# Guide: Automate a Python Script to Download CSV Daily on macOS

This guide walks you through creating a Python script that downloads a CSV file daily, and scheduling it using `cron`.

---

## 📄 Step 1: Create the Python Script

1. Open **TextEdit**.
2. Go to **Format > Make Plain Text**.
3. Paste the following code:

```python
import requests
from datetime import datetime
import os

URL = "https://nycdob.github.io/ActiveShedPermits/data/Active_Sheds2.csv"
SAVE_DIR = "downloads"

os.makedirs(SAVE_DIR, exist_ok=True)

today = datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m-%d")
filename = os.path.join(SAVE_DIR, f"active_sheds_{today}.csv")

try:
    response = requests.get(URL)
    response.raise_for_status()
    with open(filename, 'wb') as f:
        f.write(response.content)
    print(f"[SUCCESS] Downloaded Active_Sheds2.csv as {filename}")
except Exception as e:
    print(f"[ERROR] Failed to download file: {e}")
```

4. Save the file as `download_active_sheds.py` in your **Downloads** folder.

---

## 💻 Step 2: Test the Script

1. Open **Terminal**.
2. Type:

```bash
cd ~/Downloads
python3 download_active_sheds.py
```

You should see a success message, and a file saved in a new `downloads` folder.

---

## ⏰ Step 3: Schedule the Script with cron

1. In Terminal, find the Python path:

```bash
which python3
```

It should show something like `/usr/bin/python3`.

2. Open your crontab for editing:

```bash
crontab -e
```

If prompted, choose the **nano** editor.

3. At the bottom, add this line:

```bash
0 8 * * * /usr/bin/python3 /Users/YOUR_USERNAME/Downloads/download_active_sheds.py >> /Users/YOUR_USERNAME/Downloads/cron_log.txt 2>&1
```

(Replace `YOUR_USERNAME` with your actual macOS username.)

4. Save and exit:
- If using `nano`: Press `Control + O`, then `Enter`, then `Control + X`.

---

## ✅ Step 4: Confirm Scheduled Job

Check your active cron jobs:

```bash
crontab -l
```

You should see your job listed.

---

## 📝 Notes

- Your Mac must be awake at the scheduled time for the cron job to run.
- To test it, temporarily change the time in your cron job to 5 minutes from now.
- Check `cron_log.txt` to verify it ran.

You're done! 🎉 Your script will now run automatically every day.