Building Tools with Python
56mIntermediate2021-02-23
Authors
Scott Simpson
Creating Technology Courses as a Senior Staff Author at LinkedIn
Course details
Tools aren't the flashiest, most attention-grabbing type of software. But a great tool—one that successfully automates or enhances a repetitive process—gives valuable time back to your colleagues, allowing them to spend less time clicking buttons and more time on thoughtful projects. Tool development exists in a space between IT support and software engineering, and if you’re tasked with creating tools, there are some important principles to keep in mind. In this course, Scott Simpson discusses designing for end users, craftsmanship, and trust as they relate to building small software utilities. He surveys concepts related to tool development, and uses Python to explore ideas that you’ll want to keep in mind when developing tools for your users.
Skills covered
PythonProgramming LanguagesOpen SourceSoftware DevelopmentOne-Off
Concepts
0. Introduction
- 01 - Building tools with Python
- 02 - What's new in this update
1. Designing Tools
- 03 - Types of tools
- 04 - Languages and toolkits
- 05 - Planning a tool
- 06 - Building a tool
- 07 - Challenge - Plan a tool
- 08 - Solution - Plan a tool
2. Building a Tool with Python
- 09 - Exploring the sample tool
- 10 - Using shell commands from Python
- 11 - Challenge - Use shell commands in Python
- 12 - Solution - Use shell commands in Python
- 13 - Accepting arguments
- 14 - Challenge - Practice with arguments
- 15 - Solution - Practice with arguments
- 16 - Providing error messages and logging
- 17 - Ensuring functionality
- 18 - Challenge - Check for necessary conditions
- 19 - Solution - Check for necessary conditions
- 20 - Adding a user interface
- 21 - Packaging and distributing a tool
- 22 - Supporting the tool
Conclusion
- 23 - Next steps