pyats

Run test script

$ pyats run job [job.py]

$ pyats parse "[show version]" --testbed [testbed.yaml]

$ pyats learn [interface] --testbed [testbed.yaml]

$ pyats diff [snapshot1] [snapshot2]

$ pyats shell --testbed [testbed.yaml]

$ pyats validate testbed [testbed.yaml]

$ pyats create testbed interactive

pyats command [options] [args]

pyats (Python Automated Test System) is Cisco's open-source network test automation framework for validating network device configurations and behavior. It uses YAML testbed files to define network topology, device connections, and credentials, providing a structured approach to automated network testing.
The framework includes a powerful parsing engine (Genie) that converts unstructured CLI output from show commands into structured Python dictionaries across hundreds of device types. The learn feature captures comprehensive device state for features like interfaces, routing tables, and VLANs, while diff compares snapshots taken at different times to identify configuration drift or changes after maintenance windows.

run

Execute test jobs.

Parse command output.

Learn device state.

Compare snapshots.

Interactive shell.

Validate configuration.

Create configurations.

Testbed YAML file.

Specific device.

Cisco-focused but supports others. Learning curve for test scripting. Testbed setup required.

pyATS (Python Automated Test System) was developed by Cisco for internal network testing. Released as open source to enable network test automation.

ansible(1), netmiko(1), napalm(1)