By Fardeen Bablu

✌️ Introduction

Technology is now synonymous with politics.

Over the course of the 21st century, our technological capabilities have far surpassed what we could have predicted. From receiving videos and images within seconds to helping us understand and research complex topics, our digital landscape has changed our ability to obtain, analyze, and respond to information.

Populitic is a digital comparison tool that compares the digital landscape of Twitter users, specifically focuses on publicly elected officials or candidates. Through this article, you will learn how to replicate a quick, simple, and easy-to-read Twitter user comparer.

• Project ETA (not including prerequisites): 3-4 hours
• Cost: Free! (Free trials included)

▶️ Overview

1. Create Azure Function a HTTP Trigger
2. Connect to Twitter API (using personal keys)
3. Connect Azure Functions to Visual Studio Code
4. Code in HTML + JavaScript
5. Upload coding files to Azure Functions
6. Display Populitic website

✅ Prerequisites

1. A Twitter Developer account with a consumer key and consumer secret key

   • Why? — FREE access to Twitter API
   • How? –– You can apply here! (Acceptance time varies; ETA 1-2 Weeks)
   • Benefits? –– Unlike other APIs, Twitter Developer accounts have a free version that provides access to advanced Twitter data systems.

2. An Azure Functions Account

   • Why? –– FREE tools to build a serverless website
   • How? –– Sign up for a free trial here!
   • Benefits? –– Access to an advanced and complex tool that allows you to build web APIs, scheduled tasks, process dynamic data, and more!

3. Visual Studio Code (VSC) Application

   • Why? –– FREE low-storage and advanced application
   • How? –– Download VSC here!
   • Benefits? –– A simple, clean, and sophisticated coding environment that has multiple features that will help us on our journey.

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