Which steps are essential for setting up test coverage reporting in your Python repository using PyTest?

To effectively set up test coverage reporting in a Python repository using PyTest, adding 'pytest-cov' to the test requirements in the appropriate configuration file, such as meta.yml, is essential. This package is a plugin for PyTest that enables the collection of coverage data during the execution of tests. It integrates seamlessly with PyTest, providing metrics about which parts of your code are tested, thus ensuring that you can identify untested paths and improve overall code coverage.

Incorporating 'pytest-cov' allows you to run your tests with coverage reporting via a simple command in the terminal. When you have this dependency listed in your test requirements, it ensures that any environment someone sets up for the project will include this necessary functionality, making it a critical step for anyone involved in development, ensuring consistency and ease of use.

Establishing a pytest.ini file may also contribute to test coverage, as it can define options for coverage reporting. However, the requirement for 'pytest-cov' to actually perform the coverage tracking is fundamental. The Gradle plugin mentioned in one of the options pertains to Java projects and is irrelevant in the context of a Python repository, while setting a parameter in build.gradle does not apply to PyTest either. This further emphasizes the