Fixture request object in PyTest

Introduction

The fixture request object lets you get information about the current test and access other fixtures easily.

When you want to use one fixture inside another fixture.

When you need details about the test function that is running.

When you want to dynamically get fixture names or parameters.

When you want to skip or fail a test from inside a fixture.

When you want to access test metadata like markers or config.

Syntax

PyTest

def fixture_name(request):
    # use request object here
    pass

The request object is passed as a parameter to a fixture function.

You can use request.getfixturevalue('fixture_name') to get another fixture.

Examples

This fixture prints the name of the test that uses it.

PyTest

import pytest

@pytest.fixture
def my_fixture(request):
    print(f"Running test: {request.node.name}")
    return 42

This fixture uses request to get another fixture's value.

PyTest

import pytest

@pytest.fixture
def dependent_fixture(request):
    other = request.getfixturevalue('my_fixture')
    return other + 1

Sample Program

This test uses the request object to get the base_value fixture inside add_five. It then checks the sum.

PyTest

import pytest

@pytest.fixture
def base_value():
    return 10

@pytest.fixture
def add_five(request):
    base = request.getfixturevalue('base_value')
    return base + 5

def test_sum(add_five):
    assert add_five == 15
    print(f"add_five value is {add_five}")

Important Notes

The request object is only available inside fixtures, not in test functions directly.

Use request.node.name to get the current test function name.

Using request.getfixturevalue() helps avoid circular dependencies between fixtures.

Summary

The fixture request object gives info about the current test and fixtures.

It helps fixtures use other fixtures dynamically.

It is useful for accessing test names, markers, and config inside fixtures.