Temporal Python Testing

Temporal Python Testing Strategies

Selective Reading Rule

Start with:

• references/senior-master-standard.md
• references/usage-routing.md
• references/quality-checklist.md

Then load only the inherited docs, scripts, assets, or examples that match the user's actual task.

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:

1. Unit: Workflows with time-skipping, activities with ActivityEnvironment
2. Integration: Workers with mocked activities
3. 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

1. Time-Skipping - Month-long workflows test in seconds
2. Mock Activities - Isolate workflow logic from external dependencies
3. Replay Testing - Validate determinism before deployment
4. High Coverage - ≥80% target for production workflows
5. 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

Limitations

• Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
• Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
• Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.