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How to set up and run

This tutorial explains how to prepare a development environment for Validrive and run it in development mode (directly with Python).

Note: Validrive is developed and tested on Windows. All instructions below assume a Windows setup.

1. Create environment​

Using conda​

conda create -n validrive_env python=3.11 -y
conda activate validrive_env

Using venv​

python -m venv validrive_env
validrive_env\Scripts\activate

2. Install dependencies​

Install the required packages via pip:

pip install pandas numpy openpyxl selenium PySide6
  • PySide6 – Qt UI framework
  • selenium – browser automation
  • pandas, numpy – data handling
  • openpyxl – Excel read/write support

3. Project files​

Make sure these files are present in your project folder while developing:

validrive/
├─ validrive.py
├─ chromedriver.exe
├─ style.qss
├─ theme_dark.qss
├─ theme_light.qss
├─ validrive_splash.png
├─ logo_valid.ico
├─ logo.png
├─ settings.png
├─ sett_black.png
├─ mail.png
├─ mail-black.png
├─ arrow.png

4. Run in development​

From the project root (where validrive.py is located), run:

python validrive.py

This launches the Qt interface. Use Upload File to load your Excel/CSV, then Connect Browser to control Daredeevil.

5. Troubleshooting​

  • ImportError / ModuleNotFoundError : Ensure the validrive_env is activated and dependencies are installed.

  • Browser fails to launch / version mismatch : Follow “How to replace ChromeDriver” to align Chrome and ChromeDriver versions.

  • Qt plugin errors : reinstall PySide6

pip install --force-reinstall PySide6
  • Excel/CSV errors : ensure the file is not open in Excel before loading it into Validrive.