Nmap Dashboard with Python and Flask This project is a network scanning and monitoring tool that combines Nmap's powerful network discovery with a Python Flask web dashboard for real-time visibility.

Core Features Network Scanning Automation

Uses Nmap to discover network devices, services, and open ports.

Automatically detects your local subnet for scanning.

Supports detailed scans like port and service detection.

Data Parsing

Parses the XML output from Nmap using xmltodict.

Converts the data into easy-to-read JSON format for processing and visualization.

Flask Web Dashboard

Displays scanned devices in a clean, interactive table.

Shows IP address, hostname, device status (up/down), and open ports with services.

Supports refreshing data after each scan.

Command Line Automation

Scan script runs Nmap and updates dashboard data in one operation.

Supports running scans manually or automating via Linux cron jobs.

Permission Handling

Addresses Linux permissions required for advanced Nmap scans.

Guidance to run scans with appropriate root privileges or capability flags for smooth operation.

Scheduling

Setup using cron to automate scans at regular intervals for ongoing network visibility.

Technology Stack Python for scripting and data processing

Flask for lightweight web application and dashboard

XML parsing with xmltodict

Nmap as the scanning engine

Cron for scheduled automation (Linux job scheduler)

Basic HTML/CSS for dashboard interface

Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained Automation of command-line tools inside Python scripts

Parsing and transforming complex XML data formats

Building and serving dynamic web dashboards with Flask

Managing Linux permissions and capabilities for network utilities

Scheduling tasks with cron for system automation

Web interface design for usability in network monitoring tools

Future Enhancements (Next Steps) Better UI with advanced styling and filters

Alerting and notifications for detected changes

Exporting scan results to CSV or PDF

Multi-network scanning support

User authentication for dashboard access

Docker packaging for easy deployment

This project provides practical, end-to-end experience in network scanning, backend automation, and frontend dashboard development, with a strong focus on real-world usability and system integration.