Automated-Airtime-Disbursal

This is a simple python script to automate airtime disbursal using google-forms, python and AfricasTalking

This is meant to be a proof of concept code not an exhaustive write-up on DIY airtime disbursal.

Getting Started

The First important part of the whole process is to create a Google Form. Visit this link and create a new form. The next step is to authenticate our Python Script and Local Environment with Google and access the Google Form Data from Google Drive by enabling the Google Drive API in Google Cloud Platform. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Google Form    
2. Responses Tab,
3. Click the spreadsheet icon
4. And create a new Destination Spreadsheet for our google form.

This Spreadsheet will be created and stored in Google Drive. We have to integrate Google Drive and Python Environment. First, we have to authenticate with Google.

Authenticating the Google Drive API

Now, to work with Google Drive API, we have to set up our account, enable Google Drive API and obtain our client_secrets.json key. Since we are using the gspread library, find more instructions in the docs

Prerequisites

• Python and pip (I am currently using 3.9.2) Any version above 3.5 should work.
• An Africas Talking account.
  • Api Key and username from your account. Create an app and take note of the api key.
  • Additionally, you will need to request them to enable airtime access for your account. Email their airtime team for further clarification. Check more information here

Running the script

1. Clone the Repo

   git clone https://github.com/KenMwaura1/Automated-Airtime-Disbursal
   

2. Create a virtual environment (venv)

   python3 -m venv venv
   

• Activate the virtual environment

  source ./scripts/activate

If you are using pyenv

2a. Create a virtualenv

    pyenv virtualenv airtime-disbursal

2b. Activate the virtualenv

pyenv activate airtime-disbursal

3. Change into the working folder.

   cd Automated-Airtime-Disbursal
   

4. Create a .env file and add your credentials

   touch .env 
   

OR Copy the included example

cp .env-example .env 

5. Add your credentials to the .env file

6. Install the required dependencies

   pip install -r requirements
   

7. Edit the script. Change the airtime_sheet_name variable

8. Run the script

   python airtime_disbursal.py