TestComplete vs pytest: What are the differences?

Introduction

TestComplete and pytest are both popular tools used for software testing, but they have some key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will explore these differences in detail.

1. Automation Testing Framework: TestComplete is a comprehensive commercial testing tool that provides a wide range of testing capabilities, including record and playback, script-based testing, and data-driven testing. On the other hand, pytest is an open-source testing framework for Python that focuses on simplicity and scalability. It allows test cases to be written as regular functions and provides powerful features for test discovery and test execution.

2. Test Configuration and Execution: TestComplete allows tests to be configured and executed through its own integrated IDE. It provides a graphical user interface to create and manage test projects, test items, and test cases. pytest, on the other hand, can be executed directly from the command line. Test cases are written as plain Python functions and can be organized using standard Python packages and modules.

3. Test Development Approach: TestComplete follows a keyword-driven testing approach, where test scripts are created by assembling reusable keywords. These keywords represent actions, objects, and verification points in the application under test. pytest, on the other hand, follows a more traditional test-driven development (TDD) approach, where test cases are written as separate functions and can take advantage of Python's rich set of libraries and assertions.

4. Test Reporting and Integration: TestComplete provides built-in reporting capabilities that enable detailed test reports to be generated automatically. It also offers integration with popular issue tracking systems and test management tools. pytest, on the other hand, offers flexible reporting options through plugins. Test results can be displayed in various formats, and pytest integrates well with continuous integration (CI) systems like Jenkins and Travis CI.

5. Test Parameterization: TestComplete allows test parameters to be defined and managed within the tool itself. These parameters can be used to drive test data and test configurations. pytest, on the other hand, provides a powerful parameterization feature that allows test cases to be executed with different sets of input values. Test cases can be parameterized using decorators or by defining fixtures that provide test data and resources.

6. Community and Support: TestComplete is a commercial tool developed and supported by SmartBear Software. It provides comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and technical support. pytest, on the other hand, is an open-source project with a large and active community. It has extensive online resources, including documentation, user forums, and plugins developed by the community.

In Summary, TestComplete is a commercial automation testing tool with a keyword-driven approach, while pytest is an open-source testing framework for Python with a focus on simplicity and scalability. TestComplete provides an integrated IDE and comprehensive features for test management and execution, while pytest offers a flexible and powerful test development approach using plain Python functions. Both tools have different reporting options and support different parameterization techniques.