Useful Patterns and Helper Functions

• Python: Tests based on reference files
  • Basic outline
    • Defining the list of output files - simple form
    • Defining the list of output files - complex form
  • Available Comparators
    • binary
    • diff
    • fits
    • text
    • user-defined comparators
• Python: Replacing XML regtests with Python
• Python: Using JSON or pprint to compare complex data structures
• Python: Implementing foo.test() for your package
  • using py.test
  • using nose
  • using pycode
  • using multiple runners
• Python: Running external executables in your test
  • Do not use subprocess
  • Running an external process
  • IRAF tasks
• Python: Parameterized Tests
  • minipyt
  • py.test
  • nose