Python Automation – Humanize, Schedule, and Simplify Everyday Tasks

Introduction – Why Automate with Python?

Python is a powerful choice for automating everyday tasks—from renaming files and formatting output, to automating keyboard input and scheduling scripts. With libraries like humanize, pyautogui, schedule, and more, you can make your scripts:

• Smarter
• ️ Timed and event-driven
• 🖱️ Interactive with the GUI
• Easier to understand for humans

Whether you’re building a desktop bot, system monitor, or personal productivity tool, Python makes it simple and expressive.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to use humanize for readable output
• Automate input with pyautogui
• Run jobs on a timer with schedule
• Manage files with shutil
• Best practices for reliable automation

What Is Python Automation?

Automation is the process of writing scripts to perform repetitive or scheduled tasks automatically, saving time and reducing human error.

Python’s clean syntax and vast ecosystem make it ideal for automation in:

• File systems
• Web scraping
• Notifications
• GUI control
• Data formatting

1. humanize – Make Numbers and Dates More Human

pip install humanize

import humanize
import datetime

print(humanize.intcomma(1234567))         # 1,234,567
print(humanize.naturaltime(datetime.datetime.now() - datetime.timedelta(hours=5)))  
# 5 hours ago
print(humanize.naturalsize(1024 * 1024))  # 1.0 MB

Used in logs, dashboards, and CLI tools to improve readability.

🖱️ 2. pyautogui – Control Keyboard and Mouse

pip install pyautogui

import pyautogui

pyautogui.moveTo(100, 100, duration=1)  # Move mouse
pyautogui.click()                      # Click
pyautogui.write("Hello, World!", interval=0.1)  # Type

Automate repetitive tasks like form-filling, GUI testing, and hotkey workflows.

Use with care—your mouse/keyboard will be controlled automatically!

3. schedule – Run Functions Like a Cron Job

pip install schedule

import schedule
import time

def job():
    print("Running scheduled job...")

schedule.every(10).seconds.do(job)

while True:
    schedule.run_pending()
    time.sleep(1)

Perfect for cron-style jobs in scripts without needing external schedulers.

4. shutil – File Operations Made Easy

import shutil

shutil.copy("data.txt", "backup.txt")           # Copy file
shutil.move("old_folder", "new_folder")         # Move folder
shutil.rmtree("temp_folder")                    # Delete folder recursively

Combine with os or glob to automate file system cleanup, backups, or reorganization.

5. Bonus: Automate with subprocess for Shell Commands

import subprocess

subprocess.run(["ls", "-l"])  # Run shell command

Integrate Python with system tools, git, curl, etc.

Combine Automation Tools – Real Use Case

Daily Report Bot

import schedule
import pyautogui
import humanize
from datetime import datetime

def send_report():
    msg = f"Report sent at {humanize.naturaltime(datetime.now())}"
    pyautogui.write(msg)
    pyautogui.press('enter')

schedule.every().day.at("09:00").do(send_report)

while True:
    schedule.run_pending()

Automates report sending via a messenger app at 9 AM.

Best Practices

Summary – Recap & Next Steps

Python’s ecosystem is rich with automation libraries that help you control I/O, schedule workflows, and humanize output—all with just a few lines of code.

Key Takeaways:

• Use humanize for readable numbers, sizes, and timestamps
• Use pyautogui for GUI scripting and automation
• Use schedule to trigger jobs on intervals or daily routines
• Use shutil for robust file/folder operations
• Combine tools to automate full workflows

Real-World Relevance:
Used in DevOps, personal productivity, desktop automation, testing, and RPA (robotic process automation).

FAQ – Python Automation with Humanize and Friends

What is the use of humanize in Python?

Converts data like timestamps and sizes into human-readable formats (e.g., “5 hours ago”).

Can I simulate keyboard input with Python?

Yes, with pyautogui.write(), pyautogui.press(), and hotkey combos.

How do I schedule a Python task to run every day?

Use schedule.every().day.at("HH:MM").do(your_function)

Can I automate file backups with Python?

Yes. Use shutil.copy() or shutil.make_archive() for backups and archiving.

Is automation safe in production?

GUI automation (e.g., pyautogui) is brittle—prefer APIs or CLI automation for production.