Fixture scope (function, class, module, session) in PyTest - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the 'function' scope mean in pytest fixtures?

The fixture is created and destroyed for each test function that uses it. It runs fresh for every test.

beginner

Explain the 'class' scope for pytest fixtures.

The fixture is created once per test class and shared among all test methods in that class.

intermediate

What happens when a fixture has 'module' scope?

The fixture is created once per module (file) and shared by all tests in that module.

intermediate

Describe the 'session' scope in pytest fixtures.

The fixture is created once for the entire test session and shared by all tests across all modules.

intermediate

Why would you use a 'session' scoped fixture instead of a 'function' scoped one?

To save time by setting up expensive resources only once for all tests, like a database connection.

Which pytest fixture scope creates a new fixture instance for each test function?

A function

B class

C module

D session

The 'function' scope means the fixture is set up and torn down for every test function.

If you want a fixture to be shared by all tests in a single Python file, which scope should you use?

A function

B class

C module

D session

The 'module' scope shares the fixture across all tests in the same file.

What is the scope that shares a fixture across all test classes and functions in the entire test run?

A session

B function

C module

D class

The 'session' scope creates the fixture once for the whole test session.

Which scope would be best for a fixture that sets up a database connection used by many tests?

A function

B session

C class

D module

Using 'session' scope avoids reconnecting to the database for every test, saving time.

A fixture with 'class' scope is created how many times per test class?

A Once per session

B Once per test function

C Once per module

D Once per test class

The 'class' scope means the fixture is created once for each test class.

Describe the differences between the four pytest fixture scopes: function, class, module, and session.

Think about how often the fixture is created and shared.

Explain a real-life scenario where using a 'session' scoped fixture is better than a 'function' scoped fixture.

Imagine setting up something costly once instead of many times.