Learn Basics Take-Home Task: Image Packing on PDF

Task Overview

Your goal is to implement a Python program that arranges a set of images of random sizes and shapes into a PDF in a way that minimizes the total space used, while preserving each image's original aspect ratio.

This task tests your understanding of:

• Rectangle packing algorithms
• Image processing
• PDF generation
• Efficient code design

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Getting Started

1. Clone the repository to your local machine.

2. Create a virtual environment for the project.

3. Install dependencies from requirements.txt.

4. Generate sample images using sample_data_generation.py.

5. Read images from a folder (input_images/).
   Images may contain transparent backgrounds and random shapes.

6. Preprocess images:

   • Remove transparent background (optional for packing optimization)
   • Crop images to the bounding box of the visible area
   • Preserve original aspect ratio

7. Pack images optimally into pages of a PDF:

   • Each page can have a fixed size (A4, Letter, or configurable)
   • Minimize wasted space

8. Generate a PDF (output.pdf) with all images properly packed.

9. Update the requirements.txt file with the necessary dependencies.

10. Update README.md with instructions for running the program.

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Starter Files

File	Description	Additional Notes
sample_data_generation.py	Script for generating sample images	Run python sample_data_generation.py to generate sample images
input_images/	Folder containing generated images	Folder will be created if it doesn't exist when the script is run
task_1_starter_code.py	Starter template for implementing the packing algorithm
README.md	This file
requirements.txt	List of dependencies required to run the program	Install these in a virtual environment

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Steps

Follow these steps to get started:

1. Create a virtual environment for the project.
2. Install dependencies from requirements.txt.
3. Run the sample_data_generation.py script to generate sample images.
4. Edit and implement the task in task_1_starter_code.py.
5. Run your solution to generate the output PDF.

Bonus Points

1. Optimize image compression to reduce file size.
2. Implement a command-line interface for running the program.
3. Add documentation to explain the program's functionality.
4. Implement error handling for handling edge cases.