[Python-Dev] Using temp files and the Internet in regression tests

[Brett Cannon]

[Guido van Rossum]

<snip - Me trying to find out whether it's OK to use the Net in tests>
> > No, you check whether the 'network' resource name is enabled in
> > test_support.  Use test_support.is_resource_enabled('network').
>
> I realize that you might not know how to run such tests either.  The
> magic words are
>
>   regrtest.py -u network
>
> BTW, this isn't described in Lib/test/README -- perhaps you or someone
> else can add it?  (Both the -u option and the is_resource_enabled()
> function.)
>

I can write some basic instructions on how to use regrtest and
test_support; someone will just have to check them in.

> Hm, maybe these docs shouldn't be so hidden and there should be a
> standard library chapter on the test package and its submodules and
> the conventions for writing and running tests?
>

That definitely wouldn't hurt.  It might also get people to write tests
more often and maybe help with improving our code if they knew about
regrtest and test_support.

-Brett