Evaluate and Implement Free Cloud Hosting for Scheduled Python Script Execution

[remlaps]

Recommendation by Brave Leo (Claude Haiku):

Objective

Migrate the scheduled Python script (currently running twice daily on a home computer) to a free cloud hosting platform to improve reliability and reduce local resource usage.

Current Setup

• Script frequency: Runs twice per day
• Resource requirements: Very low CPU, RAM, and storage; low-medium network usage (2-12 hours per day)
• Dependencies:
  • Steem blockchain posting key
  • LLM API key
  • Private config.ini configuration file (not in repository)

Candidate Platforms

1. GitHub Actions – 2,000 minutes/month free; native GitHub integration; built-in secrets management
2. Render – 100 hours/month free; supports Python; scheduled tasks
3. Fly.io – 256MB RAM, 1 CPU core free tier; cron job support
4. PythonAnywhere – Free tier with scheduled tasks (500 runs/month)
5. Vercel – Serverless functions; free tier available
6. Other

Key Requirements

• Secure storage of Steem blockchain key and LLM API key using platform secrets/environment variables
• Secure handling of private config.ini file without exposing it in the repository
• Scheduled execution twice daily
• Minimal cost (free tier preferred)
• Reliable execution and error logging

Tasks

• Evaluate each platform against requirements and resource constraints
• Select primary platform (and backup if applicable)
• Implement secure secrets management (GitHub Actions secrets, environment variables, etc.)
• Implement secure config.ini retrieval method (private storage, authenticated download, etc.)
• Create/update GitHub Actions workflow file (.github/workflows/scheduled-script.yml)
• Test scheduled execution and verify script functionality
• Document setup process and deployment steps
• Remove local scheduling dependency

Success Criteria

• Script executes reliably on the chosen platform twice daily
• All sensitive credentials are securely managed and not exposed in logs or code
• config.ini remains private and is securely retrieved during execution
• Zero cost or within free tier limits