Python Integration Testing

Overview

Integration tests with real dependencies using testcontainers-python. Test against actual Postgres with async SQLAlchemy sessions.

Core principle: If it talks to a database, test it with a real database. Mock nothing at the infrastructure boundary.

When to Use

• Testing SQLAlchemy repository implementations
• Full HTTP lifecycle tests (router → use case → repo → DB)
• Verifying Alembic migrations
• Testing Redis cache logic

Testcontainers Setup