monkeypatch.chdir in PyTest - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does monkeypatch.chdir do in pytest?

monkeypatch.chdir temporarily changes the current working directory during a test. After the test, it restores the original directory automatically.

beginner

Why use monkeypatch.chdir instead of os.chdir directly in tests?

Using monkeypatch.chdir ensures the directory change is temporary and automatically reversed after the test. This avoids side effects on other tests.

beginner

How do you use monkeypatch.chdir in a pytest test function?

Pass monkeypatch as a test argument, then call monkeypatch.chdir("path/to/dir") inside the test to change directory temporarily.

intermediate

What happens if you call monkeypatch.chdir with a non-existent directory?

It raises a FileNotFoundError immediately, just like os.chdir. The test will fail unless handled.

intermediate

Can monkeypatch.chdir be used multiple times in the same test?

Yes, you can call it multiple times to change directories during a test. Each call changes the directory temporarily until the test ends.

What is the main benefit of using monkeypatch.chdir in pytest tests?

A It permanently changes the working directory.

B It creates a new directory.

C It deletes the current directory.

D It temporarily changes the working directory and restores it after the test.

monkeypatch.chdir temporarily changes the directory for the test and restores the original directory automatically.

What happens if monkeypatch.chdir is called with a path that does not exist?

A It raises a <code>FileNotFoundError</code>.

B It creates the directory automatically.

C It changes to the root directory.

D It silently ignores the error.

Calling monkeypatch.chdir with a non-existent path raises a FileNotFoundError, just like os.chdir.

How do you get access to monkeypatch in a pytest test function?

A Add it as a parameter to the test function.

B Import it from pytest manually.

C Call a global function.

D Use a decorator.

pytest injects monkeypatch as a parameter when you add it to the test function arguments.

Which of these is a correct use of monkeypatch.chdir?

A monkeypatch.chdir()

B monkeypatch.chdir('/tmp')

C monkeypatch.chdir(123)

D monkeypatch.chdir(None)

You must provide a valid directory path string to monkeypatch.chdir.

After a test using monkeypatch.chdir finishes, what is the current working directory?

A The home directory.

B The directory set by monkeypatch.

C The original directory before the test.

D The root directory.

pytest restores the original working directory after the test ends.

Explain how monkeypatch.chdir helps keep tests isolated and why that is important.

Think about what happens if tests change directories without restoring.

Describe the steps to use monkeypatch.chdir in a pytest test function.

Focus on how pytest provides monkeypatch and how you call the method.