Section 1.1: Automate Microsoft Word (Beginner Project)

Have you ever found yourself repeatedly creating cover letters, contracts, resumes, or reports? If so, this project is tailored for you. We’ll automate the creation of Word documents using Python and the docxtpl library. To start, we need a document template with placeholders for the content we wish to replace, which we denote with the {{}} format.

To simplify the process, I've created a cover letter template that we will use.

For this beginner-friendly project, you'll replace placeholders such as {{my_name}}, {{my_phone}}, {{my_email}}, {{my_address}}, and {{today_date}} using Python and docxtpl.

In the video below, you can download the template, access the script, and follow along to complete this project.

Challenge: To elevate this project, try extracting data from an Excel file and inserting it into the Word template. The tutorial includes an Excel file with the following structure:

You should create a new document for each row in the table.

Section 1.2: Automate Sending Emails (Beginner Project)

Sending routine emails can be monotonous, yet important messages require careful attention. This beginner project focuses on automating email sending with Python. We will utilize the built-in modules smtplib and email. The smtplib module allows us to send emails via the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), while the email package helps us manage complex MIME messages.

The step-by-step tutorial below covers the following topics:

• Activating 2-step verification to use Gmail with Python
• Sending a simple email using Python
• Resolving common SSL errors

Challenge: To make this project more interesting, try attaching images to your emails using the imghdr library.

Section 2.1: Automate Filling Web Forms (Intermediate Project)

Filling out web forms can be tedious, especially when you have to repeatedly input the same information. In this intermediate project, we will automate entering fake data into web forms using Python. To accomplish this, we’ll employ a web automation library that facilitates actions such as navigating to websites, inputting text, and clicking buttons.

The tutorial below includes:

• Techniques for entering data into a single form
• Generating fake data using the Faker library
• Filling out multiple web forms

Challenge: Enhance this project by incorporating more complex elements in the forms, such as dropdowns and multiple-choice questions.

Section 2.2: Automate Tinder (Advanced Project)

Swiping on dating apps can be a time-consuming task, taking away from the essential goal of converting matches into real-life dates. This advanced project involves creating a bot that automates swiping right for you, allowing you to focus on crafting the perfect pickup lines.

What makes this project complex? Here are a few aspects:

• Login Process: Regardless of the method (Google, Facebook), Tinder sends a verification code to your phone, which you need to input. We will keep a Google Chrome session active to manage this with Selenium.
• Button Clicks: The .click method may not always work effectively on this site, necessitating alternative approaches.
• Pop-ups: As you swipe, various pop-ups may appear that need to be addressed.

The tutorial below guides you through tackling these challenges.

Challenge: Program your bot to send random pickup lines to your matches, but remember that thoughtful messages yield better results in real interactions.

Section 2.3: Automate Your Own Work Tasks (Super Advanced Project)

Automating a tedious task at work is arguably one of the most challenging projects you can undertake. Why? Because there is often no step-by-step guide available, and you must determine the appropriate libraries and approaches for automation.

To identify potential automation opportunities, consider these questions:

• What repetitive tasks do I encounter regularly?
• What specific aspects can be automated using Python?
• Which Python libraries are best suited for this task?

Even if you can't find a direct tutorial for your specific task, knowing the answer to the third question will allow you to explore documentation or guides related to that library.

Feel free to share in the comments what automation projects you're currently working on!

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