7 Automation Tools to make your life easier.
We've probably all had the problem. (No, not that I'm using the same starter sentence as the last article). You've had a great idea, draw it out and then attempt to code it. It turns out that it's way more difficult than you thought to authenticate between api's using pure python ( or other language of your choice ) and a struggle to find the right libraries to do the required job. You may even give up on the idea.
In this article I offer alternative solutions than attempting to bash it out in code and attempt a more visual programming approach. Like Scratch, but for big projects.
Integromat
Integromat is possibly easiest to get started with. It has a web-based client that runs in the cloud off their servers and has a limit for "free" users. The unrivalled ease of handling data with Integromat with easy JSON parsing make it a very solid candidate. Variables are also easy to use, unlike IFTTT for example. Integromat is flow based and so allows for multiple outputs from the same input using switches, error checkers and other conditional statements. Although, I have found myself hitting their limits multiple times which can be annoying.
n8n.io
n8n is a free and open source extendable workflow web-application. It can be run locally in a docker container (or via npm) for free and there is a paid version that runs in the cloud (their servers), currently in early access for $20. n8n has a beautiful interface with lots of integration. It supports Javascript (and even JQuery! ) functions, making it an excellent choice for hassle free rapid development.
IFTTT
Ifttt is good, but just that. Since IFTTT started their Paywall, I've used it less and less. It is good for smart home integration. It isn't as good as Integromat or n8n.io because it only has one flow stream. You can only do "if this then that" not "if this then this else this elseif this". I also feel it doesn't have as many services as others. Anyway, worth a try.
Microsoft Flow
This offering is from Microsoft, and it's quite good. Microsoft flow is part of Office 365, and integrates best with Microsoft services and Azure.
Zapier
Zapier is pretty awesome. It has lots of modules but it feels more business focused compared to the others.
but; I think because Zapier feels more business focused, I tend to move away from it. Unfortunately it has a pretty big paywall.
Node-RED
Node RED is a programming tool for wiring together hardware devices, APIs and online services. Node-RED is flow and web based. Many Node-RED locally, such as on a Docker Server ( Future Post Spoiler) or using NPM . Node-RED can run on a cloud container such as a DigitalOcean Droplet, but it isn't a service; its a program. It was originally developed by IBM in 2013.
Node-Red is brilliant because since everything is run locally, there are no usage limits or time frequency limits and no paywall. It also supports tons of extensions and can run functions in Javascript (no obvious support for python though 😢 )
Wayscript
Wayscript.io is a web-based rapid scripting and development platform running in the cloud. It was founded in 2018 and is currently in beta, but that shouldn't stop you using it.
What sets Wayscript apart is its ability to use Javascript and Python (w/ libraries!).
Wayscript being in beta helps because it also has No Paywall!
The end.
That's all from this article, I hope that this helped you to push your idea out quicker. Let me know what your favourite tool was!
Have a great evening!
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