pytest-advanced

Custom markers in pytest let you tag and group tests by category, then run specific subsets using -m flags. Define markers in pytest.ini or pyproject.toml, apply them as decorators to test functions, and execute pytest -m marker_name to filter runs. This enables logical test organization across unit, integration, and CI/CD workflows.

Pytest hooks are functions that run at specific lifecycle points—before tests start, after each test, or on failures. Implement them by defining functions like pytest_configure or pytest_runtest_setup in conftest.py to handle setup, teardown, reporting, or custom logic. Hooks enable consistent test context management without duplicating code.

Configure code coverage by installing pytest-cov, then add coverage settings to pytest.ini or pyproject.toml specifying source paths, omit patterns, and report formats. Run pytest --cov to collect metrics and generate reports. Proper configuration ensures accurate coverage tracking across your entire test suite.

Yes, create custom assertion functions in conftest.py or a utilities module that wrap pytest assertions with domain-specific logic. Use these helpers across tests to standardize error messages and validation patterns. Custom assertions improve test readability and reduce duplication when checking complex conditions.

Markers and hooks work synergistically in pytest. Use markers to tag tests, then reference them inside hooks to apply conditional setup or teardown logic. For example, a hook can check for a marker and run environment-specific initialization, enabling flexible, layered test configuration.