Fixing Errors on Apache-Served Flask Apps

This is just a quick post to remind me of the steps to resolve errors on an Apache-served Flask app. I'm using Anaconda as I'm on Puppy Linux (old PC) and some compilations give me errors. Stuff in square brackets is for you to fill in. Log into remote server (I use ssh keys): ssh -p … Continue reading Fixing Errors on Apache-Served Flask Apps →

Starting a Python Project with Anaconda

It just so happens that on a few systems I have been using Anaconda to allow painless Python coding. For example, on Windows or non-Debian Linux I have struggled to compile packages from source. Anaconda provides a useful wrapper for the main functionality that just works on these operating systems (on my Ubuntu machine or the … Continue reading Starting a Python Project with Anaconda →

Quick Post: Structuring a Python Program

One thing I've found hard about programming in Python is the jump from small scripts or iPython (now Jupyter) notebooks to fully functional programs. Many examples and online tutorials only require a single ".py" file or a series of command line or notebook entries. However, as you get more advanced and start looking at complete Flash applications or … Continue reading Quick Post: Structuring a Python Program →

Twitter Robots on a Raspberry Pi

Or how to get very quickly write-restricted by Twitter. This is a short guide to playing around with the Twitter API using Python on a Raspberry Pi (or any other Linux machine). Overview The process has four general steps: - Setup a new Twitter account and create a new Twitter app; Setup the Raspberry Pi … Continue reading Twitter Robots on a Raspberry Pi →

Git / GitHub Workflow for Raspberry Pi

A quick aide-memoire for using GitHub: Create directory with 'Project Name' in Dropbox directory (extra layer of automated backup) cd 'Project Name' git init Create / copy initial files Create .gitignore file for Project git add [Files - if all can use .] git status [Check correct] git commit -m "First Commit" Go to github.com … Continue reading Git / GitHub Workflow for Raspberry Pi →

Hiding Secrets from GitHub (or using ConfigParser)

As I get into the habit of using git and github for versioning I need to make sure that I hide personal settings and passwords. To do this I use ConfigParser in Python. It's pretty easy. Creating the Configuration File First create a 'config.ini' file in your code directory. I generally use a text editor or … Continue reading Hiding Secrets from GitHub (or using ConfigParser) →

Magic Lights: Controlling Hue with a Raspberry Pi

This post shows you how to control the Hue light bulbs using a Raspberry Pi. In particular, it shows you how to fade up your lights half an hour before to sunset. In true Heath Robinson style the solution is rather convoluted. But hey, that's where the fun resides. Email me, Sun First, we set … Continue reading Magic Lights: Controlling Hue with a Raspberry Pi →

Programming a Raspberry Pi from the Sofa

I have set up quite a nifty little workflow for interfacing and programming the Raspberry Pi. SSH Access I have set up the Pi with a static IP address and configured SSH access. Setting up a static IP address is easy with an AirPort Extreme. Using AirPort Utility goto Advanced options>DHCP and NAT>Reservations. Set up … Continue reading Programming a Raspberry Pi from the Sofa →