Testing app for json files from Jisc AI tools blog

To get started, check your Python version:

python3 --version

Then set up a virtual environment using:

 source venv/bin/activate  # Mac/Linux
 venv\Scripts\activate  # Windows

Then, install Flask inside the virtual environment:

 pip install flask

Then run the Flask script with the matching version:

python3 json_formatter_flask.py

Run the Flask App in the Correct Directory

Navigate to the folder where your json_formatter_flask.py is located: e.g cd /Users/You/Desktop/tools\ testing\ app/ python3 json_formatter_flask.py

To Run The App

Navigate to Your Project Folder

Move into the directory where your json_formatter_flask.py is located: e.g. cd /Users/localadmin/Desktop/AI\ tools\ testing\ app/

Check If the Virtual Environment Exists

Run:

ls venv # Mac/Linux
                                    			
dir venv # Windows 

If the venv folder is missing, you need to create a new virtual environment:

python3 -m venv venv

Use the Correct Activation Command

For Mac/Linux, activate with:

source venv/bin/activate                                

Running the Flask App

Start the Flask server by running:

python3 json_formatter_flask.py
                                                			
or
						   
flask run

(If using flask run, make sure the FLASK_APP environment variable is set.)

Open the Web Interface

Once the app starts, it will give you a local address, usually: http://127.0.0.1:5000/

Stop the Server

To stop the Flask app, press: CTRL + C

Activate the virtual environment:

source venv/bin/activate

Troubleshooting

If you have issues, Uninstall and Reinstall Flask:

pip uninstall flask
pip install flask

Check Your PYTHONPATH

Run:

echo $PYTHONPATH  # Mac/Linux
                                      			
echo %PYTHONPATH%  # Windows

Troubleshooting

• If you get a ModuleNotFoundError, ensure you’re using the correct Python environment.

• If Flask runs on a different port (e.g., http://127.0.0.1:5001), use the one shown in the terminal.