Automation & scripting
CLI tools, scheduled jobs, filesystem tasks, and glue scripts that save time.
How to Update a Hosts File to Block Distractions in Python
This script updates a local hosts file (or a demo file) by adding or updating entries to block distracting websites like Facebook and Twitter.
from pathlib import Path
def update_hosts(entries):
"""
Add or update blocking entries in the hosts file.
Uses a local demo file by default to avoid system changes.
"""
hosts_path = Path("demo_hosts.txt")
# Create demo file if it doesn't exist
if not hosts_path.exists():
hosts…Run pytest and email summary in Python
Runs pytest via subprocess, extracts the test summary line, and sends it in an email (mocked for demonstration).
import smtplib
import subprocess
from email.mime.text import MIMEText
from email.mime.multipart import MIMEMultipart
def run_tests():
"""Run pytest and capture the summary output."""
result = subprocess.run(
["pytest", "-q"],
capture_output=True,
text=True
)
return result.stdo…Toggle VPN Mock Network Manager Script in Python
Simulate a VPN manager with connect, disconnect, toggle, and status methods for testing or demo workflows.
import time
class MockVPNManager:
def __init__(self):
self.is_connected = False
self.servers = ["us-west", "eu-central", "asia-east"]
self.active_server = None
def toggle(self):
if self.is_connected:
self.disconnect()
else:
self.connect()
d…Browse by section
Each section groups closely related Python snippets.
Automation & scripting — Python code examples
What you will find here
This page collects automation & scripting snippets — short, copy-ready Python you can paste into our free online IDE and run without installing anything. Each sample includes a plain-English explanation and the full source code.
Samples vs tutorials and challenges
Samples are quick reference — one concept per page. For step-by-step teaching, use our Python tutorials. To test yourself, try quizzes or coding challenges. Clean up style with the Python formatter.