Before I can build a new automation or reporting tool, I need to prepare its workspace. That means creating folders, setting up Python, and adding the basic configuration. Much of that work is the same every time.
t1-bootstrap is a small, free tool I built to automate that preparation. It creates a consistent starting point for a Python project. Python is the programming language I use for many data and automation tasks.
The problem: repeating work that is already solved
Imagine starting every presentation by creating your fonts, colours, and slide layouts from scratch. A good template saves you that effort and helps you avoid missing something.
t1-bootstrap does a similar job for my development work. Instead of copying an old project and cleaning it up, I choose what I need and get a fresh workspace.
What changes in practice?
- Less preparation: the tool creates the project folders and basic settings for me.
- More consistency: projects start with a familiar structure, making them easier to navigate later.
- Fewer small omissions: the setup includes the supporting files I would otherwise have to remember myself.
It does not build the finished application. It prepares the place where that work happens.
How it works
- Name the project. For example, a new sales report.
- Choose what it needs. Select the folders and optional tools. A preview shows what will be created.
- Create the workspace. The files are prepared, ready for development.
The choices and preview fit on one screen. There is no need to work through a long sequence of setup steps.
Why this matters beyond software development
The time saved on one project is small. The value comes from removing a task that repeats, needs attention, and adds little to the actual result.
That is also how I approach business automation: find a recurring task, define a reliable way to handle it, and free people to focus on the work that needs their judgment.
If you manage a business, you do not need to install this tool. It is a small example of how I work. If you build Python projects, it may be useful in your own workflow.
For developers: try t1-bootstrap
With uv installed, run:
uvx t1-bootstrapThe tool runs on macOS, Linux and Windows and requires Python 3.13 or newer. The command above can obtain a compatible Python version through uv if needed.
Choose the project settings on the left; preview the result on the right.
The GitHub documentation covers installation options, settings, and command-line use. The package is also available on PyPI. It is open source under the MIT licence.
