PCET Introduction to Python Testing

PCET Introduction to Python Testing

Duration: 4 Days

Description

This four-day course builds testing literacy from the ground up and is aligned to the PCET certification. It treats testing as a discipline with its own principles and vocabulary, not just something you do after writing code: core testing concepts, the distinction between errors, defects, and failures, the Test Pyramid as a strategic framework, and structured approaches to test documentation and test doubles. From there it moves into static and dynamic testing techniques, code quality metrics, and practical debugging skills — assertions, logging, and both white-box and black-box testing techniques — giving participants a genuinely comprehensive foundation before any hands-on framework work begins.

Audience

This course is for Python developers who want to understand testing as a formal discipline, not just a habit — the theoretical grounding here is what separates developers who write tests reflexively from developers who design a test strategy deliberately. For a developer, the direct benefit is knowing which testing technique fits which situation: when black-box testing catches what white-box testing misses, how the Test Pyramid should actually shape where testing effort goes, and how to read code coverage metrics without over-trusting them. It’s a strong fit for developers about to take on testing leadership within a team, or for anyone whose testing knowledge is practical but was never formally taught.

Objectives

  • Explain the purpose and principles of software testing
  • Differentiate between types, levels, and processes of testing
  • Apply the Test Pyramid and structured testing approaches in Python projects
  • Create and maintain effective test documentation and test doubles
  • Use static and dynamic testing techniques to improve code quality
  • Measure test coverage and apply refactoring for cleaner, more maintainable code
  • Employ debugging, assertions, and logging to identify and resolve issues
  • Apply white box, black box, and experience-based testing techniques effectively

Prerequisites

Participants should have basic Python programming knowledge, including working with variables, functions, and control structures. No prior testing experience is required, though familiarity with software development practices will be helpful.

Related Python Courses

See the full Python training roadmap and course directory for how this fits into a broader learning path.

For the hands-on, framework-first equivalent, see Software Testing with Python. The natural next step after this course is PCAT Python Testing, which covers advanced techniques, TDD, and BDD. Developers who want stronger general Python skills alongside testing theory should also see PCAP Intermediate Python or Advanced Python. Testing AI-integrated code? See Python OpenAI API for Developers.

Course Outline

Module 1: Core Software Testing Concepts

  • Purpose of Software Testing
  • Errors, Defects, and Failures
  • Risks and Benefits of Testing
  • Testing Across Methodologies
  • Core Testing Principles
  • Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

Module 2: Software Testing Types, Levels, and Processes

  • Types of Software Testing and Their Application
  • Levels of Testing
  • The Test Pyramid and Efficient Test Strategy
  • The Testing Process and Structured Approaches
  • Creating Effective Test Documentation
  • Using Test Doubles in Isolated Testing

Module 3: Static Analysis, Dynamic Testing, and Code Refactoring

  • Static Testing Techniques
  • Dynamic Testing Techniques
  • Code Quality and Standards in Static Testing
  • Static Analysis to Improve Code Quality
  • Test Coverage and Metrics
  • Effective Code Refactoring

Module 4: Debugging, Assertions, and Testing Techniques

  • Debugging Techniques
  • Assertions in Code
  • Logging for Debugging and Testing
  • White Box Testing Techniques
  • Black Box Testing Techniques
  • Experience-Based Testing Techniques