What is mocking in Python testing?

What is mocking in Python testing?

Mocking in Python testing is a technique used to simulate the behavior of complex objects or functions to isolate the code being tested.

Why would I want to use mocking instead of real objects?

Using mocking allows you to test components in isolation, avoid dependencies on external systems, and control the behavior of objects.

Can you give me an example of how to mock a function in Python?

Sure! You can use the unittest.mock library. For example:

from unittest.mock import Mock

# Create a mock object
mock_function = Mock()

# Set a return value
mock_function.return_value = 10

# Call the mock
result = mock_function()
print(result)  # Output: 10

What are some common libraries for mocking in Python?

Common libraries include unittest.mock, pytest-mock, and mockito. Each has its own features and use cases.