Issues Running a Python Script on the terminal: .ini file not found

NikkiTX wrote:

I have worked in tech for a long time, and specifically done some workin web3 so I am familiar with the scamming that goes on. I understand what this software does, and as I mentioned, I ran it with test data. Essentially, the software is just calculating the capital gains for US taxes.

As difficult as it might be to explain Homebrew, Python, Linux, ini files, and handling of spaces in files names here in the Apple Support Community, I'm pretty sure you will have a much more difficult time explaining that to the IRS.

It does not alter any of my system files or acccess anything outside of the download folder.

Alteration of your system files is not necessary. We've already establish that you don't know what it does, else you wouldn't be asking here.

Since we have a lot of transactions I cannot do this without some sort of tabling app. I see your point about homebrew. I am aware that I have little knowledge about programming and yes this is why I tried homebrew to begin with. This is also why I am asking for help.

It's a conundrum, isn't it? Should I abandon you and tell you to ask the developer for support? Or should I take the "harm reduction" approach?

Let's try "harm reduction" and see how far we get. Backing up a bit, let's review. You attempted to follow the installation instructions. You did the prerequisite of installing Homebrew. Then you did "brew update" and then "brew install python3". We assume that those commands worked.

But then when you tried the next step, "pip install rp2", it failed.

To review - the installation failed on step #2, or maybe step #3, depending on how you count. This is bad.

So you tried your own installation using a similarly named tool.

Apparently, that was successful, as you were able to run:

cd Downloads
rp2_us -n -m fifo -o output -p crypto_example_ crypto_example.ini crypto_example.ods

and then get the expected output.

But when you tried your own input files, you received a "config file not found" error.

Then you tried changing "the name" (of what?) to the match the above example, but received the same error.

You seem to think the config file name being in quotes is an important plot point, yet none of your examples has shown any file that either uses, or should use, any quotes. You sent the file to a family member running Linux who "ended up" (output?) with a file in single quotes, which did not work. Upon removing a space from a file name (a file name which has not appeared in this thread) the quotes "disappeared" (of their own accord?) and the script ran, presumably correctly.

The good news is that I'm still nowhere close to the 5000 character limit. The bad news is, well, everything else.

Where to begin? For starters, do you actually have your own config file? Is it valid? Does it match the values in your ODS spreadsheet?

I see no indication of any spaces in any file names. I'm concerned that you seem concerned by this. Did you copy and paste the command line as I did above? Or did you try to type it out yourself? There is zero margin for error on the command line.

Maybe you should start with the actual names of your files. What are those?

Let's set aside the fact that the crypto-bros are going to totally roll you. Let's just worry about the IRS for now. 😄

Regarding the IRS: It's April 8th. You don't appear to have an accountant. You are in deep, deep trouble here.

But getting back to technical harm reduction efforts, I don't see any technical problem. Once it got to the details about what might actually be going wrong, you stopped providing any meaningful information. What are you typing? Use copy and paste. Copy your command line and paste it in here.

I don't see any problem related to file names at all. The example ini file just identifies coin types, exchanges, and "holders" that are used in the ODS spreadsheet.

It does seem that the most likely source of the problem is that you don't know what the actual file names are and/or you are typing them in incorrectly. Maybe you should provide a directory listing and people could tell what the files names are and what you need to type.

I strongly recommend that you hire an accountant. You might have to delay your filing, pay penalties, and/or pre-pay some "honest money" (You can get an extension on filing, but not on paying.)

But now I am approaching the 5000 character limit, so I'll stop here and see if any additional information develops.

Apple Support Communities are not the Python or Python module help destination. You should reach out to that RP2 developer, or visit the Python.org Help community.

NikkiTX wrote:

After setting up python through homebrew

And there it is - always homebrew.

I was told that config file being in singular quotes'' means there is a space not allowing the name to be read as one file.

Who is telling you these things? Please be specific.

I am at a loss

That's the point. You're being scammed. Someone is trying to drain your bank account with a crypto scam. This is why crypto was invented.

NikkiTX wrote:

I suppose I should have changed the file name to avoid any crypto jokes.

I wasn't joking. Crypto is a scam.

Since he does not use a Mac, and the issue might be different in Linux, I figured I would ask here.

Files with spaces and/or quotations are handled identically in Linux and the Mac.

The problems that you're encountering are typical with Homebrew. That's why it's so popular. The is idea is to get people to download Python and install these tools that they don't understand. When you don't understand what's going on, you're vulnerable to hacking. Normally Macs aren't vulnerable to hacking. But crypto is the big exception to that rule - for the exact reasons that you describe.

You're being asked to install software using advanced, command-line tools that you don't understand. Once you ask around enough, you will get it running, and then your software will announce your presence on the internet. They will be able to see that you're in over your head. But your crypto-coins are just as good as anyone else, so they'll take them from you.

Sadly, these Python module sites continue recommending Python3 installation via homebrew instead of using the Python.org installer.