README.md

auto_attendance.py

Requires requests & apscheduler module. Install with pip install requests apscheduler if not already installed.

python attendance.py [filepath]

optional arguments:
    filepath                Path to the config file. Default: <script_dir>/config.txt

The config file can be generated using config_gen.py or scraper.py.
The config file is csv formatted with the following columns:
- Unique Web ID, Name, Roll Number, Password(DOB)
  - Refer to output format in above links for more info.
The config file can be modified while the script is running. It is reloaded for every slot in the timetable.
- However, the path to the config file cannot be changed while the script is running.
Log output is printed to stdout, any errors to stderr; saving them to a file can be done by redirecting all streams.
- Ex: python -u auto_attendance.py [filepath] *> log.txt; -u for unbuffered output
  - refer to your shell's docs for more info about output redirection.

Since this script needs to automatically mark attendance for all classes on time, it should run 27/7 or at least 0900-1900 on weekdays for proper functioning.
One recommended way to do this on windows is to create a startup task using task scheduler.
- Task scheduler allows you to run the script in the background on device startup.
  - It also allows you to stop/restart the script when required.
- Here is a guide on creating a task in task scheduler.
- You can also import this preconfigured task that I made into task scheduler.
  - Be aware that this was made specifically for my system.
  - You need to explore the properties and modify them accordingly.
    - Change the start-in/working directory path in actions tab -> edit settings.
    - Change the user account in general tab -> security options.
- You will still need to turn on your device at/before 0900 and keep it running throughout the day.
Linux users can use crontab or systemd to achieve similar functionality.
You can deploy this script on a VM/container in the cloud for hassle-free operation.
- You can get free access to azure cloud by signing up for GitHub student developer pack.

The script does not handle errors well.
- Any problems with internet connection or problems on the server side may cause the script to crash.
The script uses Advanced Python Scheduler to run during the specified timetable slots.
- The exact time during which attendance is marked can be changed in the start_scheduler function.
The scheduling is done inside the script using the APScheduler library.
- If you want to fully control the scheduling using external methods (like task scheduler or crontab), you need to replace the call to start_scheduler with a call to main.