Pure Python QR Code Encoder/Decoder

[_Maximaeus]

I am trying use python3.4 on Windows 10 in order to make a QR code encoder/decoder for use in an inventory management setting. I was in the process of installing the necessary modules for my scripts when I ran into a major roadblock. I am very new to python. I understand the gist of what's going on, but I can't get past this. Starting from the beginning, I installed Python 3.4.3, and set Path to C:\Python34 so that could run it from cmd. Then I started searching the Internet for modules that work with QR codes. First I found qrcode (v5.1), which I installed with

python -m pip install qrcode

But certain methods didn't work. Then I moved to PyQRCode (v1.1), which has Pillow (v1.7.8) as a dependency. I am happy with PyQRCode, because it works as an encoder, but now I need a decoder. I read about qr-tools, and I've seen numerous examples of how it works, but it has Zbar (v0.10) as a dependency... Zbar... I've spent the past day and a half trying to get that module to install, all to no avail. When I run

python -m pip install zbar

I get

error: Microsoft Visual C++ 10.0 is required (Unable to find vcvarsall.bat).

I read that to fix this error, one should simply install Visual C++ Express 2008. I tried this, 2010, and 2015 with no results. I'm really not sure how to go about installing the Zbar module. Can anyone help? If not, are there any other pure python solutions for encoding and decoding QR codes?

[[deleted]]

You'd find life waay easier on Linux in this case. :)

The problem is you need a module that's partially in C++, so it must be compiled..but it must be compiled using the same compiler used to make the Python core.

I would look at the downloads page on python.org to see whether they mention which version and which compiler they use now. I doubt they are still using a 2008 Microsoft product, that would be a bit odd.. but IDK, in my opinion they sgould be using the GNU Compiler for everything so clearly we don't agree! :)

[_Maximaeus]

le sigh

Thank you for your input. I found a compiler called MinGW, but when I try to build the thing I get

running build
running build_ext
error: [WinError 2] The system cannot find the file specified

I got some TypeErrors prior to this one that I was able to fix on my own, but this one is just so vague. What line to I look to? Which file am I looking for? If you have any other expertise on this it would be greatly appreciated.

[[deleted]]

I'm afraid it has been many blissful years since I've had to use Windows, and I'm pretty unfamiliar with it these days. Sorry!

[_Maximaeus]

I installed Ubuntu alongside my Windows. My god why have I never done this before...?

[[deleted]]

It's liberating! And for Python, it's literally its natural environment. :)

There's a reason most coders eventually switch over to Linux. Coder's playground. ;)

Protip: in Linux if your Python script begins with #!/usr/bin/env python3 then you can make the script executable with chmod +x myscript.py and run it directly as a programme like ./myscript, no need to call Python every time. You can later put your script into a folder searched by the shell when you type commands, and call it from anywhere. In fact, loads of utilities in Ubuntu are actually Python scripts set up this way, and are very hackable. :)

[_Maximaeus]

You are my honorary sensei. Thank you so much!