Task: Set up pytest for back end

[nlebovits]

Describe the task

Set up pytest for the repository to enable automated testing. This includes installing pytest as a dependency, configuring the test environment, and ensuring basic test discovery functionality.

Acceptance Criteria

• Install pytest as a development dependency in the project (pip install pytest).
• Use the existing test to confirm that it runs correctly.
• Ensure pytest automatically discovers and runs tests from all test_*.py files.

Additional context

• pytest should be configured in the project to support future automated test setups.
• Consider integrating pytest into any CI/CD pipelines later as needed.

[jinks145]

I am on it!