Extract text from a PDF

This a problem set for you to work through

This is a problem set. Some of these are easy, others are far more difficult. The purpose of these problems sets are:

1. to build your skill applying computational thinking to a problem
2. to assess your knowledge and skills of different programming practices

What is this problem set trying to do

1. This is tricky.
2. PDF's are a ubiquitous file format
3. They are famously difficult to get text from.

The Problem

Extract specific text from a PDF. Start here:

1. From terminal (inside visual studio code or iTerm) : pip3 install PyPDF2
2. Find some silly pdf to use (um, with text).
3. Parse the text into plaintext
4. Use this code to get started:

import PyPDF2
# Make sure your pdf is in the same directory as the code you are executing:
pdfFileObject = open('YOURPDF.pdf', 'rb')

pdfReader = PyPDF2.PdfFileReader(pdfFileObject)
count = pdfReader.numPages
for i in range(count):
    page = pdfReader.getPage(i)
    print(page.extractText())

1. PyPDF2 github: https://github.com/mstamy2/PyPDF2
2. PyPDF2 tutorial: https://dzone.com/articles/an-intro-to-pypdf2
3. PyPDF2 documentation: https://pythonhosted.org/PyPDF2/

Hacker edition

In the hacker version:

• Your program should test for valid user input. The user input should be only allow for strings

THIS PART ISNT DONE YET

How you will be assessed

Your solution will be graded using the following axis:

Scope

• To what extent does your code implement the features required by our specification?
• To what extent is there evidence of effort?

Correctness

• To what extent did your code meet specifications?
• To what extent did your code meet unit tests?
• To what extent is your code free of bugs?

Design

• To what extent is your code written well (i.e. clearly, efficiently, elegantly, and/or logically)?
• To what extent is your code eliminating repetition?
• To what extent is your code using functions appropriately?

Style

• To what extent is your code readable?
• To what extent is your code commented?
• To what extent are your variables well named?
• To what extent do you adhere to style guide?

A possible solution

Click the expand link to see one possible solution, but NOT before you have tried and failed!

not yet!

Apply knowledge or rules to put theory into practice.

Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.

Produce a plan, simulation or model.