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Python
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Author: Steve Purcell, Pythangelist, Available for consulting
Latest release: 1.2.0, 2nd July 2000 (download) (notes)

PyUnit - a unit testing framework for Python

This unit testing framework, dubbed 'PyUnit' by convention, is a Python language version of JUnit. JUnit was written by smart cookies Kent Beck and Erich Gamma, and is, in turn, a Java version of Kent's Smalltalk testing framework. Each is the de facto standard unit testing framework for its respective language, and therefore both are a strong basis for an effective and elegant Python framework. Both a text-based and graphical interface are provided.

The project

The project has been active for many months, and was moved to SourceForge in March. Positive feedback about the framework encouraged me to formalise the project in the hope of furthering the cause of routine unit testing in the unusually enlightened Python community. (For more about how routine testing can be fun, check out Extreme Programming.) To date, there have been over 990 downloads, so interest in this style of testing is apparently quite strong.

The package

The framework is currently two Python source modules (i.e. no messy installation) and is packaged for download together with documentation and examples. The documentation provides a cookbook for writing tests, usage guidelines, known issues, future plans, and links to sources of related information.

Feedback and discussion via the mailing list is encouraged. This low-volume list is a good place to discuss PyUnit, to ask others about their practises, and to share your wisdom.

Important note for Windows users

Please note that the PythonWin IDE and Tkinter do not co-exist happily. This means the PyUnit GUI should not be run from within PythonWin, otherwise a crash is possible. Instead, run it separately using the standard python.exe or pythonw.exe, or by double-clicking on unittestgui.py in Explorer.

(Of course, using the text mode of PyUnit from PythonWin will work just fine.)

The users

PyUnit apparently has quite some users already; I receive a fair amount of direct e-mail about it. In addition to individuals who have contacted me, some known projects and groups using PyUnit are:

The gossip

Recent mentions of PyUnit:

Contacting me

Feel free to send me e-mail using this form or directly to: stephen_purcell at yahoo dot com.

I am intermittently available for Python consulting and training engagements in various application areas and on various platforms; details available upon request.


Last update: 7th August 2000
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