GiroCode Generator App

The GiroCode Generator App is a standalone Python application that creates GiroCode QR codes for invoices. GiroCodes simplify the payment process by embedding essential payment details, such as the recipient’s IBAN, BIC, and amount, directly into a QR code. Customers can scan the QR code with their banking app to make payments quickly and without errors.

Ideal for small businesses or freelancers, this app eliminates manual payment entry errors and enhances user convenience.

This app allows you to generate a GiroCode QR code with dynamic inputs like the amount and payment purpose (Verwendungszweck). The generated QR code is saved as an image file, with the filename matching the provided Verwendungszweck, sanitized for safety.

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Features

• Dynamic Input Validation: Ensures accurate inputs for Betrag (amount in Euros) and Verwendungszweck (payment purpose).
• Automatic Filename Generation: The QR code image is saved with a sanitized version of Verwendungszweck as the filename.
• Fixed Payment Details: Includes preset recipient details (name, IBAN, BIC) for seamless use.
• Standalone Executable: Package the app as an executable using PyInstaller, so no Python installation is required for end users.
• Error Handling: Provides clear messages for invalid inputs or file-saving errors.

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Requirements

• Python 3.6+
• Libraries:
  • qrcode
  • pillow

To install the required libraries, run:

pip install qrcode[pil]

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How to Use

1. Run the Application

To run the app, execute the Python script:

python girocode_generator.py

2. Input Required Fields

The app will prompt you to enter:

• Betrag in Euro: Enter the payment amount in Euros (e.g., 50.00). The input is validated to ensure it is a positive decimal number.
• Verwendungszweck: Enter the payment purpose (up to 140 characters). If the input exceeds 140 characters, it will be truncated automatically.

Example:

Betrag in Euro: 50.00
Verwendungszweck: Rechnung nr.123

3. QR Code Generation

The app will generate a QR code containing all the required payment information. The QR code image will be saved in the same directory as the script, with a filename based on the Verwendungszweck.

Input: Rechnung nr.123

Output: Rechnung_nr_123_20250112.png (includes a timestamp for uniqueness).

4. Scan and Pay

Customers can scan the QR code with their banking app (e.g., Sparkasse App) to complete payments instantly.

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Fixed Payment Details

The following details are embedded in the GiroCode:

Field	Value
Recipient	John Doe
IBAN	DE00 1234 5678 9101 1121 00
BIC	GENODEF1XXX
Payment Type	Überweisung

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Generate a Standalone Executable

Step 1: Install PyInstaller

Install PyInstaller, a tool for packaging Python applications:

pip install pyinstaller

Step 2: Create the Executable

Run the following command in the directory containing your girocode_generator.py file:

pyinstaller --onefile girocode_generator.py

• The --onefile flag bundles everything into a single executable file.
• The executable will be saved in the dist folder as girocode_generator.exe (on Windows).

Step 3: Run the Executable

Navigate to the dist folder and double-click girocode_generator.exe to run the app. It will prompt for inputs and generate a QR code just like the Python script.

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Example Usage

Input:

• Betrag in Euro: 100.50
• Verwendungszweck: Invoice 2025

Output:

A QR code is generated and saved as Invoice_2025_20250112.png in the same directory.

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Benefits of GiroCode

• Error-Free Payments: No more manual entry or typos in payment details.
• Faster Transactions: Simplifies the payment process for your customers.
• Easy Integration: Embed the QR code in invoices, receipts, or payment reminders.

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Technical Notes

1. Dynamic Input Validation: Ensures Betrag is a valid positive decimal value and sanitizes Verwendungszweck.
2. File Naming: Filenames are sanitized and include a timestamp for uniqueness.
3. GiroCode Specification: The QR code adheres to the GiroCode format for SEPA transfers, ensuring compatibility with banking apps.
4. Localization: While designed for German banking systems, the app can be adapted for other SEPA countries by modifying fixed payment details.

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License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.

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Contributing

Contributions are welcome! To suggest improvements or add features:

• Open an issue on the repository.
• Submit a pull request with your changes.