LilGuy
LilGuy is a little program that runs Lua scripts and communicates with a SQLLite database. With custom Lua scripts, LilGuy can perform simple tasks such as monitor a network connection, communicate with a smart device, or host a private web page for a home media server or web portal.
People used to need a powerful computer and knowledge of networking technologies to make their own server, but with LilGuy you can set up a server without having to know everything.
LilGuy installs and sets up all the pieces someone would need to get started working on a project right away.
About
What IS LilGuy?
LilGuy was originally imagined as a way to communicate between two WiFI devices on a home network so that when one of the access points experienced a problem it would send a signal to automatically restart the router without anyone needing to intervene. As Dylan worked on this project, he realized that with a few more features it could become useful for all kinds of home projects.
LilGuy is an easy way to set up a database server connected to a network to do useful things on a computer, RaspberryPI device, or even a phone.
Features
What Can LilGuy Do Now?
- Display interactive, dynamic web page content with HTMX.
- Respond to input and perform tasks using Lua scripts.
- Format user web pages automatically with PicoCSS.
- Remember and organize information with SQLite.
What kind of devices can LilGuy be installed on?
- Windows computers
- MacOS devices (including iPhones or tablets)
- Linux
- Home Routers (tested with ASUS brand routers)
- RaspberryPi Devices (Pi 3 and newer)
What Kind of Projects Could I Make?
- Record data from a wireless smart device like a soil moisture tester 🌱
- Make a digital cookbook and recipe manager on your tablet or phone 🍳
- Create and browse a home library catalog for your CD & DVD collection 💿
What Would I Need to Learn?
Lua syntax - Lua is used to write scripts for LilGuy
- The Programming in Lua: First Edition ebook is free online.
- Lua for Programmers, a series of articles by Michael Ebens, is helpful for people already familiar with programming.
SQL syntax - is used to make database tables and store information.
- W3 Schools has a beginner tutorial on SQL.
- LinkedIn Learning has many popular video tutorials on SQL.
Upcoming Features
- Keep your data secure: Seamless integration with Let's Encrypt (HTTPS)
Get Started with LilGuy
You can begin by installing the correct package for your operating system. See the Installation page to get started.