roger-before-after.py

# LetterStart python script

import uno, datetime
#from datetime import date

# a UNO struct later needed to create a document

###############################################################################
def createDoc():
    """creates a new writer document and prints my name and address at the top right """ 
    ctx = uno.getComponentContext()
    smgr = ctx.ServiceManager
    desktop = smgr.createInstanceWithContext( "com.sun.star .frame.Desktop",ctx)
    
    # open a writer document
    doc = desktop.loadComponentFromURL( "private:factory/swriter","_blank", 0, () )
    # print name, address and date
    text = doc.Text
    cursor = text.createTextCursor()
    tabs = "\t" * 10
    
    ########################################
    # this works ONLY if the year is 4 digits 
    # and the day and month are 2 digits
    today = str(datetime.datetime.now ().date())
    lastno = len(today)
    year = today[0 : 4]
    month = today[5 : 7]
    day = today[8 : lastno]
    todaydate = day + "/" + month + "/"+ year
    ########################################

    #today = http://datetime.datetime.now ()
    #print(today + "now")
    text.insertString( cursor, tabs + "John Doe\n", 0 )
    text.insertString( cursor, tabs + "1st line of address\n" , 0 )
    text.insertString( cursor, tabs + "2nd line\n" , 0 )
    text.insertString( cursor, tabs + "3rd line\n" , 0 )
    text.insertString( cursor, tabs + "more address or postcode\n" , 0 )
    text.insertString(cursor, "\n" ,  0)
    text.insertString( cursor, tabs + todaydate + "\n" , 0 )
    
###############################################################################

#
# --- Refactored version below ---
#


"""
LetterStart python script
"""

import datetime

import uno


TABS = "\t" * 10


def insert_text(doc_text, cursor, text, indent=True):
    if indent:
        text = TABS + text + "\n"
    else:
        text = text + "\n"
    doc_text.insertString(cursor, text, 0)


def create_doc():
    """
    Creates a new writer document and prints my name
    and address at the top right.
    """
    ctx = uno.getComponentContext()
    desktop = ctx.ServiceManager.createInstanceWithContext(
        "com.sun.star.frame.Desktop", ctx)

    # open a writer document
    doc = desktop.loadComponentFromURL(
        "private:factory/swriter", "_blank", 0, tuple())

    doc_text = doc.Text
    cursor = doc_text.createTextCursor()

    today_date = datetime.date.today().strftime("%d/%m/%Y")

    insert_text(doc_text, cursor, "John Doe")
    insert_text(doc_text, cursor, "1st line of address")
    insert_text(doc_text, cursor, "2nd line")
    insert_text(doc_text, cursor, "3rd line")
    insert_text(doc_text, cursor, "more address or postcode")
    insert_text(doc_text, cursor, "", indent=False)
    insert_text(doc_text, cursor, today_date)