@pytest.mark.skip with reason - Build an Automation Script

Skip a test with a reason using @pytest.mark.skip

Preconditions (2)

Step 1: Create a test function named test_example_skip

Step 2: Add the decorator @pytest.mark.skip with the reason 'Skipping this test for demonstration'

Step 3: Run pytest on the test file

✅ Expected Result: The test test_example_skip is skipped and the reason 'Skipping this test for demonstration' is shown in the test report

Automation Requirements - pytest

Assertions Needed:

Verify the test is skipped

Verify the skip reason is displayed in the test report

Best Practices:

Use @pytest.mark.skip with a clear reason string

Keep test functions simple and focused

Run tests with verbose output to see skip reasons

Automated Solution

PyTest

import pytest

@pytest.mark.skip(reason="Skipping this test for demonstration")
def test_example_skip():
    assert True  # This assertion will not run because the test is skipped

The code defines a test function test_example_skip decorated with @pytest.mark.skip and a reason string.

This tells pytest to skip running this test and show the reason in the test report.

The assertion inside the test will not execute because the test is skipped.

Running pytest with -v flag will display the skip reason clearly.

Common Mistakes - 3 Pitfalls

Not providing a reason string in @pytest.mark.skip

{'mistake': 'Using @pytest.mark.skip without parentheses and reason', 'why_bad': 'The decorator will not work as intended and may cause syntax errors or no skip behavior.', 'correct_approach': 'Use @pytest.mark.skip(reason="your reason") with parentheses and a reason.'}

Trying to assert inside a skipped test

Bonus Challenge

Now add two more test functions skipped with different reasons and verify all skip reasons appear in the test report

Show Hint