Case study
Awake
A Windows utility that keeps a machine awake while unattended, with scheduled start and stop and a configurable interval. Rebuilt from Python into VBScript.
Overview
Keeps a machine’s screen awake while nobody is at it. Written first in Python, then rewritten in Visual Basic Script for a second version that asked the user what behaviour they wanted rather than requiring the script to be edited.
Delivered on Upwork to a client who had already hired me once and came back again afterwards.
What I own
Both versions.
Complexities tackled
The rewrite was the interesting decision. The Python version worked and required Python to be installed, which on a Windows machine belonging to a non-developer is a real barrier. Rewriting it in Visual Basic Script meant it ran on any Windows box with nothing to install. That is a worse language chosen for a better outcome, and it is usually the right trade when the user is not a developer.
Preventing sleep without lying to the machine. The naive approach moves the mouse, which fights the user if they are actually there. Signalling to the operating system that the session is active is quieter and does not interfere with anyone using the machine at the same time.
Stack
Python for the first version, Visual Basic Script for the second.
Client feedback
Verbatim from the public review left on the completed contract. Clients are not named because the contract record does not carry names.
Very talented developer that I would surely hire again - as a matter of fact, this was my second time working with him. Very fast, great communication skills. Helped me resolve some challenging technical issues.
Working on something similar?
Tell me what you are building and what is in the way. I will tell you honestly whether I am the right person for it.