Google Test vs pytest: What are the differences?

Google Test and pytest are two popular testing frameworks used in software development. Let's explore the key differences between them.

1. Language Support: Google Test is primarily used for testing C++ code, whereas pytest is specifically designed for testing Python code. This means that developers using Google Test can only write tests for C++ projects, while pytest supports testing in Python.

2. Test Declaration: In Google Test, tests are declared using macros, which can make the code look slightly cluttered. On the other hand, pytest allows test declaration using plain Python functions, which results in more readable and clean test code.

3. Test Discovery: Google Test requires explicit registration of tests, which means that each test must be manually added to the test suite. In contrast, pytest automatically discovers and executes all test files within a directory, eliminating the need for explicit registration.

4. Fixtures and Parameterization: Both frameworks support the use of fixtures (setup and teardown functions) to manage test dependencies. However, pytest provides more advanced features for fixtures and also supports parameterization, allowing tests to be executed with different input parameters.

5. Test Execution and Reporting: Google Test executes tests using an executable, and the test results are displayed in the console. pytest, on the other hand, runs tests directly from Python, and it offers comprehensive reporting features, including detailed information about the test results and coverage reports.

6. Plugin Ecosystem: pytest has a vibrant plugin ecosystem, which allows developers to extend the framework's functionality by adding custom plugins. These plugins can provide additional features such as test parameterization, test ordering, and integration with other tools. Google Test, on the other hand, does not have a built-in plugin system.

In summary, Google Test is suitable for testing C++ code, uses macros for test declaration, requires explicit registration of tests, and provides basic test execution and reporting capabilities. On the other hand, pytest is designed for testing Python code, uses plain Python functions for test declaration, automatically discovers tests, offers advanced fixtures and parameterization features, provides comprehensive test reporting, and has a rich plugin ecosystem.