How to Successfully Test AWS Emails Using Moto in Python

Discover how to effectively use Moto for testing AWS email functionality in Python, including common pitfalls and step-by-step guidance.
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Introduction

Testing email functionality in AWS using Moto can be tricky, especially when the documentation is sparse and some features seem to have changed over time. Many developers face challenges while trying to mock AWS Simple Email Service (SES) for their tests, especially when the error messages indicate that actual calls to AWS are being made.

If you’ve encountered issues with email sending functions in AWS when running your tests, you’re not alone. In this guide, we will break down a common problem—testing email sending functionality—and provide a clear solution to help you succeed in your testing endeavors.

Understanding the Problem

You have a function that sends emails via AWS SES and a corresponding test case to verify its functionality. However, when running your tests, you encounter an error indicating that AWS is genuinely being called, which suggests the email address has not been verified in your account. This behavior is expected by AWS, and Moto, which aims to emulate AWS services, mirrors this as well.

The Function Under Test

Let’s take a look at the function designed to send emails:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

In summary, the send_email function constructs an email and sends it using the provided boto3 session.

The Test Function

Here's the associated test function you’ve written:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

During testing, you encounter an error related to an unauthenticated email address:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This error occurs because, within the context of AWS SES, the sending email address must be verified before it can send emails.

The Solution: Verifying Email Addresses

To resolve this issue, you need to verify the sender email address before trying to send an email. You can do this by using the verify_email_identity function provided by the AWS SES client.

Step-by-Step Solution

Below is a modified version of the test case that includes email verification:

Set up the Mock Environment: Use the @ mock_aws decorator to mock AWS services.

Verify the Email Address: Call the verify_email_identity method before sending the email.

Call the Send Email Function: After verification, you can now proceed to call send_email.

Here’s the updated test function:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Important Considerations

Environment Variables: Ensure you set the necessary environment variables for AWS credentials in your test.

AWS Region: Replace "us-east-1" with your desired AWS region.

Moto Limitations: Keep in mind that Moto has limitations; check the Moto documentation for up-to-date features and functionalities.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively leverage Moto to test AWS email sending functionality without the fear of unauthorized calls to the AWS service. Remember to always verify sender email addresses in your tests.

With this knowledge, you're now better equipped to handle AWS SES testing and can confidently proceed with your development. Happy coding!