Qt Test Patterns

Qt testing spans three ecosystems: C++ QTest (native, zero dependencies), Python pytest-qt (PySide6 apps), and QML TestCase (QML component logic). This skill covers all three with CMake integration.

Choosing a Test Framework

Scenario Framework

C++ Qt classes / business logic C++ QTest (QObject subclass + QTEST_MAIN )

PySide6 GUI application pytest + pytest-qt (qtbot fixture)

QML component behavior QtQuickTest (TestCase QML type)

PySide6 non-GUI logic pytest (no pytest-qt needed)

Python / PySide6 with pytest-qt

Complete pytest-qt patterns — see references/python-pytest-qt.md for the full qtbot fixture API, signal waiting, conftest patterns, model testing, parametrize, async tests, and common gotchas.

Key config:

pytest.ini

[pytest] testpaths = tests qt_api = pyside6

C++ QTest

Complete C++ QTest patterns — see references/cpp-qtest.md for the full macro reference, QSignalSpy , GUI/input simulation, benchmark macros, output formats, CMake patterns, and troubleshooting.

Key structure: each test class is a QObject subclass; private slots are test functions; QTEST_MAIN(ClassName)

• #include "test_name.moc" at the end of the file.

QML TestCase

Complete QML TestCase patterns — see references/qml-testcase.md for the full assertion API, component creation, SignalSpy , async/timer testing, CMake setup, and common issues.

Key structure: TestCase QML item; test functions must start with test_ ; always call obj.destroy() to prevent leaks.

Additional Resources

Consult reference files in this skill's references/ directory for detailed patterns:

• references/cpp-qtest.md — Full QTest macro reference, QSignalSpy , benchmark macros, output formats

• references/python-pytest-qt.md — Complete pytest-qt fixture API, async patterns, model testing, common gotchas

• references/qml-testcase.md — QML TestCase full API, async signal testing, component creation patterns

Working examples:

• examples/test_calculator.py — Complete pytest-qt example with fixtures

• examples/calculator_test.cpp — Complete C++ QTest example with data-driven tests