Install

Install through pypi using pip (or your favourite trendy tool):

pip install inputs

Or download it from github:

git clone https://github.com/zeth/inputs.git
cd inputs
python setup.py install

Inputs written is in pure Python and there are no dependencies on Raspberry Pi, Linux or Windows. On the Mac, inputs needs PyObjC which the included setup.py file will install automatically (as will pip).

Windows permissions

By default Windows doesn’t stop inputs. However, if you have some third-party security software you may need to white-list Python. Try it and find out.

Linux permissions

On the Raspberry Pi’s Raspbian everything just works.

However, each Linux distribution is different. Some will work straight away, for some you need to fiddle with permissions.

Linux distributions often (quite rightly) assume that applications are installed through their package manager and given the relevant permissions to access the input devices. However, inputs.py is brand new and not yet packaged by any Linux distribution.

Therefore, if the inputs module works as root (e.g. using sudo) but not as your normal user, then you usually need to add yourself to an inputs group or similar.

Mac permissions

On the Mac, until you write a proper installer for your program, you will probably have to use the settings application to allow your program to access the input devices.

https://raw.githubusercontent.com/zeth/inputs/master/macsecurity.png

The first time you use inputs, it will not have any output, then you will either get the above settings window pop up automatically, or you will need to find your way there.