Python’s unittest.mock library is a tool that helps you create mock objects to simulate complex logic and unpredictable dependencies. This helps you write valuable tests that verify your application logic is correct, reliable, and efficient. You’ll begin by learning about what mocking is and how you can use it to improve your tests. What Is Mocking? A mock object substitutes and imitates a real object within a testing environment. Using mock objects is a versatile and powerful way to improve […]

Most software projects benefit from having a piece of documentation that provides a quick start guide for setting up, using, and contributing to the project. This is especially true in open-source projects where you typically want to attract users and contributors. This type of document is commonly known as a README file, and you should add one to each Python project you create. In this tutorial, you’ll learn: What a README file is How to organize a README file What […]

Have you ever wanted to compose music without expensive gear or a professional studio? Maybe you’ve tried to play a musical instrument before but found the manual dexterity required too daunting or time-consuming. If so, you might be interested in harnessing the power of Python to create a guitar synthesizer. By following a few relatively simple steps, you’ll be able to turn your computer into a virtual guitar that can play any song. At any point, you’re welcome to download […]

Linting is essential to writing clean and readable code that you can share with others. A linter, like Ruff, is a tool that analyzes your code and looks for errors, stylistic issues, and suspicious constructs. Linting allows you to address issues and improve your code quality before you commit your code and share it with others. Ruff is a modern linter that’s extremely fast and has a simple interface, making it straightforward to use. It also aims to be a […]

One of the main data structures you learn about early in your Python learning journey is the dictionary. Dictionaries are the most common and well-known of Python’s mappings. However, there are other mappings in Python’s standard library and third-party modules. Mappings share common characteristics, and understanding these shared traits will help you use them more effectively. Take the Quiz: Test your knowledge with our interactive “Python Mappings” quiz. You’ll receive a score upon completion to help you track your learning […]