How to pass args from test to setUp() method for a Python unittest test?

Question

Is there a way to pass arguments to the setUp() method from a given test, or some other way to simulate this? e.g.,

import unittest

class MyTests(unittest.TestCase):
    def setUp(self, my_arg):
        # use the value of my_arg in some way

    def test_1(self):
        # somehow have setUp use my_arg='foo'
        # do the test

    def test_2(self):
        # somehow have setUp use my_arg='bar'
        # do the test

Answer 1

setUp() is a convenience method and doesn't have to be used. Instead of (or in addition to) using the setUp() method, you can use your own setup method and call it directly from each test, e.g.,

class MyTests(unittest.TestCase):
    def _setup(self, my_arg):
        # do something with my_arg

    def test_1(self):
        self._setup(my_arg='foo')
        # do the test

    def test_2(self):
        self._setup(my_arg='bar')
        # do the test