# What Is the Difference Between 'py.test' and 'pytest' Commands?

Pytest supports two commands: `py.test` and `pytest`. Originally, `py.test` was the standard, but with the release of Pytest 3.0 in August 2016, the `pytest` command was introduced and is now preferred.

Both commands are still supported for backward compatibility, but the Pytest team plans to deprecate `py.test eventually` (details discussed in [this GitHub issue](https://github.com/pytest-dev/pytest/issues/1629#issue-161422224)). No timeline is set for this change, but users are encouraged to switch to the `pytest` command to ensure future compatibility.