PCPP2 Software Testing Practice Question
What is the purpose of the 'autospec' argument in 'patch'?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It creates a mock with the same API as the original object.
autospec ensures the mock has the same attributes and methods as the object it is replacing, preventing tests from passing when they call non-existent methods.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
It creates a mock with the same API as the original object.
Why this is correct
autospec enforces signature and method existence compliance.
- ✗
It speeds up test execution.
Why it's wrong here
It actually adds a small overhead due to introspection.
- ✗
It automatically generates a return value.
Why it's wrong here
That is the role of return_value.
- ✗
It automatically documents the mock calls.
Why it's wrong here
This is not its purpose.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Python Institute exam blueprint
This PCPP2 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Python Institute certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PCPP2 exam.