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temporal-python-testing

Test Temporal workflows with pytest, time-skipping, and mocking strategies. Covers unit testing, integration testing, replay testing, and local development setup. Use when implementing Temporal workflow tests or debugging test failures.

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name:temporal-python-testingdescription:Test Temporal workflows with pytest, time-skipping, and mocking strategies. Covers unit testing, integration testing, replay testing, and local development setup. Use when implementing Temporal workflow tests or debugging test failures.

Temporal Python Testing Strategies

Comprehensive testing approaches for Temporal workflows using pytest, progressive disclosure resources for specific testing scenarios.

Do not use this skill when

  • The task is unrelated to temporal python testing strategies

  • You need a different domain or tool outside this scope

    • Instructions

  • Clarify goals, constraints, and required inputs.

  • Apply relevant best practices and validate outcomes.

  • Provide actionable steps and verification.

  • If detailed examples are required, open resources/implementation-playbook.md.

    • Use this skill when

  • Unit testing workflows - Fast tests with time-skipping

  • Integration testing - Workflows with mocked activities

  • Replay testing - Validate determinism against production histories

  • Local development - Set up Temporal server and pytest

  • CI/CD integration - Automated testing pipelines

  • Coverage strategies - Achieve ≥80% test coverage

    • Testing Philosophy

    Recommended Approach (Source: docs.temporal.io/develop/python/testing-suite):

  • Write majority as integration tests

  • Use pytest with async fixtures

  • Time-skipping enables fast feedback (month-long workflows → seconds)

  • Mock activities to isolate workflow logic

  • Validate determinism with replay testing

    • Three Test Types:

  • Unit: Workflows with time-skipping, activities with ActivityEnvironment

  • Integration: Workers with mocked activities

  • End-to-end: Full Temporal server with real activities (use sparingly)

    • Available Resources

    This skill provides detailed guidance through progressive disclosure. Load specific resources based on your testing needs:

    Unit Testing Resources

    File: resources/unit-testing.md
    When to load: Testing individual workflows or activities in isolation
    Contains:

  • WorkflowEnvironment with time-skipping

  • ActivityEnvironment for activity testing

  • Fast execution of long-running workflows

  • Manual time advancement patterns

  • pytest fixtures and patterns

    • Integration Testing Resources

    File: resources/integration-testing.md
    When to load: Testing workflows with mocked external dependencies
    Contains:

  • Activity mocking strategies

  • Error injection patterns

  • Multi-activity workflow testing

  • Signal and query testing

  • Coverage strategies

    • Replay Testing Resources

    File: resources/replay-testing.md
    When to load: Validating determinism or deploying workflow changes
    Contains:

  • Determinism validation

  • Production history replay

  • CI/CD integration patterns

  • Version compatibility testing

    • Local Development Resources

    File: resources/local-setup.md
    When to load: Setting up development environment
    Contains:

  • Docker Compose configuration

  • pytest setup and configuration

  • Coverage tool integration

  • Development workflow

    • Quick Start Guide

    Basic Workflow Test

    import pytest
    from temporalio.testing import WorkflowEnvironment
    from temporalio.worker import Worker
    @pytest.fixture
    async def workflow_env():
        env = await WorkflowEnvironment.start_time_skipping()
        yield env
        await env.shutdown()
    @pytest.mark.asyncio
    async def test_workflow(workflow_env):
        async with Worker(
            workflow_env.client,
            task_queue="test-queue",
            workflows=[YourWorkflow],
            activities=[your_activity],
        ):
            result = await workflow_env.client.execute_workflow(
                YourWorkflow.run,
                args,
                id="test-wf-id",
                task_queue="test-queue",
            )
            assert result == expected

    Basic Activity Test

    from temporalio.testing import ActivityEnvironment
    async def test_activity():
        env = ActivityEnvironment()
        result = await env.run(your_activity, "test-input")
        assert result == expected_output

    Coverage Targets

    Recommended Coverage (Source: docs.temporal.io best practices):

  • Workflows: ≥80% logic coverage

  • Activities: ≥80% logic coverage

  • Integration: Critical paths with mocked activities

  • Replay: All workflow versions before deployment

    • Key Testing Principles

  • Time-Skipping - Month-long workflows test in seconds

  • Mock Activities - Isolate workflow logic from external dependencies

  • Replay Testing - Validate determinism before deployment

  • High Coverage - ≥80% target for production workflows

  • Fast Feedback - Unit tests run in milliseconds

    • How to Use Resources

    Load specific resource when needed:

  • "Show me unit testing patterns" → Load resources/unit-testing.md

  • "How do I mock activities?" → Load resources/integration-testing.md

  • "Setup local Temporal server" → Load resources/local-setup.md

  • "Validate determinism" → Load resources/replay-testing.md

    • Additional References

  • Python SDK Testing: docs.temporal.io/develop/python/testing-suite

  • Testing Patterns: github.com/temporalio/temporal/blob/main/docs/development/testing.md

  • Python Samples: github.com/temporalio/samples-python

      • temporal-python-testing - Agent Skills