Programming Challenge: Simple Invoice Generator for Small Businesses (Jan 30, 2025)

Challenge:

Build a basic invoice generator that allows small businesses or freelancers to create and manage invoices for clients. The system should include client details, services provided, costs, and due dates.

Basic Requirements:

✅ Create an Invoice: Users can enter client details, services, and costs.
✅ Calculate Totals: Automatically sum up itemized services and apply tax if needed.
✅ Export as PDF: Generate a printable/downloadable invoice.

Bonus Features for Small Business Needs:

🔹 Client Database: Store previous clients for quick selection.
🔹 Recurring Invoices: Automate invoices for regular clients.
🔹 Payment Status Tracking: Mark invoices as Paid, Pending, or Overdue.
🔹 Email Integration: Send invoices directly to clients.
🔹 Multi-Currency Support: Allow different currency selections.
🔹 Branding: Add a business logo to invoices.

Example Implementation (Python + ReportLab for PDF Generation)

from reportlab.lib.pagesizes import letter
from reportlab.pdfgen import canvas

def create_invoice(client_name, items):
    total = sum(item['cost'] for item in items)
    
    file_name = f"Invoice_{client_name}.pdf"
    c = canvas.Canvas(file_name, pagesize=letter)
    c.drawString(100, 750, f"Invoice for {client_name}")
    
    y = 700
    for item in items:
        c.drawString(100, y, f"{item['service']}: ${item['cost']:.2f}")
        y -= 20

    c.drawString(100, y - 20, f"Total: ${total:.2f}")
    c.save()
    print(f"Invoice saved as {file_name}")

# Example usage
items = [{"service": "Web Design", "cost": 500}, {"service": "SEO Optimization", "cost": 200}]
create_invoice("Acme Corp", items)