en/stable/reference/configuration.html#asyncio-default-fixture-loop-scope) minimizes cross-test coupling and avoids many lifecycle surprises.
If a fixture or test needs broader loop sharing, make it explicit instead of changing suite-wide defaults:
```python
import pytest
import pytest_asyncio
@pytest_asyncio.fixture(loop_scope="module")
async def shared_resource():
...
@pytest.mark.asyncio(loop_scope="module")
async def test_uses_shared_loop(shared_resource):
...
```
## FastAPI Endpoint Test Patterns
Use [FastAPI's async testing guidance](https://fastapi.tiangolo.com/advanced/async-tests/) as the default:
1. Use `httpx.AsyncClient` with `ASGITransport` for async endpoint tests.
2. Mark async tests with one consistent marker style for the suite.
3. If app lifespan hooks matter, add [LifespanManager](https://fastapi.tiangolo.com/advanced/async-tests/#httpx) support because `AsyncClient` alone does not trigger lifespan events.
Example:
```python
import pytest
from httpx import ASGITransport, AsyncClient
@pytest.mark.asyncio
async def test_healthz(app):
async with AsyncClient(transport=ASGITransport(app=app), base_url="http://test") as client:
response = await client.get("/healthz")
assert response.status_code == 200
```
## Fixture Design For Async Reliability
Apply these patterns first:
1. Keep async fixtures narrow (`function` scope by default).
2. Keep one responsibility per fixture when possible.
3. Prefer yield fixtures and pair each setup step with teardown in the same fixture.
4. Avoid mixing many independent event-loop lifecycles in one fixture chain.
When using transports that manage internal task groups (for example, streaming clients), avoid patterns that risk splitting lifecycle across different task contexts.
## Troubleshooting Cancel-Scope Teardown Failures
When you see errors like `Attempted to exit cancel scope in a different task than it was entered in`, treat it as an async lifecycle-ownership issue first.
Checklist:
1. Verify fixture and test loop scopes are compatible and explicit.
2. Confirm async resource setup and teardown are owned by the same fixture context.
3. Reduce fixture scope (`module` or `session` -> `function`) to test for loop/task ownership drift.
4. Ensure the suite uses one primary async plugin model for the failing lane.
5. Re-run with focused selection and skip reasons to isolate first failing fixture:
- `uv run --group test python -m pytest -m smoke tests/web -q -rs`
Relevant references:
- [Avoiding cancel scope stack corruption](https://anyio.readthedocs.io/en/stable/cancellation.html#avoiding-cancel-scope-stack-corruption)
- [pytest-asyncio configuration](https://pytest-asyncio.readthedocs.io/en/stable/reference/configuration.html)
- [pytest fixture teardown behavior](https://docs.pytest.org/en/stable/how-to/fixtures.html#teardown-cleanup-aka-fixture-finalization)
## Commands Worth Remembering
- `uv run --group test python -m pytest --collect-only -q`
- `uv run --group test python -m pytest -m smoke tests/web -q -rs`
- `uv run --group test python -m pytest -m integration -q`
- `uv run --group test python -m pytest -q`
@@ -0,0 +1,236 @@
# [FastAPI Testing](https://fastapi.tiangolo.com/tutorial/testing/)
Best practices for testing FastAPI applications with pytest.
## Agent Quick Path
Use this sequence before reading the full reference:
1. If test is pure route behavior, use `TestClient` and plain `def` tests.
2. If test must `await` other async work, use `AsyncClient` + `@pytest.mark.anyio`.
3. Prefer `app.dependency_overrides` over `mock.patch`.
4. Reset overrides after each test/fixture teardown.
5. For startup/shutdown logic, use `TestClient` as context manager or `LifespanManager` with async client.
Decision rules:
- Need DB contract verification: choose integration tests and override `get_db`/`get_session`.
- Need pure business logic checks: keep tests HTTP-free (`unit`).
- Need one critical path sanity check: one endpoint per `smoke` test.
---
## Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `fastapi.testclient.TestClient` | Synchronous HTTP test client (wraps HTTPX, built on Starlette) |
| `httpx.AsyncClient` + `ASGITransport` | Async client for tests that `await` other async code |
| `app.dependency_overrides` | Replace any `Depends()` dependency for the duration of a test |
| `anyio` / `pytest-anyio` | Run async test functions with `@pytest.mark.anyio` |
Install deps: `httpx`, `anyio` (or `pytest-anyio`).
---
## Synchronous Tests (Preferred Default)
Use `TestClient` for route tests that don't need to `await` anything else.
Test functions are plain `def` — no `async def`, no `await`.
```python
from fastapi.testclient import TestClient
from myapp.main import app
client = TestClient(app)
def test_read_item_returns_200():
response = client.get("/items/foo", headers={"X-Token": "secret"})
assert response.status_code == 200
assert response.json()["id"] == "foo"
def test_read_item_bad_token_returns_400():
response = client.get("/items/foo", headers={"X-Token": "wrong"})
assert response.status_code == 400
```
Rules:
- One `TestClient` per test module is fine (stateless between calls).
- Pass headers, query params, JSON body, or form data the same way as HTTPX/requests.
- Do not pass Pydantic models directly; use `.model_dump()` or `jsonable_encoder`.
---
## Async Tests
Use `AsyncClient` only when the test itself needs to `await` other coroutines
(e.g. querying a real async DB after an API call to verify side effects).
```python
import pytest
from httpx import ASGITransport, AsyncClient
from myapp.main import app
@pytest.mark.anyio
async def test_root_async():
async with AsyncClient(transport=ASGITransport(app=app), base_url="http://test") as ac:
response = await ac.get("/")
assert response.status_code == 200
```
Rules:
- Mark with `@pytest.mark.anyio`; register the `anyio` marker in `pyproject.toml`.
- `AsyncClient` does **not** trigger lifespan events by default; use `asgi-lifespan`'s
`LifespanManager` when startup/shutdown matters.
- Instantiate objects that require an event loop (e.g. async DB clients) inside
async functions, not at module level.
---
## Dependency Overrides (Preferred Over Mocking)
`app.dependency_overrides` is the idiomatic FastAPI seam — use it instead of
patching internals with `unittest.mock`.
```python
from fastapi.testclient import TestClient
from myapp.main import app
from myapp.deps import get_current_user
client = TestClient(app)
def fake_user():
return {"id": 1, "name": "Test User"}
def test_protected_route_with_fake_user():
app.dependency_overrides[get_current_user] = fake_user
response = client.get("/me")
app.dependency_overrides = {} # always reset after the test
assert response.status_code == 200
assert response.json()["name"] == "Test User"
```
Or reset cleanly with `autouse=False` fixture teardown:
```python
import pytest
from myapp.main import app
@pytest.fixture()
def override_user():
app.dependency_overrides[get_current_user] = lambda: {"id": 1, "name": "Test User"}
yield
app.dependency_overrides = {}
```
Rules:
- Override at the lowest-level dependency that owns the external boundary
(e.g. `get_db`, `get_current_user`, `get_settings`).
- Always reset `app.dependency_overrides` after each test or fixture teardown.
- Prefer a real in-process fake (e.g. in-memory SQLite session) over a mock object.
---
## Database Testing
The preferred pattern is a real SQLite (or test Postgres) session injected via
dependency override, not a mock.
```python
# tests/conftest.py
import pytest
from sqlalchemy import create_engine
from sqlalchemy.orm import sessionmaker
from fastapi.testclient import TestClient
from myapp.main import app
from myapp.db.session import get_db
from myapp.db.models import Base
TEST_DB_URL = "sqlite:///./test.db"
@pytest.fixture(scope="session")
def engine():
e = create_engine(TEST_DB_URL, connect_args={"check_same_thread": False})
Base.metadata.create_all(bind=e)
yield e
Base.metadata.drop_all(bind=e)
@pytest.fixture()
def db_session(engine):
Session = sessionmaker(bind=engine)
session = Session()
yield session
session.rollback()
session.close()
@pytest.fixture()
def client(db_session):
app.dependency_overrides[get_db] = lambda: db_session
yield TestClient(app)
app.dependency_overrides = {}
```
Rules:
- Prefer `session`-scoped engine creation; `function`-scoped session with rollback per test.
- Keep unit tests DB-free; use this pattern only in `integration`-marked tests.
- For async SQLAlchemy, mirror the same pattern using `AsyncEngine` / `AsyncSession`.
---
## Lifespan and Startup Events
`TestClient` triggers lifespan events (startup/shutdown) when used as a context manager:
```python
def test_with_lifespan():
with TestClient(app) as client:
response = client.get("/health")
assert response.status_code == 200
```
For `AsyncClient`, use `asgi-lifespan`:
```python
from asgi_lifespan import LifespanManager
@pytest.mark.anyio
async def test_with_async_lifespan():
async with LifespanManager(app):
async with AsyncClient(transport=ASGITransport(app=app), base_url="http://test") as ac:
response = await ac.get("/health")
assert response.status_code == 200
```
---
## Marker Strategy for FastAPI Tests
| Marker | When to use |
|--------|------------|
| `unit` | Pure service/utility logic with no HTTP or DB calls |
| `integration` | `TestClient` + real DB session via dependency override |
| `smoke` | One `TestClient` call per critical user path, no DB reset |
| `external` | Tests that call real third-party APIs (skip in CI by default) |
---
## Quick Reference: Sending Data
| What to send | Parameter |
|---|---|
| Path / query param | Part of the URL string |
| JSON body | `json={"key": "value"}` |
| Form data | `data={"field": "value"}` |
| Headers | `headers={"X-Token": "..."}` |
| Cookies | `cookies={"session": "..."}` |
| File upload | `files={"file": ("name.txt", b"content", "text/plain")}` |
---
## Official Docs
- [Testing tutorial](https://fastapi.tiangolo.com/tutorial/testing/)
- [Async tests](https://fastapi.tiangolo.com/advanced/async-tests/)
- [Testing dependencies with overrides](https://fastapi.tiangolo.com/advanced/testing-dependencies/)
- [Testing a database (SQLModel)](https://fastapi.tiangolo.com/how-to/testing-database/)
- [Testing lifespan events](https://fastapi.tiangolo.com/advanced/testing-events/)
- [Testing WebSockets](https://fastapi.tiangolo.com/advanced/testing-websockets/)
- [HTTPX docs](https://www.python-httpx.org/)
@@ -0,0 +1,118 @@
# Pytest Naming Conventions and Test Organization
!!! info "Primary sources"
- [Good integration practices](https://docs.pytest.org/en/stable/explanation/goodpractices.html)
- [Changing standard (Python) test discovery](https://docs.pytest.org/en/stable/example/pythoncollection.html)
- [How to use fixtures](https://docs.pytest.org/en/stable/how-to/fixtures.html)
- [How to parametrize fixtures and test functions](https://docs.pytest.org/en/stable/how-to/parametrize.html)
- [Marker examples](https://docs.pytest.org/en/stable/example/markers.html)
## Agent Quick Path
Use this when creating or reorganizing test modules so naming and hierarchy stay predictable.
1. Mirror the product domain structure in `tests/` so ownership is obvious.
2. Encode broad context in module and class names (`test_*.py`, `Test*`).
3. Keep leaf test names short and behavior-focused (`test_*`).
4. Use `class Test<Subject>:` only for grouping related scenarios.
5. Place fixtures in the nearest `conftest.py` needed by scope.
6. Separate expensive tests with markers first, directories second.
## Naming Conventions
### File and directory naming
- Use lowercase snake_case for test file names: `test_user_service.py`.
- Keep directories domain-oriented and stable over time: `tests/orders/`, `tests/billing/`.
- Prefer descriptive test names over internal ticket numbers or implementation details.
### Test function naming
- Prefer hierarchical naming: put broad context in folder/module/class, and keep the function name focused on the final assertion.
- Keep pytest discovery prefixes intact:
- modules start with `test_`
- classes start with `Test`
- functions start with `test_`
- Start with user-visible behavior or contract, not private helper names.
Recommended pattern:
- module: `test_<subject>.py`
- class: `Test<Operation>` or `Test<Scenario>`
- function: `test_<expected_outcome>`
Examples:
- Flat (still valid): `test_create_order_rejects_invalid_currency`
- Class-context: `TestOrder -> TestCreate -> test_rejects_invalid_currency`
- Module-context: `test_order.py -> TestCreate -> test_rejects_invalid_currency`
- Module + class context can similarly shorten:
- `test_token.py -> TestRefresh -> test_rotates_session_id`
- `test_user_list.py -> TestListUsers -> test_returns_empty_for_new_tenant`
### Test class naming
- Use `class Test<SubjectOrScenario>:` for scenario grouping and context reduction.
- Keep class names noun-focused (`TestOrderService`) rather than action-focused.
- Avoid xUnit style setup inheritance when fixtures can express dependencies directly.
## Hierarchy and Organization Patterns
Two patterns work well; choose one and apply it consistently.
### Pattern A: Source-mirror hierarchy (default for product code ownership)
```text
src/
app/
orders/service.py
billing/invoice.py
tests/
app/
orders/test_service.py
billing/test_invoice.py
```
Use this when teams own modules by source path and want direct test-to-source mapping.
### Pattern B: Cost-lane hierarchy (default for CI policy clarity)
```text
tests/
unit/
orders/test_service.py
integration/
api/test_orders.py
persistence/test_order_repository.py
smoke/
test_health.py
```
Use this when CI gating is based on cost lanes and marker filtering.
### Hybrid rule (recommended)
- Keep a source-mirror tree for local ownership.
- Add markers (`unit`, `integration`, `smoke`, `external`) for runtime policy.
- Avoid duplicating both trees unless the repository already requires it.
## Fixture Placement Strategy
- Put universal lightweight fixtures in `tests/conftest.py`.
- Put domain fixtures in subtree `conftest.py` files close to where they are used.
- Keep fixtures composable and explicit; avoid large fixture "god objects".
- Use `yield` fixtures for teardown so cleanup is always paired with setup.
## Parametrize and ID Naming
- Use `pytest.mark.parametrize` for behavior matrices instead of copy/paste tests.
- Provide explicit `ids=` labels when case names are not obvious.
- Keep IDs business-meaningful (`"expired-token"`, `"zero-balance"`) so failures are readable.
## Collection and Structure Checks
Use these checks after introducing new test files or renaming modules:
- `uv run pytest --collect-only -q`
- `uv run pytest -m unit -q`
- `uv run pytest -m "not external" -q`
If collection surprises appear, verify file names, marker registration, and directory placement first.
## Common Anti-Patterns
- Mixed naming styles (`testFoo.py`, `test_foo.py`, `foo_test.py`) in one repository.
- Deep fixture chains that hide setup behavior.
- Test names that encode implementation details instead of behavior.
- Moving slow tests into `unit` directories without marker updates.
- Sharing mutable module-level state across tests.
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
# Pytest Documentation Notes
!!! info "Primary sources"
- [Good integration practices](https://docs.pytest.org/en/stable/explanation/goodpractices.html)
- [Fixture how-to](https://docs.pytest.org/en/stable/how-to/fixtures.html)
- [Marker examples](https://docs.pytest.org/en/stable/example/markers.html)
- [Configuration reference](https://docs.pytest.org/en/stable/reference/customize.html)
- [Flaky tests](https://docs.pytest.org/en/stable/explanation/flaky.html)
## Agent Quick Path
Use this file when you need fast pytest scaffolding defaults without framework-specific details.
1. Mirror source layout under `tests/`.
2. Keep fixtures small and explicit; default to `function` scope.
3. Register markers up front in `pyproject.toml`.
4. Validate structure first with `uv run pytest --collect-only -q`.
5. Run fast lane with `uv run pytest -m unit -q`.
Load other references only when needed:
- FastAPI routes/dependency injection/lifespan: `fastapi-testing.md`
- SQLAlchemy sessions/transactions/DB fixtures: `sqlalchemy-testing.md`
- Naming conventions and test hierarchy: `naming-and-organization.md`
## Practical Guidance For This Skill
- Use src-aligned test layout and keep test discovery conventional.
- Keep fixtures small, composable, and explicit; use `yield` for teardown.
- Register custom markers and keep strict marker validation on.
- Separate quick unit runs from slower integration/external runs.
- Minimize flakiness by controlling shared state and avoiding hidden dependencies.
- Use `--collect-only` and marker-filtered runs to validate scaffold quality early.
## Commands Worth Remembering
- `uv run pytest --collect-only -q`
- `uv run pytest -m unit -q`
- `uv run pytest -m "not external" -q`
- `uv run pytest -q`
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# [SQLAlchemy 2.x Testing](https://docs.sqlalchemy.org/en/20/orm/session_transaction.html#joining-a-session-into-an-external-transaction-such-as-for-test-suites)
Best practices for testing SQLAlchemy ORM code (sync and async) with pytest.
## Agent Quick Path
Use this path first; read deeper sections only when needed.
1. Create engine once per test session.
2. Open connection + outer transaction per test function.
3. Bind `Session`/`AsyncSession` to that connection with `join_transaction_mode="create_savepoint"`.
4. Let code under test call `commit()` safely; rollback outer transaction after test.
5. Inject session into FastAPI via dependency override and always clear overrides.
Branching logic:
- Sync stack: use `create_engine` + `Session` fixtures.
- Async stack: use `create_async_engine` + `AsyncSession` fixtures + `pytest.mark.anyio`.
- SQLite in-memory with threaded client: use `StaticPool` when required by framework threading behavior.
- Async relationship access fails (`MissingGreenlet`): eager load (`selectinload`) or explicit refresh.
---
## Core Concepts
| Concept | Preferred approach |
|---|---|
| Isolate tests from production DB | Use an in-memory SQLite engine per test |
| Prevent data leaking between tests | Roll back at the connection level after each test |
| Inject test DB into FastAPI | Override the `get_db` / `get_session` dependency |
| Create schema for tests | Call `Base.metadata.create_all(engine)` once per session |
| Avoid lazy-load errors in async | Use `expire_on_commit=False`; use `selectinload()` for relationships |
---
## Sync SQLAlchemy + FastAPI (Recommended Pattern)
The canonical 2.0 pattern joins a test `Session` into an external transaction on a shared `Connection`, then rolls back after each test. This means `session.commit()` calls within the code under test are "committed" to a savepoint, not the real transaction, and are fully undone after the test.
```python
# tests/conftest.py
import pytest
from sqlalchemy import create_engine
from sqlalchemy.orm import Session
from fastapi.testclient import TestClient
from myapp.main import app
from myapp.db.session import get_db
from myapp.db.models import Base
@pytest.fixture(scope="session")
def engine():
e = create_engine("sqlite://", connect_args={"check_same_thread": False})
Base.metadata.create_all(bind=e)
yield e
Base.metadata.drop_all(bind=e)
@pytest.fixture()
def db_session(engine):
connection = engine.connect()
transaction = connection.begin()
session = Session(bind=connection, join_transaction_mode="create_savepoint")
yield session
session.close()
transaction.rollback()
connection.close()
@pytest.fixture()
def client(db_session):
app.dependency_overrides[get_db] = lambda: db_session
yield TestClient(app)
app.dependency_overrides = {}
```
Key points:
- `join_transaction_mode="create_savepoint"` means each `session.commit()` inside code under test issues a SAVEPOINT release, not a real COMMIT — everything is rolled back when the test ends.
- `scope="session"` engine + `scope="function"` session/connection gives fast table creation with full per-test isolation.
- SQLite in-memory (`sqlite://`) is preferred: no files, no cleanup, fast.
---
## Async SQLAlchemy + FastAPI
For `AsyncSession` / `AsyncEngine`, the setup mirrors the sync version but uses async fixtures and `pytest-anyio`.
```python
# tests/conftest.py
import pytest
from sqlalchemy.ext.asyncio import AsyncSession, create_async_engine, async_sessionmaker
from fastapi.testclient import TestClient # sync client still works
from httpx import AsyncClient, ASGITransport
from myapp.main import app
from myapp.db.session import get_db
from myapp.db.models import Base
@pytest.fixture(scope="session")
def anyio_backend():
return "asyncio"
@pytest.fixture(scope="session")
async def async_engine():
e = create_async_engine("sqlite+aiosqlite://", connect_args={"check_same_thread": False})
async with e.begin() as conn:
await conn.run_sync(Base.metadata.create_all)
yield e
async with e.begin() as conn:
await conn.run_sync(Base.metadata.drop_all)
await e.dispose()
@pytest.fixture()
async def async_session(async_engine):
async with async_engine.connect() as conn:
await conn.begin()
session = AsyncSession(bind=conn, join_transaction_mode="create_savepoint",
expire_on_commit=False)
yield session
await session.close()
await conn.rollback()
@pytest.fixture()
async def async_client(async_session):
async def override_get_db():
yield async_session
app.dependency_overrides[get_db] = override_get_db
async with AsyncClient(transport=ASGITransport(app=app), base_url="http://test") as ac:
yield ac
app.dependency_overrides = {}
```
Notes:
- Async fixtures need `@pytest.mark.anyio` on the test or `anyio_backend` session fixture.
- `expire_on_commit=False` prevents expired-attribute access on objects after `await session.commit()`.
- Install: `aiosqlite`, `anyio[asyncio]`, `httpx`.
---
## SQLModel Pattern (FastAPI + SQLModel)
SQLModel's official test pattern uses `StaticPool` + in-memory SQLite, with separate `session` and `client` pytest fixtures.
```python
import pytest
from fastapi.testclient import TestClient
from sqlmodel import Session, SQLModel, create_engine
from sqlmodel.pool import StaticPool
from myapp.main import app, get_session # get_session is the SQLModel dependency
@pytest.fixture(name="session")
def session_fixture():
engine = create_engine(
"sqlite://",
connect_args={"check_same_thread": False},
poolclass=StaticPool,
)
SQLModel.metadata.create_all(engine)
with Session(engine) as session:
yield session
@pytest.fixture(name="client")
def client_fixture(session: Session):
app.dependency_overrides[get_session] = lambda: session
yield TestClient(app)
app.dependency_overrides.clear()
# --- Tests ---
def test_create_hero(client: TestClient):
response = client.post("/heroes/", json={"name": "Deadpond", "secret_name": "Dive Wilson"})
assert response.status_code == 200
def test_read_heroes(session: Session, client: TestClient):
# Directly insert test data via the session — no HTTP call needed for setup
from myapp.models import Hero
session.add(Hero(name="Test Hero", secret_name="Hidden"))
session.commit()
response = client.get("/heroes/")
assert response.status_code == 200
assert len(response.json()) == 1
```
Rules:
- Use `StaticPool` so a single in-memory SQLite connection is shared across threads (required by `TestClient`'s threading model).
- Both the `client` fixture and test functions can receive the same `session` — insert data directly for controlled setup rather than via the API.
- Always call `app.dependency_overrides.clear()` in fixture teardown (after `yield`).
---
## Async Session: Avoiding Implicit I/O
SQLAlchemy async has strict rules about lazy loading — attributes that would trigger IO on access will raise an error.
```python
# WRONG — will raise MissingGreenlet / lazy load error
result = await session.execute(select(User))
user = result.scalars().one()
print(user.posts) # lazy load, fails in async context
# RIGHT — use selectinload() to load relationships eagerly
from sqlalchemy.orm import selectinload
result = await session.execute(
select(User).options(selectinload(User.posts))
)
user = result.scalars().one()
print(user.posts) # already loaded, no IO needed
```
Other strategies:
- `AsyncAttrs` mixin: access any attribute as an awaitable via `await obj.awaitable_attrs.relationship_name`.
- `write_only` relationships: never loaded implicitly; queried explicitly.
- `await session.refresh(obj, ["attribute_name"])`: force-load a specific attribute after the fact.
---
## Fixture Scope Decision Table
| What to scope | `scope` | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Engine + DDL (`create_all`) | `session` | Expensive; shared across all tests |
| Connection + Transaction | `function` | Rolled back per test for isolation |
| Session | `function` | One transaction per test |
| TestClient / AsyncClient | `function` | Depends on session; recreated per test |
---
## Common Pitfalls
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| `MissingGreenlet` in async | Lazy-loaded relationship accessed outside awaitable context | Use `selectinload()` or `AsyncAttrs.awaitable_attrs` |
| `RuntimeError: Event loop is closed` | `AsyncEngine` not disposed | Call `await engine.dispose()` in fixture teardown |
| Tests share state / data bleeds | Session not rolled back | Use `join_transaction_mode="create_savepoint"` + rollback pattern |
| `StaticPool` not used with SQLite in-memory | TestClient spawns threads that get separate in-memory DBs | Always add `poolclass=StaticPool` for in-memory SQLite |
| `expire_on_commit=True` (default) breaks async | Accessing attributes after commit triggers lazy IO | Set `expire_on_commit=False` on AsyncSession |
| Not resetting `dependency_overrides` | Override persists into next test | Always clear in fixture teardown, after `yield` |
---
## Official Docs
- [Joining a Session into an External Transaction (test suites)](https://docs.sqlalchemy.org/en/20/orm/session_transaction.html#joining-a-session-into-an-external-transaction-such-as-for-test-suites)
- [Asynchronous I/O (asyncio)](https://docs.sqlalchemy.org/en/20/orm/extensions/asyncio.html)
- [Preventing Implicit IO when Using AsyncSession](https://docs.sqlalchemy.org/en/20/orm/extensions/asyncio.html#preventing-implicit-io-when-using-asyncsession)
- [SQLModel: Test Applications with FastAPI](https://sqlmodel.tiangolo.com/tutorial/fastapi/tests/)
- [FastAPI: Testing Dependencies with Overrides](https://fastapi.tiangolo.com/advanced/testing-dependencies/)