Conftest fixtures (shared across files) in PyTest - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a conftest.py file in pytest?

A conftest.py file is a special configuration file in pytest used to define fixtures that can be shared across multiple test files in the same directory or subdirectories.

beginner

How does pytest find fixtures defined in conftest.py?

Pytest automatically discovers fixtures in <code>conftest.py</code> files by looking in the test directory and its parent directories without needing to import them explicitly.

beginner

Why use conftest.py fixtures instead of defining fixtures in each test file?

Using conftest.py fixtures helps avoid repeating fixture code in multiple test files, making tests cleaner and easier to maintain by sharing setup logic.

intermediate

Can fixtures in conftest.py have different scopes? Give an example.

Yes, fixtures in conftest.py can have scopes like function, module, or session. For example, a session scoped fixture runs once per test session and can be shared across all tests.

beginner

How do you use a fixture defined in conftest.py inside a test function?

Simply add the fixture name as a parameter to the test function. Pytest will inject the fixture automatically without needing to import it.

What is the main purpose of conftest.py in pytest?

A To share fixtures across multiple test files

B To store test data files

C To configure pytest command line options only

D To write test cases

The conftest.py file is mainly used to define fixtures that can be shared across multiple test files.

How do you access a fixture defined in conftest.py inside a test?

A Fixtures in <code>conftest.py</code> cannot be accessed in tests

B Import the fixture explicitly in the test file

C Call the fixture function manually inside the test

D Add the fixture name as a parameter to the test function

Pytest injects fixtures automatically when you add the fixture name as a parameter to the test function.

Which of these scopes can a fixture in conftest.py have?

A function

B All of the above

C session

D module

Fixtures can have scopes like function, module, or session to control how often they run.

If you have multiple conftest.py files in nested directories, which fixtures are available to tests?

A Fixtures from all <code>conftest.py</code> files in parent directories

B Fixtures are not shared across directories

C Fixtures only from the root <code>conftest.py</code>

D Only fixtures in the closest <code>conftest.py</code>

Pytest searches up the directory tree and makes fixtures from all conftest.py files in parent directories available.

What happens if two conftest.py files define fixtures with the same name?

A Pytest raises an error

B Both fixtures run in order

C The fixture in the closest <code>conftest.py</code> overrides the others

D Fixtures are merged automatically

The fixture defined in the closest conftest.py to the test file overrides fixtures with the same name in parent directories.

Explain how conftest.py helps in sharing fixtures across multiple test files in pytest.

Think about how pytest finds and uses fixtures without explicit imports.

Describe the different fixture scopes you can use in conftest.py and why you might choose each.

Consider how often you want the setup to run to save time or reset state.