I recently had a conversation with my boss, who is expecting me to produce 5000 lines of code each day. The issue is that I'm trying to integrate a reporting tool with a really outdated Windows app that doesn't have an API. I've created a Python script that automates clicking through the UI to scrape data and compile reports into JSON, but it feels pretty hacky and doesn't always work perfectly. I'm looking for better solutions or other ways to automate processes like this without proper API support. I'm also updating my CV just in case things don't improve here, especially since my boss is making everyone work in the office five days a week despite others quitting over it.
3 Answers
I feel your pain with the legacy software! It's frustrating to be forced to work in the office and deal with these unrealistic demands. Keep pushing the boundaries with your automation script, and don't hesitate to show your boss the challenges you're facing—it might help them understand your perspective.
I've been in a similar situation, having to scrape data from old software without any API access. Your Python solution sounds good under the circumstances, but if you can, look into using some advanced automation frameworks like Selenium or Puppeteer—they're a bit more sophisticated than just clicking through the UI, though they come with their own challenges.
I honestly can't believe your boss expects 5000 lines a day; that's just not realistic! It's wild to measure productivity that way. I suggest focusing on solving problems rather than sheer line counts. Maybe you could push back and explain that effective solutions are more valuable.
Exactly! If your boss can't see the value in quality over quantity, it might be worth having a frank discussion about realistic expectations.
Totally agree! Those tools can be more efficient for browser automation, but they might require some learning. Good luck!