Python 101 For Post: Verify Data And Perform Checksums

Part 4: Building on our Media Management Script with Checksum Verification

In Part 3 we built a custom media management tool, copying files from a source folder into a destination folder. In this Insight we’ll expand upon that script to incorporate checksum verification, plus adding multi-color fonts to make reporting a bit easier to read.

About this Insight

When copying media from set – or between facilities and hard drives – it is important to ensure that each subsequent copy is identical to its source. A checksum creates a hash describing the data as it is stored at a specific location. By creating a checksum for both the source and destination files, after copying has been completed, we can be sure both sets of files are identical.

Our media copying Python script will add checksum verification and report back any failures.

Key Python functions and libraries I’m covering today include:

• xxhash – a fast and secure way to generate a checksum
• pip – a package installer for Python

Different ASCII escape sequences:

To improve readability when generating reports check out these color values:

Key takeaways from this Insight