Update Readme

README.md

@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
+
 # Random Christmas Bot
 
-
+This Python project automates the process of organizing a Secret Santa event. It randomly assigns each participant one or two recipients and ensures participants do not receive the same recipients from the previous years. The results are sent via email using an SMTP relay, and participant data (names, emails, and previous draw results) are managed in a CSV file.
-This Python project automates the process of organizing a Secret Santa event. It randomly assigns each participant one or two recipients and ensures participants do not receive the same recipients from the previous year. The results are sent via email using an SMTP relay, and participant data (names, emails, and previous draw results) are managed in a CSV file.
 
 ## Features
 
 - Randomly assign one or two recipients for each participant.
-- Ensure participants do not receive the same recipients as last year.
+- Ensure participants do not receive the same recipients as the last `n` years.
 - Sends personalized emails with draw results to participants.
 - Stores participant data (names, emails, and draw results) in a CSV file.
 - Modular structure for better code maintenance.
@@ -35,11 +35,14 @@ The configuration file contains SMTP settings, file paths, and customizable para
 Example `env.py`:
 
 ```python
+# Configuration file with SMTP settings and CSV path settings
 SMTP_SERVER = "smtp.example.com"
 SMTP_PORT = 25
 SENDER_EMAIL = "santa@example.com"
-CSV_FILE_PATH = r"secret_santa_DB.csv"
+CSV_PATH = r"path\to\your\csv\files"  # Path to the CSV files
-DRAW_PER_PERSON = 2  # Choose 1 or 2 recipients per person
+CSV_PREFIX = r"secret_santa_DB"        # Prefix for CSV files
+HISTORY_YEARS = 2                      # Number of past years to consider in the draw
+DRAW_PER_PERSON = 2                    # Number of recipients per person
 
 # Email content
 EMAIL_SUBJECT = "Secret Santa {year} Draw"
@@ -68,8 +71,7 @@ This email was sent automatically, please do not reply.
 2. Ensure you have Python installed on your system. If not, download and install Python from [here](https://www.python.org/downloads/).
 3. Set up the `env.py` file in the `src/` directory, adjusting the SMTP settings, CSV file path, and draw parameters as needed.
 
-Example structure of the CSV file
+Example structure of the CSV file with the following columns:
-with the following colunms
 ```csv
 Name,Email,Last_Year_Recipient_1,Last_Year_Recipient_2
 ```
@@ -80,33 +82,44 @@ Bob,bob@example.com,Alice,David
 Charlie,charlie@example.com,David,Alice
 ```
 
-4. Ensure the CSV file is in the correct location as specified in `env.py`.
+4. Name your CSVs using a consistent naming convention `[prefix]_20xx.csv` as the program will retrieve those using the prefix set in `env.py`.
+
+5. Ensure the CSV file is in the correct location as specified in `env.py`.
 
 ## Usage
 
-1. Run the main script by executing:
+1. Create a CSV file for the current year draw with the participants' information (Name and email).
+   Like this:
+   ```csv
+   Alice,alice@example.com
+   Bob,bob@example.com
+   Charlie,charlie@example.com
+   ```
+
+2. Run the main script by executing:
 
    ```bash
    python src/main.py
    ```
 
-2. The script will:
+3. The script will:
    - Load participant data from the CSV file.
    - Perform the Secret Santa draw based on the configuration (1 or 2 recipients).
    - Send an email to each participant with the names of their gift recipients.
    - Save the updated draw results back to the CSV file.
 
-3. If any errors occur, they will be displayed in the console, and you can retry or debug as needed.
+4. If any errors occur, they will be displayed in the console, and you can retry or debug as needed.
 
 ## Customization
 
 - **Number of recipients**: Modify `DRAW_PER_PERSON` in `env.py` to choose whether participants receive one or two recipients.
 - **Email content**: Customize the email subject and body in `env.py` using placeholders like `{name}` for the participant's name and `{draws}` for their recipients.
-- **CSV file location**: Adjust the `CSV_FILE_PATH` in `env.py` if you prefer a different directory for the participant data.
+- **CSV file location**: Adjust the `CSV_PATH` in `env.py` if you prefer a different directory for the participant data.
+- **Number of historical years**: Change `HISTORY_YEARS` in `env.py` to set how many previous years of draws should be considered.
 
 ## File Descriptions
 
-- **`draw.py`**: Contains the logic for performing the Secret Santa draw, ensuring no repeat recipients from last year.
+- **`draw.py`**: Contains the logic for performing the Secret Santa draw, ensuring no repeat recipients from the last years.
 - **`emailer.py`**: Handles email sending via the SMTP server.
 - **`file_io.py`**: Responsible for reading and writing the participant data from/to the CSV file.
 - **`main.py`**: The main program that ties everything together and coordinates the draw and email sending.