How to Use @pytest.mark.skip to Skip Tests in Pytest

Use @pytest.mark.skip above a test function to skip it during test runs. This decorator tells pytest to ignore the test, optionally with a reason message.

Syntax

The @pytest.mark.skip decorator is placed above a test function to skip it. You can add an optional reason argument to explain why the test is skipped.

• @pytest.mark.skip(reason="some reason"): Skips the test with a message.
• def test_function():: The test function to skip.

python

import pytest

@pytest.mark.skip(reason="skip this test for now")
def test_example():
    assert 1 == 1

Example

This example shows a skipped test with a reason. When you run pytest, it will report the test as skipped and show the reason.

python

import pytest

@pytest.mark.skip(reason="Not implemented yet")
def test_skip_example():
    assert 0 == 1

def test_run_example():
    assert 2 + 2 == 4

Output

============================= test session starts =============================
collected 2 items

test_sample.py s.                                                        [100%]

========================== 1 skipped, 1 passed in 0.03s ==========================

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using @pytest.mark.skip include:

• Forgetting to import pytest, causing a NameError.
• Using @pytest.mark.skip without parentheses when adding a reason (it requires parentheses if reason is given).
• Confusing @pytest.mark.skip with @pytest.mark.skipif, which skips conditionally.

python

import pytest

# Wrong: missing parentheses with reason
# @pytest.mark.skip reason="skip this"
# def test_wrong():
#     assert True

# Correct usage
@pytest.mark.skip(reason="skip this")
def test_correct():
    assert True

Quick Reference

Summary tips for @pytest.mark.skip:

• Use @pytest.mark.skip to skip tests unconditionally.
• Always provide a reason for clarity.
• Remember to import pytest before using the decorator.
• Use @pytest.mark.skipif for conditional skipping.

Key Takeaways

Use @pytest.mark.skip above a test function to skip it unconditionally.

Always add a reason argument to explain why the test is skipped.

Import pytest before using @pytest.mark.skip to avoid errors.

Do not confuse @pytest.mark.skip with @pytest.mark.skipif, which skips conditionally.

Skipped tests show as 's' in pytest output with the reason displayed.