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author | Michael Foord <michael@voidspace.org.uk> | 2012-03-25 22:12:55 (GMT) |
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committer | Michael Foord <michael@voidspace.org.uk> | 2012-03-25 22:12:55 (GMT) |
commit | 944e02d055d10325968b778c0188df1e150b2bc7 (patch) | |
tree | 2d10e427aa55a6fa4125194544982056332c4752 /Doc/library/unittest.mock.rst | |
parent | e58a562d9395b8a4ed9419b735cad9f78c8ae802 (diff) | |
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Adding unittest.mock documentation
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-rw-r--r-- | Doc/library/unittest.mock.rst | 900 |
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diff --git a/Doc/library/unittest.mock.rst b/Doc/library/unittest.mock.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..71b7386 --- /dev/null +++ b/Doc/library/unittest.mock.rst @@ -0,0 +1,900 @@ +:mod:`unittest.mock` --- mock object library +============================================ + +.. module:: unittest.mock + :synopsis: Mock object library. +.. moduleauthor:: Michael Foord <michael@python.org> +.. currentmodule:: unittest.mock + +.. versionadded:: 3.3 + +:mod:`unittest.mock` is a library for testing in Python. It allows you to +replace parts of your system under test with mock objects and make assertions +about how they have been used. + +`unittest.mock` provides a core :class:`Mock` class removing the need to +create a host of stubs throughout your test suite. After performing an +action, you can make assertions about which methods / attributes were used +and arguments they were called with. You can also specify return values and +set needed attributes in the normal way. + +Additionally, mock provides a :func:`patch` decorator that handles patching +module and class level attributes within the scope of a test, along with +:const:`sentinel` for creating unique objects. See the `quick guide`_ for +some examples of how to use :class:`Mock`, :class:`MagicMock` and +:func:`patch`. + +Mock is very easy to use and is designed for use with :mod:`unittest`. Mock +is based on the 'action -> assertion' pattern instead of `'record -> replay'` +used by many mocking frameworks. + +There is a backport of `unittest.mock` for earlier versions of Python, +available as `mock on PyPI <http://pypi.python.org/pypi/mock>`_. + +**Source code:** :source:`Lib/unittest/mock.py` + + +Quick Guide +----------- + +:class:`Mock` and :class:`MagicMock` objects create all attributes and +methods as you access them and store details of how they have been used. You +can configure them, to specify return values or limit what attributes are +available, and then make assertions about how they have been used: + + >>> from unittest.mock import MagicMock + >>> thing = ProductionClass() + >>> thing.method = MagicMock(return_value=3) + >>> thing.method(3, 4, 5, key='value') + 3 + >>> thing.method.assert_called_with(3, 4, 5, key='value') + +:attr:`side_effect` allows you to perform side effects, including raising an +exception when a mock is called: + + >>> mock = Mock(side_effect=KeyError('foo')) + >>> mock() + Traceback (most recent call last): + ... + KeyError: 'foo' + + >>> values = {'a': 1, 'b': 2, 'c': 3} + >>> def side_effect(arg): + ... return values[arg] + ... + >>> mock.side_effect = side_effect + >>> mock('a'), mock('b'), mock('c') + (1, 2, 3) + >>> mock.side_effect = [5, 4, 3, 2, 1] + >>> mock(), mock(), mock() + (5, 4, 3) + +Mock has many other ways you can configure it and control its behaviour. For +example the `spec` argument configures the mock to take its specification +from another object. Attempting to access attributes or methods on the mock +that don't exist on the spec will fail with an `AttributeError`. + +The :func:`patch` decorator / context manager makes it easy to mock classes or +objects in a module under test. The object you specify will be replaced with a +mock (or other object) during the test and restored when the test ends: + + >>> from unittest.mock import patch + >>> @patch('module.ClassName2') + ... @patch('module.ClassName1') + ... def test(MockClass1, MockClass2): + ... module.ClassName1() + ... module.ClassName2() + + ... assert MockClass1 is module.ClassName1 + ... assert MockClass2 is module.ClassName2 + ... assert MockClass1.called + ... assert MockClass2.called + ... + >>> test() + +.. note:: + + When you nest patch decorators the mocks are passed in to the decorated + function in the same order they applied (the normal *python* order that + decorators are applied). This means from the bottom up, so in the example + above the mock for `module.ClassName1` is passed in first. + + With `patch` it matters that you patch objects in the namespace where they + are looked up. This is normally straightforward, but for a quick guide + read :ref:`where to patch <where-to-patch>`. + +As well as a decorator `patch` can be used as a context manager in a with +statement: + + >>> with patch.object(ProductionClass, 'method', return_value=None) as mock_method: + ... thing = ProductionClass() + ... thing.method(1, 2, 3) + ... + >>> mock_method.assert_called_once_with(1, 2, 3) + + +There is also :func:`patch.dict` for setting values in a dictionary just +during a scope and restoring the dictionary to its original state when the test +ends: + + >>> foo = {'key': 'value'} + >>> original = foo.copy() + >>> with patch.dict(foo, {'newkey': 'newvalue'}, clear=True): + ... assert foo == {'newkey': 'newvalue'} + ... + >>> assert foo == original + +Mock supports the mocking of Python :ref:`magic methods <magic-methods>`. The +easiest way of using magic methods is with the :class:`MagicMock` class. It +allows you to do things like: + + >>> mock = MagicMock() + >>> mock.__str__.return_value = 'foobarbaz' + >>> str(mock) + 'foobarbaz' + >>> mock.__str__.assert_called_with() + +Mock allows you to assign functions (or other Mock instances) to magic methods +and they will be called appropriately. The `MagicMock` class is just a Mock +variant that has all of the magic methods pre-created for you (well, all the +useful ones anyway). + +The following is an example of using magic methods with the ordinary Mock +class: + + >>> mock = Mock() + >>> mock.__str__ = Mock(return_value='wheeeeee') + >>> str(mock) + 'wheeeeee' + +For ensuring that the mock objects in your tests have the same api as the +objects they are replacing, you can use :ref:`auto-speccing <auto-speccing>`. +Auto-speccing can be done through the `autospec` argument to patch, or the +:func:`create_autospec` function. Auto-speccing creates mock objects that +have the same attributes and methods as the objects they are replacing, and +any functions and methods (including constructors) have the same call +signature as the real object. + +This ensures that your mocks will fail in the same way as your production +code if they are used incorrectly: + + >>> from unittest.mock import create_autospec + >>> def function(a, b, c): + ... pass + ... + >>> mock_function = create_autospec(function, return_value='fishy') + >>> mock_function(1, 2, 3) + 'fishy' + >>> mock_function.assert_called_once_with(1, 2, 3) + >>> mock_function('wrong arguments') + Traceback (most recent call last): + ... + TypeError: <lambda>() takes exactly 3 arguments (1 given) + +`create_autospec` can also be used on classes, where it copies the signature of +the `__init__` method, and on callable objects where it copies the signature of +the `__call__` method. + + + +The Mock Class +-------------- + + +`Mock` is a flexible mock object intended to replace the use of stubs and +test doubles throughout your code. Mocks are callable and create attributes as +new mocks when you access them [#]_. Accessing the same attribute will always +return the same mock. Mocks record how you use them, allowing you to make +assertions about what your code has done to them. + +:class:`MagicMock` is a subclass of `Mock` with all the magic methods +pre-created and ready to use. There are also non-callable variants, useful +when you are mocking out objects that aren't callable: +:class:`NonCallableMock` and :class:`NonCallableMagicMock` + +The :func:`patch` decorators makes it easy to temporarily replace classes +in a particular module with a `Mock` object. By default `patch` will create +a `MagicMock` for you. You can specify an alternative class of `Mock` using +the `new_callable` argument to `patch`. + + +.. class:: Mock(spec=None, side_effect=None, return_value=DEFAULT, wraps=None, name=None, spec_set=None, **kwargs) + + Create a new `Mock` object. `Mock` takes several optional arguments + that specify the behaviour of the Mock object: + + * `spec`: This can be either a list of strings or an existing object (a + class or instance) that acts as the specification for the mock object. If + you pass in an object then a list of strings is formed by calling dir on + the object (excluding unsupported magic attributes and methods). + Accessing any attribute not in this list will raise an `AttributeError`. + + If `spec` is an object (rather than a list of strings) then + :attr:`__class__` returns the class of the spec object. This allows mocks + to pass `isinstance` tests. + + * `spec_set`: A stricter variant of `spec`. If used, attempting to *set* + or get an attribute on the mock that isn't on the object passed as + `spec_set` will raise an `AttributeError`. + + * `side_effect`: A function to be called whenever the Mock is called. See + the :attr:`~Mock.side_effect` attribute. Useful for raising exceptions or + dynamically changing return values. The function is called with the same + arguments as the mock, and unless it returns :data:`DEFAULT`, the return + value of this function is used as the return value. + + Alternatively `side_effect` can be an exception class or instance. In + this case the exception will be raised when the mock is called. + + If `side_effect` is an iterable then each call to the mock will return + the next value from the iterable. + + A `side_effect` can be cleared by setting it to `None`. + + * `return_value`: The value returned when the mock is called. By default + this is a new Mock (created on first access). See the + :attr:`return_value` attribute. + + * `wraps`: Item for the mock object to wrap. If `wraps` is not None then + calling the Mock will pass the call through to the wrapped object + (returning the real result and ignoring `return_value`). Attribute access + on the mock will return a Mock object that wraps the corresponding + attribute of the wrapped object (so attempting to access an attribute + that doesn't exist will raise an `AttributeError`). + + If the mock has an explicit `return_value` set then calls are not passed + to the wrapped object and the `return_value` is returned instead. + + * `name`: If the mock has a name then it will be used in the repr of the + mock. This can be useful for debugging. The name is propagated to child + mocks. + + Mocks can also be called with arbitrary keyword arguments. These will be + used to set attributes on the mock after it is created. See the + :meth:`configure_mock` method for details. + + + .. method:: assert_called_with(*args, **kwargs) + + This method is a convenient way of asserting that calls are made in a + particular way: + + >>> mock = Mock() + >>> mock.method(1, 2, 3, test='wow') + <Mock name='mock.method()' id='...'> + >>> mock.method.assert_called_with(1, 2, 3, test='wow') + + + .. method:: assert_called_once_with(*args, **kwargs) + + Assert that the mock was called exactly once and with the specified + arguments. + + >>> mock = Mock(return_value=None) + >>> mock('foo', bar='baz') + >>> mock.assert_called_once_with('foo', bar='baz') + >>> mock('foo', bar='baz') + >>> mock.assert_called_once_with('foo', bar='baz') + Traceback (most recent call last): + ... + AssertionError: Expected to be called once. Called 2 times. + + + .. method:: assert_any_call(*args, **kwargs) + + assert the mock has been called with the specified arguments. + + The assert passes if the mock has *ever* been called, unlike + :meth:`assert_called_with` and :meth:`assert_called_once_with` that + only pass if the call is the most recent one. + + >>> mock = Mock(return_value=None) + >>> mock(1, 2, arg='thing') + >>> mock('some', 'thing', 'else') + >>> mock.assert_any_call(1, 2, arg='thing') + + + .. method:: assert_has_calls(calls, any_order=False) + + assert the mock has been called with the specified calls. + The `mock_calls` list is checked for the calls. + + If `any_order` is False (the default) then the calls must be + sequential. There can be extra calls before or after the + specified calls. + + If `any_order` is True then the calls can be in any order, but + they must all appear in :attr:`mock_calls`. + + >>> mock = Mock(return_value=None) + >>> mock(1) + >>> mock(2) + >>> mock(3) + >>> mock(4) + >>> calls = [call(2), call(3)] + >>> mock.assert_has_calls(calls) + >>> calls = [call(4), call(2), call(3)] + >>> mock.assert_has_calls(calls, any_order=True) + + + .. method:: reset_mock() + + The reset_mock method resets all the call attributes on a mock object: + + >>> mock = Mock(return_value=None) + >>> mock('hello') + >>> mock.called + True + >>> mock.reset_mock() + >>> mock.called + False + + This can be useful where you want to make a series of assertions that + reuse the same object. Note that `reset_mock` *doesn't* clear the + return value, :attr:`side_effect` or any child attributes you have + set using normal assignment. Child mocks and the return value mock + (if any) are reset as well. + + + .. method:: mock_add_spec(spec, spec_set=False) + + Add a spec to a mock. `spec` can either be an object or a + list of strings. Only attributes on the `spec` can be fetched as + attributes from the mock. + + If `spec_set` is `True` then only attributes on the spec can be set. + + + .. method:: attach_mock(mock, attribute) + + Attach a mock as an attribute of this one, replacing its name and + parent. Calls to the attached mock will be recorded in the + :attr:`method_calls` and :attr:`mock_calls` attributes of this one. + + + .. method:: configure_mock(**kwargs) + + Set attributes on the mock through keyword arguments. + + Attributes plus return values and side effects can be set on child + mocks using standard dot notation and unpacking a dictionary in the + method call: + + >>> mock = Mock() + >>> attrs = {'method.return_value': 3, 'other.side_effect': KeyError} + >>> mock.configure_mock(**attrs) + >>> mock.method() + 3 + >>> mock.other() + Traceback (most recent call last): + ... + KeyError + + The same thing can be achieved in the constructor call to mocks: + + >>> attrs = {'method.return_value': 3, 'other.side_effect': KeyError} + >>> mock = Mock(some_attribute='eggs', **attrs) + >>> mock.some_attribute + 'eggs' + >>> mock.method() + 3 + >>> mock.other() + Traceback (most recent call last): + ... + KeyError + + `configure_mock` exists to make it easier to do configuration + after the mock has been created. + + + .. method:: __dir__() + + `Mock` objects limit the results of `dir(some_mock)` to useful results. + For mocks with a `spec` this includes all the permitted attributes + for the mock. + + See :data:`FILTER_DIR` for what this filtering does, and how to + switch it off. + + + .. method:: _get_child_mock(**kw) + + Create the child mocks for attributes and return value. + By default child mocks will be the same type as the parent. + Subclasses of Mock may want to override this to customize the way + child mocks are made. + + For non-callable mocks the callable variant will be used (rather than + any custom subclass). + + + .. attribute:: called + + A boolean representing whether or not the mock object has been called: + + >>> mock = Mock(return_value=None) + >>> mock.called + False + >>> mock() + >>> mock.called + True + + .. attribute:: call_count + + An integer telling you how many times the mock object has been called: + + >>> mock = Mock(return_value=None) + >>> mock.call_count + 0 + >>> mock() + >>> mock() + >>> mock.call_count + 2 + + + .. attribute:: return_value + + Set this to configure the value returned by calling the mock: + + >>> mock = Mock() + >>> mock.return_value = 'fish' + >>> mock() + 'fish' + + The default return value is a mock object and you can configure it in + the normal way: + + >>> mock = Mock() + >>> mock.return_value.attribute = sentinel.Attribute + >>> mock.return_value() + <Mock name='mock()()' id='...'> + >>> mock.return_value.assert_called_with() + + `return_value` can also be set in the constructor: + + >>> mock = Mock(return_value=3) + >>> mock.return_value + 3 + >>> mock() + 3 + + + .. attribute:: side_effect + + This can either be a function to be called when the mock is called, + or an exception (class or instance) to be raised. + + If you pass in a function it will be called with same arguments as the + mock and unless the function returns the :data:`DEFAULT` singleton the + call to the mock will then return whatever the function returns. If the + function returns :data:`DEFAULT` then the mock will return its normal + value (from the :attr:`return_value`. + + An example of a mock that raises an exception (to test exception + handling of an API): + + >>> mock = Mock() + >>> mock.side_effect = Exception('Boom!') + >>> mock() + Traceback (most recent call last): + ... + Exception: Boom! + + Using `side_effect` to return a sequence of values: + + >>> mock = Mock() + >>> mock.side_effect = [3, 2, 1] + >>> mock(), mock(), mock() + (3, 2, 1) + + The `side_effect` function is called with the same arguments as the + mock (so it is wise for it to take arbitrary args and keyword + arguments) and whatever it returns is used as the return value for + the call. The exception is if `side_effect` returns :data:`DEFAULT`, + in which case the normal :attr:`return_value` is used. + + >>> mock = Mock(return_value=3) + >>> def side_effect(*args, **kwargs): + ... return DEFAULT + ... + >>> mock.side_effect = side_effect + >>> mock() + 3 + + `side_effect` can be set in the constructor. Here's an example that + adds one to the value the mock is called with and returns it: + + >>> side_effect = lambda value: value + 1 + >>> mock = Mock(side_effect=side_effect) + >>> mock(3) + 4 + >>> mock(-8) + -7 + + Setting `side_effect` to `None` clears it: + + >>> m = Mock(side_effect=KeyError, return_value=3) + >>> m() + Traceback (most recent call last): + ... + KeyError + >>> m.side_effect = None + >>> m() + 3 + + + .. attribute:: call_args + + This is either `None` (if the mock hasn't been called), or the + arguments that the mock was last called with. This will be in the + form of a tuple: the first member is any ordered arguments the mock + was called with (or an empty tuple) and the second member is any + keyword arguments (or an empty dictionary). + + >>> mock = Mock(return_value=None) + >>> print mock.call_args + None + >>> mock() + >>> mock.call_args + call() + >>> mock.call_args == () + True + >>> mock(3, 4) + >>> mock.call_args + call(3, 4) + >>> mock.call_args == ((3, 4),) + True + >>> mock(3, 4, 5, key='fish', next='w00t!') + >>> mock.call_args + call(3, 4, 5, key='fish', next='w00t!') + + `call_args`, along with members of the lists :attr:`call_args_list`, + :attr:`method_calls` and :attr:`mock_calls` are :data:`call` objects. + These are tuples, so they can be unpacked to get at the individual + arguments and make more complex assertions. See + :ref:`calls as tuples <calls-as-tuples>`. + + + .. attribute:: call_args_list + + This is a list of all the calls made to the mock object in sequence + (so the length of the list is the number of times it has been + called). Before any calls have been made it is an empty list. The + :data:`call` object can be used for conveniently constructing lists of + calls to compare with `call_args_list`. + + >>> mock = Mock(return_value=None) + >>> mock() + >>> mock(3, 4) + >>> mock(key='fish', next='w00t!') + >>> mock.call_args_list + [call(), call(3, 4), call(key='fish', next='w00t!')] + >>> expected = [(), ((3, 4),), ({'key': 'fish', 'next': 'w00t!'},)] + >>> mock.call_args_list == expected + True + + Members of `call_args_list` are :data:`call` objects. These can be + unpacked as tuples to get at the individual arguments. See + :ref:`calls as tuples <calls-as-tuples>`. + + + .. attribute:: method_calls + + As well as tracking calls to themselves, mocks also track calls to + methods and attributes, and *their* methods and attributes: + + >>> mock = Mock() + >>> mock.method() + <Mock name='mock.method()' id='...'> + >>> mock.property.method.attribute() + <Mock name='mock.property.method.attribute()' id='...'> + >>> mock.method_calls + [call.method(), call.property.method.attribute()] + + Members of `method_calls` are :data:`call` objects. These can be + unpacked as tuples to get at the individual arguments. See + :ref:`calls as tuples <calls-as-tuples>`. + + + .. attribute:: mock_calls + + `mock_calls` records *all* calls to the mock object, its methods, magic + methods *and* return value mocks. + + >>> mock = MagicMock() + >>> result = mock(1, 2, 3) + >>> mock.first(a=3) + <MagicMock name='mock.first()' id='...'> + >>> mock.second() + <MagicMock name='mock.second()' id='...'> + >>> int(mock) + 1 + >>> result(1) + <MagicMock name='mock()()' id='...'> + >>> expected = [call(1, 2, 3), call.first(a=3), call.second(), + ... call.__int__(), call()(1)] + >>> mock.mock_calls == expected + True + + Members of `mock_calls` are :data:`call` objects. These can be + unpacked as tuples to get at the individual arguments. See + :ref:`calls as tuples <calls-as-tuples>`. + + + .. attribute:: __class__ + + Normally the `__class__` attribute of an object will return its type. + For a mock object with a `spec` `__class__` returns the spec class + instead. This allows mock objects to pass `isinstance` tests for the + object they are replacing / masquerading as: + + >>> mock = Mock(spec=3) + >>> isinstance(mock, int) + True + + `__class__` is assignable to, this allows a mock to pass an + `isinstance` check without forcing you to use a spec: + + >>> mock = Mock() + >>> mock.__class__ = dict + >>> isinstance(mock, dict) + True + +.. class:: NonCallableMock(spec=None, wraps=None, name=None, spec_set=None, **kwargs) + + A non-callable version of `Mock`. The constructor parameters have the same + meaning of `Mock`, with the exception of `return_value` and `side_effect` + which have no meaning on a non-callable mock. + +Mock objects that use a class or an instance as a `spec` or `spec_set` are able +to pass `isintance` tests: + + >>> mock = Mock(spec=SomeClass) + >>> isinstance(mock, SomeClass) + True + >>> mock = Mock(spec_set=SomeClass()) + >>> isinstance(mock, SomeClass) + True + +The `Mock` classes have support for mocking magic methods. See :ref:`magic +methods <magic-methods>` for the full details. + +The mock classes and the :func:`patch` decorators all take arbitrary keyword +arguments for configuration. For the `patch` decorators the keywords are +passed to the constructor of the mock being created. The keyword arguments +are for configuring attributes of the mock: + + >>> m = MagicMock(attribute=3, other='fish') + >>> m.attribute + 3 + >>> m.other + 'fish' + +The return value and side effect of child mocks can be set in the same way, +using dotted notation. As you can't use dotted names directly in a call you +have to create a dictionary and unpack it using `**`: + + >>> attrs = {'method.return_value': 3, 'other.side_effect': KeyError} + >>> mock = Mock(some_attribute='eggs', **attrs) + >>> mock.some_attribute + 'eggs' + >>> mock.method() + 3 + >>> mock.other() + Traceback (most recent call last): + ... + KeyError + + +.. class:: PropertyMock(*args, **kwargs) + + A mock intended to be used as a property, or other descriptor, on a class. + `PropertyMock` provides `__get__` and `__set__` methods so you can specify + a return value when it is fetched. + + Fetching a `PropertyMock` instance from an object calls the mock, with + no args. Setting it calls the mock with the value being set. + + >>> class Foo(object): + ... @property + ... def foo(self): + ... return 'something' + ... @foo.setter + ... def foo(self, value): + ... pass + ... + >>> with patch('__main__.Foo.foo', new_callable=PropertyMock) as mock_foo: + ... mock_foo.return_value = 'mockity-mock' + ... this_foo = Foo() + ... print this_foo.foo + ... this_foo.foo = 6 + ... + mockity-mock + >>> mock_foo.mock_calls + [call(), call(6)] + + +Calling +~~~~~~~ + +Mock objects are callable. The call will return the value set as the +:attr:`~Mock.return_value` attribute. The default return value is a new Mock +object; it is created the first time the return value is accessed (either +explicitly or by calling the Mock) - but it is stored and the same one +returned each time. + +Calls made to the object will be recorded in the attributes +like :attr:`~Mock.call_args` and :attr:`~Mock.call_args_list`. + +If :attr:`~Mock.side_effect` is set then it will be called after the call has +been recorded, so if `side_effect` raises an exception the call is still +recorded. + +The simplest way to make a mock raise an exception when called is to make +:attr:`~Mock.side_effect` an exception class or instance: + + >>> m = MagicMock(side_effect=IndexError) + >>> m(1, 2, 3) + Traceback (most recent call last): + ... + IndexError + >>> m.mock_calls + [call(1, 2, 3)] + >>> m.side_effect = KeyError('Bang!') + >>> m('two', 'three', 'four') + Traceback (most recent call last): + ... + KeyError: 'Bang!' + >>> m.mock_calls + [call(1, 2, 3), call('two', 'three', 'four')] + +If `side_effect` is a function then whatever that function returns is what +calls to the mock return. The `side_effect` function is called with the +same arguments as the mock. This allows you to vary the return value of the +call dynamically, based on the input: + + >>> def side_effect(value): + ... return value + 1 + ... + >>> m = MagicMock(side_effect=side_effect) + >>> m(1) + 2 + >>> m(2) + 3 + >>> m.mock_calls + [call(1), call(2)] + +If you want the mock to still return the default return value (a new mock), or +any set return value, then there are two ways of doing this. Either return +`mock.return_value` from inside `side_effect`, or return :data:`DEFAULT`: + + >>> m = MagicMock() + >>> def side_effect(*args, **kwargs): + ... return m.return_value + ... + >>> m.side_effect = side_effect + >>> m.return_value = 3 + >>> m() + 3 + >>> def side_effect(*args, **kwargs): + ... return DEFAULT + ... + >>> m.side_effect = side_effect + >>> m() + 3 + +To remove a `side_effect`, and return to the default behaviour, set the +`side_effect` to `None`: + + >>> m = MagicMock(return_value=6) + >>> def side_effect(*args, **kwargs): + ... return 3 + ... + >>> m.side_effect = side_effect + >>> m() + 3 + >>> m.side_effect = None + >>> m() + 6 + +The `side_effect` can also be any iterable object. Repeated calls to the mock +will return values from the iterable (until the iterable is exhausted and +a `StopIteration` is raised): + + >>> m = MagicMock(side_effect=[1, 2, 3]) + >>> m() + 1 + >>> m() + 2 + >>> m() + 3 + >>> m() + Traceback (most recent call last): + ... + StopIteration + + +.. _deleting-attributes: + +Deleting Attributes +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + +Mock objects create attributes on demand. This allows them to pretend to be +objects of any type. + +You may want a mock object to return `False` to a `hasattr` call, or raise an +`AttributeError` when an attribute is fetched. You can do this by providing +an object as a `spec` for a mock, but that isn't always convenient. + +You "block" attributes by deleting them. Once deleted, accessing an attribute +will raise an `AttributeError`. + + >>> mock = MagicMock() + >>> hasattr(mock, 'm') + True + >>> del mock.m + >>> hasattr(mock, 'm') + False + >>> del mock.f + >>> mock.f + Traceback (most recent call last): + ... + AttributeError: f + + +Attaching Mocks as Attributes +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ + +When you attach a mock as an attribute of another mock (or as the return +value) it becomes a "child" of that mock. Calls to the child are recorded in +the :attr:`~Mock.method_calls` and :attr:`~Mock.mock_calls` attributes of the +parent. This is useful for configuring child mocks and then attaching them to +the parent, or for attaching mocks to a parent that records all calls to the +children and allows you to make assertions about the order of calls between +mocks: + + >>> parent = MagicMock() + >>> child1 = MagicMock(return_value=None) + >>> child2 = MagicMock(return_value=None) + >>> parent.child1 = child1 + >>> parent.child2 = child2 + >>> child1(1) + >>> child2(2) + >>> parent.mock_calls + [call.child1(1), call.child2(2)] + +The exception to this is if the mock has a name. This allows you to prevent +the "parenting" if for some reason you don't want it to happen. + + >>> mock = MagicMock() + >>> not_a_child = MagicMock(name='not-a-child') + >>> mock.attribute = not_a_child + >>> mock.attribute() + <MagicMock name='not-a-child()' id='...'> + >>> mock.mock_calls + [] + +Mocks created for you by :func:`patch` are automatically given names. To +attach mocks that have names to a parent you use the :meth:`~Mock.attach_mock` +method: + + >>> thing1 = object() + >>> thing2 = object() + >>> parent = MagicMock() + >>> with patch('__main__.thing1', return_value=None) as child1: + ... with patch('__main__.thing2', return_value=None) as child2: + ... parent.attach_mock(child1, 'child1') + ... parent.attach_mock(child2, 'child2') + ... child1('one') + ... child2('two') + ... + >>> parent.mock_calls + [call.child1('one'), call.child2('two')] + + +.. [#] The only exceptions are magic methods and attributes (those that have + leading and trailing double underscores). Mock doesn't create these but + instead of raises an ``AttributeError``. This is because the interpreter + will often implicitly request these methods, and gets *very* confused to + get a new Mock object when it expects a magic method. If you need magic + method support see :ref:`magic methods <magic-methods>`. |