The Best Python Project No-one Talks About
Introduction
If you’re eager to learn Python, you’ve probably heard that the best way to learn a programming language is by working on a project. But the real question is, what kind of project should you pick? The answer is simple: build a LINE Bot. This project is unique and can help you impress potential employers during job interviews.
What is LINE?
LINE is a messaging service popular in countries like Japan, where it is often preferred over WhatsApp. As someone who worked as a business analyst in Japan for three years, I realized the potential for using LINE for customer service. After some research, I discovered that LINE is quite developer-friendly, allowing for customization of chat interactions, including creating chatbots and custom menus.
My First LINE Bot Experience
Initially, I designed a bot that would allow customers to enter a product part number and automatically check how many pieces of that part number we had in stock. Although we didn’t implement this solution due to restrictions on chat app installations for some customers, I had a blast creating the bot and was amazed by Python’s capabilities.
Later, I developed my personal messenger bot that sent me daily updates, such as:
- COVID-19 cases in Japan
- Weather forecasts
- Motivational messages
- Current JPY conversion rate
- A useless fact about the day
- YouTube statistics
- Workout music
- Math and vocabulary quizzes
- Meme of the day
The bot also featured a custom menu for various activities, like yoga and workout videos. It even converted YouTube videos to MP3 format in the background, showcasing the endless possibilities with Python.
Features and Flexibility
With LINE, you’re not limited to simple text messages. The platform supports videos, images, audio, stickers, and buttons. You can integrate your Python scripts to send emails, fetch financial data, or even trigger deep learning models based on user interactions.
Building Another Bot: FIT Buddy
During the pandemic, I created another bot called “FIT Buddy,” which sent training videos to my colleagues to encourage them to exercise at home. Users could select their preferred exercises, and their choices were stored in a database.
Getting Started with LINE Bots
Before diving into the technical aspects, it’s essential to understand two main concepts: Webhooks and APIs.
APIs
An API (Application Programming Interface) is like a menu in a diner. It lists functions you can invoke, such as sending messages or getting user information. You ask through the API, and LINE responds accordingly.
Webhooks
A webhook is like a bell that rings when an event occurs. For example, when someone sends a message to your LINE bot, the webhook notifies your application about the new message.
Steps to Build Your LINE Bot
To get started, follow these steps:
- Download the LINE app and create an account.
- Log in to the LINE developers’ website and create a new provider.
- Click on “Create a Messaging API channel” and fill in the necessary details.
- Write down your channel secret and access token.
- Disable auto-reply and greeting messages, and enable webhooks.
- Set up the webhook URL to your Python script that handles incoming messages.
- Deploy your bot using a platform like Deta Space.
Once set up, you can start building functionalities into your bot, such as responding to specific keywords or integrating external APIs to fetch data.
Conclusion
Building a LINE Bot is not only a fun project but also a fantastic way to enhance your Python skills and impress potential employers. Whether you want to create a simple bot or a feature-rich application, the possibilities are endless. If you’re interested in a step-by-step guide to building a full-fledged LINE bot, let me know in the comments!
