docs/source/guides/user/chapters/about.rst
About Avocado
=============
Avocado is a set of tools and libraries to help with automated testing.
One can call it a test framework with benefits. Native tests are
written in Python and they follow the :mod:`unittest` pattern, but any
executable can serve as a test.
Avocado is composed of:
* A test runner that lets you execute tests. Those tests can be either
written in your language of choice, or be written in Python and use
the available libraries. In both cases, you get facilities such as
automated log and system information collection.
* Libraries that help you write tests in a concise, yet expressive and
powerful way. You can find more information about what libraries
are intended for test writers at :ref:`utility-libraries`.
* :mod:`Plugins <avocado.plugins>` that can extend and add new functionality
to the Avocado Framework.
* A Python API for creating custom jobs and test suites for more advanced
users.
Avocado is built on the experience accumulated with `Autotest
<http://autotest.github.io/>`__, while improving on its weaknesses and
shortcomings.
Avocado tries as much as possible to comply with standard Python testing
technology. Tests written using the Avocado API are derived from the unittest
class, while other methods suited to functional and performance testing were
added. The test runner is designed to help people to run their tests while
providing an assortment of system and logging facilities, with no effort,
and if you want more features, then you can start using the API features
progressively.