Automating Task using Python

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Introduction


After learning to code in Python, knowing how easy it was to learn and yet very powerful, it almost feels like you could do any kind of automation easily. I wanted to share this experience with everyone. Let us pick up a problem and try to analyze how we can use automation using Python to create a solution.


What is the problem I am trying to solve?


We work on multiple documents of various formats every day. Over a few days when we continue to build numerous documents. It becomes increasingly complicated to sustain the documents and keep them organized and easily retrievable. Today we explore the possibility of using Python to automate the mundane but important task of organizing your documents.




Analyzing a solution logically 



 

  


    









import os

import glob

import shutil


def organize_files_by_extension(source_folder, target_folder):

    """

    Scans the source folder, identifies file formats, and moves them to corresponding subfolders 

    in the target folder.

    """

    file_types = [".exe", ".jpg", ".pdf", ".png", ".txt"]  # Add more extensions as needed



 



 


 

    for ext in file_types:

        search_pattern = os.path.join(source_folder, f"*{ext}")

        matching_files = glob.glob(search_pattern)


        for file_path in matching_files:

            # Extract the filename without the path

            file_name = os.path.basename(file_path)


            # Create a subfolder for the file format if it doesn't exist

            format_folder = os.path.join(target_folder, ext[1:].upper())  

             

            # Remove the dot and capitalize

            os.makedirs(format_folder, exist_ok=True)


            # Move the file to the corresponding subfolder

            target_path = os.path.join(format_folder, file_name)

            shutil.move(file_path, target_path)

            print(f"Moved '{file_name}' to '{format_folder}'")


if __name__ == "__main__":

    source_directory = "/path/to/source/folder"  # Replace with your source folder path

    target_directory = "/path/to/target/folder"  # Replace with your target folder path


    organize_files_by_extension(source_directory, target_directory)


Replace `/path/to/source/folder` and `/path/to/target/folder` with the actual paths to your source and target folders. The script will identify files with the specified extensions (e.g., `.exe`, `.jpg`, `.pdf`, etc.) and move them to corresponding subfolders within the target directory.


Remember to adjust the `file_types` list to include the extensions you want to organize. You can customize this script further based on your specific requirements. Happy organizing! 📂🔍📁




 




My top 5 book pics to learn Python


If you’re looking to start coding in Python, here are five excellent books that cater to beginners:

Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition by Eric Matthes:
  • A hands-on, project-based introduction to programming. It covers the basics of Python and practical coding exercises. 
Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist by Allen B. Downey:
  • This book provides a comprehensive guide to Python for beginners. It focuses on teaching programming concepts using Python and is widely used in introductory computer science courses.
Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 2nd Edition by Al Sweigart:
  • If you’re interested in practical applications, this book is for you. It covers real-world use cases and demonstrates how Python can automate everyday tasks. 
Python for Everybody: Exploring Data in Python 3 by Charles Severance:
  • If data science and analysis intrigue you, this book is an excellent starting point. It introduces Python in the context of data exploration and analysis. 
Python for Beginners: A Crash Course Guide to Learn Python in 1 Week:
  • As the title suggests, this book offers a quick crash course in Python. 
Remember that everyone learns differently, so feel free to explore these books and choose the one that works best with your learning style. Happy coding! 🐍📚

Resource for Learning Python Online
If you’re looking to learn Python, there are several excellent online resources to choose from. Here are five top resources that can help you on your Python journey:
  • LearnPython.com:
An interactive e-learning platform offering nine Python courses.
Includes learning paths for both programming and data science.
You can practice what you learn with interactive exercises.
  • Codecademy:
Codecademy provides free and paid interactive programming courses.
Their Learn Python course is a great starting point for beginners.
  • W3Schools:
Offers a comprehensive Python Tutorial with examples and exercises.
A handy resource for learning Python syntax and concepts.
  • Real Python:
A platform with in-depth articles, tutorials, and practical examples.
Covers various Python topics, from basics to advanced techniques.
  • TechBeamers:
Provides a step-by-step Python tutorial for beginners.
Clear explanations and practical examples make it easy to follow.
  • Code with Mosh :
This is an excellent resource for learning Python. This is one of my top pics. 
The instructor has a wealth of experience and a knack for making complex 
concepts easy to understand.

 Call to Action
What are some of the other ideas for automation using Python?
Here are a few solutions you could explore to make your life easier:
1. Pull Live Traffic Data:
   - Use APIs to retrieve real-time traffic data from third-party sources. You can create a script 
that fetches traffic conditions for specific routes or areas.
2. Compile Data from a Webpage:
   - If you regularly need fresh data from specific websites, automate the process of scraping and extracting relevant information. For instance, you could collect stock prices, news headlines, or weather forecasts.
3. Convert PDF to Audio File:
   - Create a script that converts text from PDF documents into audio files (e.g., MP3). This can be useful for turning articles, reports, or study materials into spoken content.
4. Convert Image Formats:
   - Automate the conversion of image formats. For example, convert JPG images to PNG or vice versa. You can use libraries like Pillow for image manipulation.
5. Read and Modify CSV Files:
   - Write a script that reads data from CSV files, performs calculations or transformations, and saves the modified data back to the file. Useful for data cleaning or analysis.
6. Send Personalized Emails to Multiple Recipients:
   - Automate email communication by creating a script that sends personalized emails to a list of recipients. You can customize the content based on data from a CSV or database.
7. Bulk Upload Files to Cloud-Based Platforms:
   - If you use cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox, automate the process of uploading files. For instance, you can sync local files to a specific folder in the cloud.
8. Build a Job Board Scraper:
   - If you're job hunting, create a script that scrapes job listings from various websites (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed) and compiles them into a single list for easy review.
9. Automate Desktop Background Image Changes:
   - Write a script that periodically changes your desktop wallpaper. You can rotate through a collection of images or fetch a new random image from an online source.
Remember, Python's simplicity, extensive libraries, and supportive community make it an excellent choice for automation tasks. Feel free to explore these ideas and adapt them to your specific needs! 

Python is a powerful language for automating repetitive tasks.
Hope this blog provides you with motivation and gives you ample information to get started with learning Python on your own.


With enthusiasm🚀🐍.
Abhijit



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