Open Source Report Tool Project Plan

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I. Introduction

This plan outlines the development of an open-source report tool designed to be flexible, extensible, and user-friendly. The primary goals are to create a robust report engine and output handlers, integrate with various storage solutions, and provide optional features that enhance user experience.

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II. Core Development Tasks

A. Develop the Report Engine Abstract Class

1. Implement the run() Function
   • Priority: High
   • Description: Core function to execute the report generation process.
2. Define a Report Engine Data Model (Pydantic)
   • Priority: High
   • Description: Use Pydantic for data validation and settings management.
3. Implement a Batch Run Function
   • Priority: Medium
   • Description: Allow processing multiple reports in a single run.
4. Add File Metadata Capabilities
   • Priority: Medium
   • Description: Include metadata like author, creation date, and tags.
5. Design for Handling Any Output File Type
   • Priority: High
   • Description: Allow customization to support various file formats.
6. Allow Users to Set Progress Bars (Optional)
   • Priority: Low
   • Description: Enhance user experience during long-running processes.
7. Implement Status Checks and Run Logs (Optional)
   • Priority: Low
   • Description: Provide insights into the report generation status.

B. Create Output Handlers

1. Develop a Base Abstract Handler
   • Priority: High
   • Description: A foundation for all output handlers to extend.
2. Implement Standard Stream Output
   • Priority: High
   • Description: Write PDF bytes to stdout for easy redirection.
   • Example Usage: docker run --rm report-tool > report.pdf
3. Implement Mounted Volume Support
   • Priority: High
   • Description: Allow reading/writing files via host-container volume mapping.
4. Integrate Blob Storage Support
   • Priority: Medium
   • Description: Provide handlers for AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage, etc.

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III. Additional Features and Enhancements

A. Cloud Service Integration

1. AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage, Google Cloud Storage
   • Priority: Medium
   • Description: Built-in support for common cloud storage platforms.
   • Implementation: Use environment variables or config files for credentials.

B. Webhook Notifications

1. Send Webhook Callbacks Upon Completion
   • Priority: Low
   • Description: Notify external services when a report is generated.
   • Details: Include URL or file path in the payload.

C. Chained Outputs

1. Combine Multiple Output Handlers
   • Priority: Low
   • Description: Enable saving locally and uploading to the cloud simultaneously.

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IV. Docker Integration and Usage

A. Command Examples

1. Generate Report with Local Output

   docker run --rm report-tool generate --output-type local --filename /data/report.pdf

2. Generate Report and Write to Stdout

   docker run --rm report-tool generate --output-type stdout > report.pdf

3. Generate Report and Upload to S3

   docker run --rm report-tool generate --output-type s3 --filename report.pdf

B. Mounted Volume for Local Output

1. Understanding Volume Mapping
   • Host Directory: Your local machine's directory (e.g., $(pwd)).
   • Container Directory: Directory inside the container (e.g., /data).
2. Example Command with Volume Mapping

   docker run --rm -v $(pwd):/data report-tool generate --output-type local --filename /data/report.pdf

   • Explanation:
     • -v $(pwd):/data: Maps current directory to /data in the container.
     • --filename /data/report.pdf: Saves output to the mapped directory.
3. Graceful Warnings
   • Priority: High
   • Description: Detect when no volume is mounted and warn the user.
   • Benefit: Prevents confusion when output files do not persist.

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V. Prioritization and Implementation Plan

Phase 1: Core Development (High Priority)

1. Develop Report Engine Abstract Class
   • Implement run() function.
   • Define data model with Pydantic.
   • Design for multiple output file types.
2. Create Output Handlers
   • Develop base abstract handler.
   • Implement standard stream output and mounted volume support.
3. Docker Integration
   • Ensure seamless execution via Docker.
   • Implement graceful warnings for missing volume mounts.

Phase 2: Enhancements (Medium Priority)

1. Batch Run Functionality
2. File Metadata Capabilities
3. Blob Storage Integration
   • Begin with the most commonly used services.
4. Progress Bars and Status Logs (Optional)

Phase 3: Advanced Features (Low Priority)

1. Cloud Service Integration
   • Extend blob storage support to additional platforms.
2. Webhook Notifications
   • Implement callback system post-report generation.
3. Chained Outputs
   • Enable combining multiple output handlers.

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VI. Additional Considerations

A. Documentation and User Guidance

• Priority: High
• Description: Provide clear documentation, usage examples, and tutorials.

B. Error Handling and User Feedback

• Implement Clear Error Messages
• Provide Solutions or Next Steps in Warnings

C. Extensibility and Customization

• Plugin Architecture
  • Allow users to add custom output handlers.
• Configuration File Support
  • Enable default settings and easier management.

D. Logging and Monitoring

• Implement Logging with Verbosity Levels
  • Users can select the level of detail in logs.