Step-by-Step: Build a CLI Tool with Python Argparse with Power BI

Step-by-Step: Build a CLI Tool with Python Argparse with Power BI. Get practical lessons and hands-on examples at AI Computer Classes in Indore to master programming & IT development skills quickly. Follow practical exercises and tool-based examples to learn rapidly. Ideal for beginners and working professionals seeking fast skill gains. Includes references to tools like ChatGPT, Power BI, Excel, Figma, or Python where appropriate.

💻 Step-by-Step: Build a CLI Tool with Python Argparse with Power BI

Command-Line Interfaces (CLI) are one of the most efficient ways to interact with programs — especially for developers and data professionals. Whether you’re managing datasets, automating reports, or controlling tools from your terminal, Python’s argparse module makes building CLI tools simple and powerful.

At AI Computer Classes – Indore, learners get hands-on experience building Python-based CLI tools that integrate smoothly with tools like Power BI for data analytics workflows.

Let’s go step-by-step! 🚀

🧠 What is a CLI Tool?

A CLI (Command-Line Interface) tool is a text-based program that allows users to execute commands through a terminal or console.

💡 Examples of CLI Tools:

• git for version control
• aws for managing cloud services
• pip for installing Python packages

By learning to create your own CLI tool, you gain control over automation and user interaction without needing a graphical UI.

🐍 Step 1: Getting Started with Argparse

argparse is a built-in Python library used to handle command-line arguments easily.

Example: Basic CLI Script

import argparse

# Create parser
parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Simple CLI Tool Example")

# Add arguments
parser.add_argument('--name', type=str, help='Enter your name')
parser.add_argument('--age', type=int, help='Enter your age')

# Parse arguments
args = parser.parse_args()

print(f"Hello {args.name}, you are {args.age} years old.")

Run it in the terminal:

python cli_tool.py --name Soumya --age 22

🎯 Output:

Hello Soumya, you are 22 years old.

⚙️ Step 2: Add More Features

Let’s make it interactive by adding optional flags and choices.

parser.add_argument('--task', choices=['summary', 'report'], help='Choose the task type')

Now, you can call:

python cli_tool.py --name Sam --age 25 --task summary

You’ll get structured, user-friendly CLI commands — similar to professional tools like pip or aws.

📊 Step 3: Connect CLI Output to Power BI

Once your CLI tool generates outputs — like CSV, JSON, or Excel files — they can easily be imported into Power BI for visualization.

Example Use Case:

You build a CLI tool that:

1. Pulls daily sales data via an API.
2. Cleans it with Python (using pandas).
3. Saves it as sales_data.csv.
4. Power BI automatically refreshes the visualization dashboard.

Sample Code Snippet

import pandas as pd
import argparse

parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Generate report data for Power BI")
parser.add_argument('--source', type=str, help='Path to raw data file')
parser.add_argument('--output', type=str, help='Path to output CSV file')
args = parser.parse_args()

df = pd.read_excel(args.source)
df_summary = df.groupby('region').sum()
df_summary.to_csv(args.output)

print("Data processed and ready for Power BI!")

🔗 Step 4: Automate the Workflow

You can schedule your CLI tool using Cron (Linux) or Task Scheduler (Windows) so it runs automatically and updates Power BI data sources daily — no manual work needed!

⚡ Step 5: Add Help & Error Handling

Argparse automatically provides help text and usage info.

python cli_tool.py --help

Output:

usage: cli_tool.py [--name NAME] [--age AGE] [--task TASK]

This improves usability for other users and developers.

🧠 Step 6: Extend with ChatGPT or APIs

You can even make your CLI tool smarter by integrating ChatGPT APIs or web data APIs.

Example:

• Ask ChatGPT to summarize reports directly via command line.
• Use external APIs to fetch live financial or stock market data.

🧩 Advantages of CLI Tools

✅ Fast and efficient execution

✅ Lightweight and scriptable

✅ Easily automated

✅ Ideal for servers and cloud workflows

✅ Perfect for data analytics integration

🚀 Learn Hands-On at AI Computer Classes – Indore

Master Python, Power BI, and Automation through real-world projects.

At AI Computer Classes – Indore, we teach students how to create powerful tools that connect programming logic with business intelligence.

👉 Join now at AI Computer Classes

📍 Old Palasia, Indore

🧭 Conclusion

Building a CLI tool with Python’s argparse isn’t just for advanced coders — it’s for anyone who wants to automate tasks, control workflows, or analyze data faster.

Once connected to tools like Power BI, it becomes a complete solution for professionals handling data at scale.

Start coding your first CLI tool today, and take your automation and data analysis skills to the next level!

📞 Contact AI Computer Classes – Indore

✉ Email: hello@aicomputerclasses.com

📱 Phone: +91 91113 33255

📍 Address: 208, Captain CS Naidu Building, near Greater Kailash Road, opposite School of Excellence For Eye, Opposite Grotto Arcade, Old Palasia, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452018

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