buildABot

Basic files to build a twitter bot - using python code with twitter API to read/post tweets.

The following instructions assume you're using a raspberry-pi (or some linux like system).

Requirements:

• twitter developer account: Fill out developer application here (check out some online instruction)
• Python tweepy library: install the library with the following terminal command python -m pip install tweepy
• Python datetime library: install the library with the following terminal command python -m pip install datetime

Open a terminal

Navigate the pointy-clicky thing to the raspberry icon (top-left of desktop screen). From the drop down menu select Accessories then Terminal. (You may also have the terminal icon on the taskbar.)

Welcome to the matrix!

Clone this repository

We'll use the git to download the code so first make sure you got the git.

In the terminal check you have git using the command: which git.

• If you get a program path back, e.g. /usr/bin/git, you're good to go.
• If you got nothing then you need to install git: use the command sudo apt-get install git, then say yes to any questions asked.

Now you should have git.

Use the terminal command git clone https://github.com/kwraight/buildABot.git

You should now have a directory buildABot.

• List the directories using teminal command ls
• Change into directory using terminal command cd buildABot

Go in and start the fun!

Send a tweet

There are two important files for this part:

• APIsettings.py will handle the authentication of the account and setting up the API, the portal to twitter.
• postTweet.py will use one of the built in API functions to send a tweet.

Start by updating the APIsettings.py file with your own credentials.

• Open the file, e.g. emacs APIsettings.py &. A text editor window should pop up with the code inside.
• Replace the text YOUR_INFO_HERE with appropriate info from twitter development website.
• Save the file: click the icon what looks like a disc.

The postTweet.py file is where the Post the tweet using the following command: python postTweet.py

• There should be a tweet from your account with the form This tweet was posted at: SOMETIME

Congratulations, now you have the basics for using twitter from a terminal.

Read a tweet

Now to get some data. Reading is similar in that it uses the API, your portal to twitter, but what skill lies in what you do with the data gleaned.