I’ve developed a Python script, permalink.py, to streamline the process of creating new posts for various content types on K N X (papers, projects, courses, albums, and blog posts). This script automates several tasks:

1. Permalink Management:
   • Extracts existing permalinks from all Markdown files (.md) within the website’s directory.
   • Stores the extracted permalinks in a file named existing_permalinks.txt in the _plugins directory.
   • Generates a new, unique permalink that is not already in use.
2. Post Creation:
   • Creates a new Markdown file for the specified post type in the appropriate directory (e.g., papers/_posts, projects/_posts, etc.).
   • Automatically generates the YAML front matter for the post, including the necessary fields for each post type (title, author, tags, etc.).
   • Includes placeholder content after the YAML front matter, tailored to each post type. For example, paper posts include placeholders for an abstract and keywords, while project posts have sections for a synopsis, acronym explanation, and project description.
3. Directory Management:
   • Ensures the necessary directories exist for each post type. If a directory is missing, the script creates it automatically.

Usage:

To use the script, follow these steps:

1. Save the script: Save the provided Python code as permalink.py in your website’s root directory.
2. Make it executable: Open your terminal and navigate to the root directory. Then, run the command chmod +x permalink.py to make the script executable.
3. Run the script: To create a new post, use the following command in your terminal:

python3 permalink.py <post_type>

Replace <post_type> with: paper, project, course, album, or blog.

Example:

python3 permalink.py project

This command creates a new project post with a unique permalink and the following YAML front matter:

layout: project
title: "Enhancing General Chemistry Education through Innovative Pedagogical Approaches"
# ... other YAML fields ...
permalink: /xyz

And the following placeholder content:

## Synopsis

## Project Acronym

**EChEmpower**

**ECh**: Enhancing Chemistry
**Empower**: Signifies the empowerment of both educators and students...

## Project Description

1. **Background and Motivation**:

# ... other sections ...

### Conclusion

Conslusion here

{%- include project-contributions.html -%}

YAML Front Matter and Placeholders:

The script supports different YAML fields and placeholders for each post type. Here’s a summary:

Paper:

• YAML fields: layout, title, image, authors, year, publisher, projectid, ref, pdf, rgpdf, doi, journal, permalink.
• Placeholders: Abstract, keywords, citation include.

Project:

• YAML fields: layout, title, image, projectid, contributors, duration, year, publisher, position, hostedby, fundedby, budget, pdf, web, excerpt, project, permalink.
• Placeholders: Synopsis, acronym, description, conclusion, contributions include.

Course:

• YAML fields: layout, image, code, title, instructor, instructorurl, institution, insturl, clevel, year, semester, pdf, web, published, permalink.
• Placeholders: Description, materials, grade distribution, scope and sequence, classroom policies, science safety agreement.

Album:

• YAML fields: layout, title, image, author, place, published, permalink.
• No specific placeholders.

Blog:

• YAML fields: layout, author, title, tags, permalink.
• No specific placeholders.

Benefits:

• Efficiency: Automates repetitive tasks.
• Consistency: Ensures consistent YAML and file organization.
• Accuracy: Reduces errors.
• Maintainability: Provides a centralized script for managing post creation.