SKyDB_API

• Version: v1.0.0
• Date: 11.07.2024
• Written by: Geoff Clark of Clark & Burke, LLC

SKyDB_API is a powerful Python-based application designed to provide a robust API for managing SkyDB databases. Leveraging Flask for backend operations, PyQt6 for the user interface, and Waitress as the production server, SKyDB_API ensures seamless interaction with Microsoft Access databases. Additionally, it includes comprehensive tools for building and packaging the application into user-friendly installers.

Table of Contents

• Installation
  • Prerequisites
  • Installation Steps
• Features
• Usage
• Building the Installer
• Author Information
• License

Installation

Prerequisites

Before installing SKyDB_API, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

• Operating System: Windows (due to reliance on Microsoft Access)
• Python: Version 3.11.8 or higher
• Microsoft Access Database Engine: Version 2016
• Dependencies: Listed in requirements.txt
• Additional Tools:
  • PyInstaller: For building executables
  • 7-Zip: For creating archives
  • Resource Hacker: For modifying executable resources

Installation Steps

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/AznIronMan/SKyDB_API.git
   cd SKyDB_API

2. Set Up a Virtual Environment:

   It's recommended to use a virtual environment to manage dependencies.

   python -m venv venv
   venv\Scripts\activate  # On Windows

3. Install Required Dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

4. Verify Microsoft Access Database Engine Installation:

   Ensure that the Microsoft Access Database Engine 2016 is installed. If not, download and install it from here.

Features

• RESTful API: Built with Flask, providing endpoints to execute queries and retrieve database tables.
• User Interface: Developed with PyQt6, offering an intuitive GUI to manage server operations and settings.
• Server Management: Utilize Waitress for deploying the Flask application in a production environment.
• Installer Creation: Scripts to package the application into a standalone installer using PyInstaller and Resource Hacker.
• Configuration Management: Handles application settings and database configurations seamlessly.

Usage

1. Run the Application:

   Launch the main application using the following command:

   python app.py

2. Using the GUI:

   • Select Database File: Click the "Select Database File" button to choose your Microsoft Access database (*.mdb or *.accdb).
   • Auto-start Server: Toggle the "Auto-start server on launch" checkbox to enable or disable automatic server startup.
   • Start Server: Click "Start Server" to initiate the API server.
   • Stop Server: Click "Stop Server" to shut down the API server.
   • Exit: Click "Exit" to close the application gracefully.

3. API Endpoints:

   • GET /: Verify if the SkyDB API is running.
   • POST /query: Execute custom SQL queries against the database.
   • GET /tables: Retrieve a list of tables present in the database.

Building the Installer

Creating a standalone installer allows for easy distribution of SKyDB_API.

1. Ensure All Dependencies Are Installed:

   Make sure that all Python packages are installed within your virtual environment.

2. Build the Executable:

   Run the build script to generate the executable using PyInstaller.

   python build.py

   This script uses the SkyDB_API.spec file to configure the build process.

3. Create the Installer:

   Execute the installer creation script to package the executable into a user-friendly installer.

   python make_installer.py

   This process utilizes 7-Zip and Resource Hacker to bundle the application with necessary resources and a custom icon.

4. Distribute the Installer:

   The final installer (SkyDB_API_Setup.exe) will be located in the ./release/ directory. Share this installer to allow others to install SKyDB_API on their systems.

Author Information

• Author: Geoff Clark of Clark & Burke, LLC
• Email: geoff@cnb.llc
• Socials: GitHub @aznironman IG: @cnbllc X: @clarkandburke

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Attribution

If you use this software as a base for your own projects or fork it, we kindly request that you give credit to Clark & Burke, LLC. While not required by the license, it is appreciated and helps support the ongoing development of this project.

Third-Party Notices

All rights reserved by their respective owners. Users must comply with the licenses and terms of service of the software being installed.