# MOTM Application - Virtual Environment Setup Guide

This guide will help you set up a Python virtual environment for the MOTM Flask application.

## Prerequisites

1. **Python 3.7 or higher** must be installed on your system
2. **pip** package manager should be available

## Quick Setup (Windows)

### Step 1: Check Python Installation

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and run:
```cmd
python --version
```

If Python is not found, you may need to:
- Install Python from [python.org](https://www.python.org/downloads/)
- Or use `py` command if you have Python Launcher installed

### Step 2: Create Virtual Environment

Navigate to the `motm_app` directory and run:

**Option A: Using `python` command**
```cmd
python -m venv venv
```

**Option B: Using `py` command (if available)**
```cmd
py -m venv venv
```

**Option C: Using full path (if needed)**
```cmd
C:\Python39\python.exe -m venv venv
```

### Step 3: Activate Virtual Environment

**Windows Command Prompt:**
```cmd
venv\Scripts\activate.bat
```

**Windows PowerShell:**
```powershell
venv\Scripts\Activate.ps1
```

### Step 4: Install Dependencies

With the virtual environment activated:
```cmd
pip install --upgrade pip
pip install -r requirements.txt
```

### Step 5: Run the Application

```cmd
python main.py
```

The application will be available at: http://localhost:5000

## Quick Setup (Unix/Linux/Mac)

### Step 1: Create Virtual Environment
```bash
python3 -m venv venv
```

### Step 2: Activate Virtual Environment
```bash
source venv/bin/activate
```

### Step 3: Install Dependencies
```bash
pip install --upgrade pip
pip install -r requirements.txt
```

### Step 4: Run the Application
```bash
python main.py
```

## Using the Convenience Scripts

After setting up the virtual environment, you can use the provided scripts:

### Windows
- **Setup**: `setup_venv_windows.bat`
- **Activate**: `activate_motm.bat`
- **Run**: `run_motm.bat`

### Unix/Linux/Mac
- **Activate**: `source activate_motm.sh`
- **Run**: `./run_motm.sh`

## Troubleshooting

### Python Not Found

**Windows:**
1. Install Python from [python.org](https://www.python.org/downloads/)
2. During installation, check "Add Python to PATH"
3. Restart your command prompt

**Alternative for Windows:**
1. Install Python from Microsoft Store
2. Use `py` command instead of `python`

### Virtual Environment Issues

**Permission Errors (Windows):**
```cmd
# Try running as Administrator
# Or use PowerShell with execution policy
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser
```

**Virtual Environment Already Exists:**
```cmd
# Remove existing environment
rmdir /s venv
# Or on Unix/Linux/Mac
rm -rf venv
```

### Dependencies Not Installing

1. **Activate virtual environment first**
2. **Upgrade pip**: `pip install --upgrade pip`
3. **Install individually**: `pip install Flask`
4. **Check internet connection**
5. **Try using --user flag**: `pip install --user -r requirements.txt`

### Application Not Starting

1. **Check virtual environment is activated** (should see `(venv)` in prompt)
2. **Verify all dependencies installed**: `pip list`
3. **Check for import errors**: `python -c "import flask"`
4. **Review error messages** in console output

## Development Workflow

### Daily Usage
1. **Activate environment**: `venv\Scripts\activate.bat` (Windows) or `source venv/bin/activate` (Unix)
2. **Make changes** to your code
3. **Test application**: `python main.py`
4. **Deactivate when done**: `deactivate`

### Adding New Packages
1. **Activate environment**
2. **Install package**: `pip install new-package`
3. **Update requirements**: `pip freeze > requirements.txt`
4. **Commit changes** to version control

### Updating Dependencies
1. **Activate environment**
2. **Update packages**: `pip install --upgrade package-name`
3. **Update requirements**: `pip freeze > requirements.txt`

## Environment Variables

If you need to set environment variables for the application:

**Windows:**
```cmd
set DATABASE_URL=your_database_url
python main.py
```

**Unix/Linux/Mac:**
```bash
export DATABASE_URL=your_database_url
python main.py
```

## Database Configuration

Make sure to update `db_config.py` with your database connection details before running the application.

## Getting Help

If you encounter issues:

1. **Check Python version**: Should be 3.7 or higher
2. **Verify virtual environment**: Should be activated
3. **Check dependencies**: Run `pip list` to see installed packages
4. **Review error messages**: Look for specific error details
5. **Test imports**: `python -c "import flask, pymysql"`

## Production Deployment

For production deployment:

1. **Use same Python version** as development
2. **Install exact dependencies**: `pip install -r requirements.txt`
3. **Set environment variables** for production database
4. **Configure web server** (nginx, Apache, etc.)
5. **Use process manager** (systemd, supervisor, etc.)

---

**Note**: This application requires access to the existing hockey results database. Ensure proper database connectivity before running.