Troubleshooting

This section helps you diagnose and fix common issues with pytest-test-categories.

Topics

Common Issues

Tests Missing Size Markers

Symptom:

PytestWarning: Test 'test_something' has no size marker.

Solution: Add a size marker to your test:

@pytest.mark.small  # or medium, large, xlarge
def test_something():
    pass

Or use a base test class:

from pytest_test_categories import SmallTest

class TestMyFeature(SmallTest):
    def test_something(self):
        pass

Timing Violations

Symptom:

TimingViolationError: Test exceeded time limit
Test: test_slow_operation
Size: SMALL
Duration: 2.34 seconds
Limit: 1.00 second

Solutions:

  1. Optimize the test: Remove unnecessary operations, use mocks

  2. Change test size: If the test legitimately needs more time, use @pytest.mark.medium

  3. Split the test: Break into smaller, focused tests

Distribution Warnings

Symptom:

WARNING: Test distribution outside target range.
Small tests: 65% (target: 80% +/- 5%)

Solutions:

  1. Review which tests could be converted to smaller categories

  2. Mock external dependencies instead of using real ones

  3. Use dependency injection for testability

Plugin Not Loading

Symptom: Tests run but no size markers are recognized.

Solutions:

  1. Verify installation:

    pip show pytest-test-categories

  2. Check pytest plugins:

    pytest --co -q
# Should show [SMALL], [MEDIUM], etc. labels

  3. Verify entry point in pyproject.toml:

    [project.entry-points.pytest11]
test_categories = "pytest_test_categories.plugin"

Conflicts with Other Plugins

If pytest-test-categories conflicts with another plugin:

  1. Check pytest plugin order:

    pytest --trace-config

  2. Try adjusting hook order with tryfirst=True or trylast=True

  3. Report the conflict as a GitHub issue

Getting Help

If you encounter an issue not covered here:

  1. Search existing issues

  2. Check GitHub Discussions

  3. Open a new issue with:

    • pytest-test-categories version

    • pytest version

    • Python version

    • Minimal reproduction case

    • Full error message