CITATION

Overview

The **CITATION** file provides standardized citation information for the `pytest` software package. It is intended to guide users on how to properly reference `pytest` in academic papers, technical reports, or any form of publication that requires software citation. The file includes citation formats in plain text, BibLaTeX, and BibTeX, offering flexibility depending on the user's preferred bibliographic tool or style.

The purpose of this file is to encourage and simplify software citation, fostering proper acknowledgment of the software authors and contributors, which is a crucial aspect of software sustainability and academic integrity.

Content Details

The file contains three main citation formats:

1. Plain Text Citation

A human-readable text snippet suitable for inclusion in documents or presentations:

[pytest] pytest x.y, 2004
Krekel et al., https://github.com/pytest-dev/pytest

• x.y: Placeholder for the version of pytest used; users should replace this with their installed version (e.g., 7.4).

• 2004: The year marking the start or initial release of pytest.

• Krekel et al.: Refers to the primary authors and contributors.

• URL: Directs to the official pytest GitHub repository.

2. BibLaTeX Citation

Structured citation in BibLaTeX format, suitable for use in LaTeX documents that use the BibLaTeX package:

@software{pytest,
  title        = {pytest x.y},
  author       = {Holger Krekel and Bruno Oliveira and Ronny Pfannschmidt and Floris Bruynooghe and Brianna Laugher and Florian Bruhin},
  year         = {2004},
  version      = {x.y},
  url          = {https://github.com/pytest-dev/pytest},
  note         = {Contributors: Holger Krekel and Bruno Oliveira and Ronny Pfannschmidt and Floris Bruynooghe and Brianna Laugher and Florian Bruhin and others}
}

• @software: BibLaTeX entry type for software.

• title: Includes the software name and version.

• author: Lists principal authors and contributors.

• year: Year associated with the software.

• version: Software version.

• url: Link to the software repository.

• note: Additional contributor information.

3. BibTeX Citation

Traditional BibTeX entry used widely in LaTeX documents:

@misc{pytest,
  author       = {Holger Krekel and Bruno Oliveira and Ronny Pfannschmidt and Floris Bruynooghe and Brianna Laugher and Florian Bruhin},
  title        = {pytest x.y},
  year         = {2004},
  howpublished = {\url{https://github.com/pytest-dev/pytest}},
  note         = {Version x.y. Contributors include Holger Krekel, Bruno Oliveira, Ronny Pfannschmidt, Floris Bruynooghe, Brianna Laugher, Florian Bruhin, and others.}
}

• @misc: BibTeX entry type for miscellaneous references.

• howpublished: Specifies how the software is published, here linking to the GitHub repository.

• Other fields are similar to those in the BibLaTeX entry.

Usage Instructions

• Version Replacement: Users must replace all instances of "x.y" with the specific version number of pytest they used, e.g., 7.4. This ensures accurate citation of the exact software version.

• Citation Inclusion: Users can copy the preferred format directly into their documents or reference managers.

• Why Cite?: Citing software like pytest credits the developers, supports reproducibility, and aligns with good scientific and engineering practices.

Example Usage

If using `pytest` version 7.4:

• Plain text citation:

[pytest] pytest 7.4, 2004
Krekel et al., https://github.com/pytest-dev/pytest

• BibLaTeX entry:

@software{pytest,
  title        = {pytest 7.4},
  author       = {Holger Krekel and Bruno Oliveira and Ronny Pfannschmidt and Floris Bruynooghe and Brianna Laugher and Florian Bruhin},
  year         = {2004},
  version      = {7.4},
  url          = {https://github.com/pytest-dev/pytest},
  note         = {Contributors: Holger Krekel and Bruno Oliveira and Ronny Pfannschmidt and Floris Bruynooghe and Brianna Laugher and Florian Bruhin and others}
}

Implementation Details

• This file is a static citation guide rather than executable code.

• It is designed to be simple and transparent, facilitating easy copy-paste and minimal editing.

• The file does not include algorithms or dynamic content.

• The placeholders ("x.y") serve as clear markers for user customization.

Interaction with Other System Components

• The CITATION file interacts primarily with the user and documentation systems.

• It is often included in source code repositories to provide citation information alongside the code.

• Tools like software package managers or documentation generators can parse or display this file to inform users about citation.

• It complements other documentation files (e.g., README, CONTRIBUTING) by providing a dedicated place for citation instructions.

Visual Diagram

Since this file contains static citation data without classes or functions, a **flowchart** illustrating the user's interaction workflow with the CITATION file is most appropriate.

flowchart TD
    A[User installs pytest] --> B[Access CITATION file]
    B --> C{Choose citation format}
    C -->|Plain Text| D[Copy plain text snippet]
    C -->|BibLaTeX| E[Copy BibLaTeX entry]
    C -->|BibTeX| F[Copy BibTeX entry]
    D --> G[Replace "x.y" with version]
    E --> G
    F --> G
    G --> H[Include citation in publication]
    H --> I[Properly credit pytest authors]

Summary

The **CITATION** file is a straightforward but important resource for users of `pytest` who want to properly cite the software in their work. It provides multiple citation formats, clear instructions for version replacement, and promotes best practices in academic and technical referencing. This file supports the broader goals of software sustainability and developer recognition.

*End of Documentation*