What is the difference between mock and patch in unit testing?

What is the difference between mock and patch in unit testing?

In unit testing, 'mock' is used to create a fake object that simulates the behavior of real objects, while 'patch' is used to replace the real object with a mock during the test.

Can you give me an example of how to use mock and patch?

Sure! For example, you can use 'patch' to replace a function in a module with a mock during a test, allowing you to control its behavior.

When should I use mock instead of patch?

Use 'mock' when you want to simulate an object’s behavior without affecting the actual implementation, while 'patch' is for replacing objects in specific contexts.

Are there any performance considerations when using mock and patch?

Yes, using mocks can be faster since they avoid the overhead of real object creation, but excessive mocking can lead to complex tests.