Pytest is a powerful testing framework for Python that simplifies the process of writing and running tests. It is designed to make testing easier and more scalable, allowing developers to create tests with minimal boilerplate code. One of the key advantages of pytest is its straightforward syntax, where you can use simple assert statements to validate conditions, unlike other frameworks that may require more complex assertions.

To get started with pytest, you need to follow certain naming conventions for your test files and functions. Test files should be named either test_<something>.py or <something>_test.py, and test functions should start with the prefix test_. This ensures that pytest can automatically discover and run your tests. You can install pytest using the command pip install pytest and run your tests from the command line.

Pytest also provides various options for running tests, such as running only the last failed tests or displaying more detailed output. This flexibility makes it a popular choice among developers for unit testing in Python ²⁵.