Top Python Testing Framework in 2024
Tags: pythontesting, testgrid
Published: 2024-06-26 09:07:31

If you’ve wondered which programming language I should start my testing career with, “Python is the solution.”
Python is currently the fastest-growing programming language, and we all know what that means. Python has been gaining popularity among developers and testers over the years. 
By the end of this article, I hope to have demonstrated the Python programming language’s versatility and the Python testing framework most appropriate for your project’s requirements.

## Everything About Python Testing Framework

In the area of testing, automated testing has high significance. In this process, a script rather than a human is used to carry out the test plans.
Python has the tools and modules needed to facilitate automated software testing.
Writing test cases in Python is comparatively simple. Python-based test automation frameworks are growing in popularity as their use is increasing.
What is Python Testing Framework?
A set of instructions or standards used for developing and designing test cases is known as a testing framework. A framework is made up of a variety of procedures and is intended to aid QA specialists in conducting tests more quickly.
Python is well renowned for its simplicity in web development and test automation, and the Python testing framework is a dynamic framework built on Python.

## What Makes a Python Testing Framework Great?

Python is becoming more widely used, so testing frameworks built on Python are becoming more popular. However, since so many tools are available, it might take time to decide which one to use because each has advantages and disadvantages. 
Having said that, each project and organization has unique needs and constraints. So we must consider them when choosing the tool that will work best for us.

## List Of The Most Popular Python Testing Frameworks

Let’s examine a list of the best Python testing frameworks and weigh their advantages 
and disadvantages:

### 01 Lettuce Framework

Lettuce is a simple yet powerful behavior-driven automation tool. Python and Cucumber are the foundation for its operation. Therefore, Lettuce is primarily useful for making it simpler to complete the typical duties of a BDD structure.
**Prerequisites:**

- Perform the following before installing Lettuce:
- Set up Python 2.7.14 or a later version.
- Install Pycharm or a similar IDE.
- Then, install the package manager for Python.
**Features of Lettuce:**

- It enables programmers to write multiple scenarios and define each one’s attributes in plain, everyday language.
- Enables effective coordination similar to Behave due to specs being defined in a similar way.
**Pros:**

- It allows even non-technical team members to quickly build tests using natural language because it supports the Gherkin language.
- While it can be used for additional testing kinds, it is mainly used for black-box testing, similar to Behave. Lettuce, for instance, can test different server and database interactions and behaviors
.
**Cons:**

- It is better suited for smaller projects because it lacks some of the feature-richness of other frameworks.
- It does not appear to have support or documentation.
- Requires consistent communication between all project stakeholders, including managers, developers, and quality assurance (QA).
As a result: Lettuce is a fantastic choice for quick and easy test generation across all team members if you have a small BDD project.

### 02 Behave Framework
Behave is one of the best and most popular Python test frameworks, which is particularly beneficial for behavior-driven development (BDD). This framework and Cucumber are relatively similar.
All test scripts are created in a straightforward language and are then added to the running code. Behave enables the reuse of previously defined steps in other use-case scenarios.
**Prerequisites:**

- Anyone who has a working knowledge of Python can utilize Behave. Do the following before installing Behave:
- Install Python 2.7.14 or a later version.
- Install pip or another Python package manager.
- Set up Pycharm or a comparable IDE.

**Features of Behave framework:**

- Behave uses a domain vocabulary to define system behaviour and uses semi-formal language, ensuring that behaviour is consistent across the company.
- Building blocks are available for executing a wide range of test cases. Helps development teams work on several modules with certain standard features to coordinate their efforts more.
- The typical format of all specifications gives managers a better understanding of what developers and QA will produce.
**Pros:**

- Enables the writing of test cases in an easy-to-understand language which facilitates easy team collaboration across related features.
- A tonne of informational material is available to get you going.
- It fully supports the Gherkin language. Therefore no technical experience is needed to create feature files.
- Has integrations for Flask and Django.

**Cons:**

- Only effective for black-box testing.
- Not the ideal choice for unit or integration testing because the verbosity of these tests can make test scenarios more challenging.

As a result: You should absolutely have a look at Behave if your team uses a BDD methodology, you have prior experience with BDD (such as Cucumber, SpecFlow, etc.), and you’re searching for black box testing. In this post comparing several Python BDD testing frameworks, you should look into additional frameworks like Pytest-BDD, Lettuce, Radish, and others. 

### 03 Robot Framework

Acceptance testing is generally appropriate for this methodology. Although it was created in Python, it can also function on IronPython (a.net-based Python) and Jython (Java-based). Linux, macOS, and Windows are all compatible with the Robot Framework.

**Prerequisites:**

- Do the following before installing Robot Framework:
- Set up Python 2.7.14 or a later version.
- Install the package manager for Python (pip)
- Install a development framework, like Pycharm Community Edition, on your computer.

**Features of Robot Framework:**

- RF is built on keyword-driven testing, which simplifies automation by assisting testers in producing understandable test cases.
- Enables simple test data syntax usage
- Supports all application kinds, including online and mobile apps, across all operating systems (macOS, Windows, Linux).
- Easily comprehensible report data
- It is highly extendable thanks to its numerous APIs 
- It comes with many general tools and test libraries, all of which may be used independently in different applications.
- Excellent community backing.
**Pros:**

- Provides data for HTML reporting that is easy to understand (including screenshots).
- Its extensive API library and rich ecosystem make it a highly adaptable framework.

**Cons:**

- Although simultaneous testing is not enabled by default, it can be done using Selenium Grid
- It forces you to work using a predefined approach, which might be good or bad. For example, the first learning curve could be a little longer than typical for newcomers.
- It could take more time to create generic keywords than to write programmed tests merely, and the customization of reports can be challenging.

As a result: RF is the best option for you if you want to deploy a keyword-driven framework strategy that will let manual testers and business analysts construct automated tests. It offers a variety of extensions & libraries and is simple to use. However, if you want to create sophisticated scenarios, you’ll need to make some adjustments that still need to be included in the framework.

### 04 Pytest Framework

One of the most widely used Python testing frameworks is Pytest, an open-source testing framework. Unit testing, functional testing, and API tests are all supported by Pytest.

**Prerequisites**:

**Install Python version 3.5 or above**.

**Features of Pytest:**

- The Pytest HTML plugin, for example, is very extendable and can be added to your project to produce HTML reports with only one command-line argument.
- It enjoys the support of a large community. 
- Without rewriting the test cases, it helps to cover all the parameter combinations.
**Pros:**

- You can use the Pytest plugin pytest-xdist to run tests concurrently.
- Assists you in covering all parameters without rewriting test cases.

 **Cons:**

- Although Pytest makes it easy to create test cases, you won’t be able to use those in any other testing framework because Pytest uses its own unique routines. Hence, with Pytest, you have to compromise when it comes to compatibility.
As a result: This fully developed framework is for you if you want to write unit tests, which are brief and concise tests that handle complicated situations.

### 05 TestProject Framework

TestProject is an open-source automation framework. It offers both local and cloud HTML reporting and simple test automation development. It supports the Pytest and Unittest frameworks and all necessary dependencies in a single cross-platform executable agent file.

**Prerequisites:**

- Install Python version 3.6 or above.

**Features of TestProject:**

- Free automatic reports available in HTML and PDF
- Simple access to the execution history through RESTful API
- Always uses the most recent Selenium/Appium driver release
- Offers a single SDK for testing on the web, Android, iOS, and other platforms.
- Capabilities for integrated test reporting
- Support for all operating systems across platforms
- Enjoys great support and community backing

**Pros:**

- Single-agent executable inclusive of all third-party libraries required to run and create test automation for mobile, web, and genetic tests.
- Built-in reporting and test runner features.
- Support for Mac, Windows, Linux, and Docker across several platforms.

**Cons:**

- You would need to use Docker Agents for parallel testing because the agent can only run one test simultaneously.

- The hybrid cloud’s team collaboration tools have several restrictions when offline. Therefore, you will need to implement the collaboration on your own, saving tests on a shared network drive/git instead of the seamless collaboration on the hybrid cloud when using the local “on-prem” option.

As a result: TestProject is unquestionably the framework for you if you’re seeking a single tool that can handle all of your automation tasks from beginning to end. It’s also a great fit for teams with various automation expertise, from novices to seasoned pros.

Read also: [7 Best Unit Testing Framework For Javascript In 2022](https://testgrid.io/blog/unit-testing-framework-for-javascript/)

## Conclusion

It’s time to select the Python testing framework that best satisfies your needs now that we have reached the end of our list of comparisons.
Do you prefer a BDD-focused approach? Are you interested in functional testing or unit testing? Does your team consist of newbies, or do you include those with technical or coding experience?
“You should consider these issues, as well as several others, before deciding. There is no such thing as good or awful, but rather it has to be suitable for your needs and product specifications”.
Source : This blog is originally published at [TestGrid](https://testgrid.io/blog/python-testing-framework/)