DAS Program Trading Model

# trading model for use with the DAS Program artificial financial market environment
# this code should be used with the Stock Exchange API service
# written by Gregory Cave on the 25th of January 2017
# last updated on the 15th of March 2017
# developed in a Python 3 programming environment

# ====================================================================================

# import the main modules

import json
import math
import os
import pickle
import random
import sys
import time
import urllib

# ====================================================================================

# import the tkinter modules

from tkinter import *
from tkinter import ttk
from tkinter.font import Font
from tkinter.messagebox import *

# ====================================================================================

# append the filepath to import models

sys.path.append('models')

# import stock models

import news
import notification
import order
import stock
import stock_history
import transaction
import user
import user_stocks

# ====================================================================================

# class for main application

class App(ttk.Frame):

    # class variable to track direction of column
    # header sort
    SortDir = True     # descending

    # ================================================================================
    # init for app class
    # ================================================================================

    def __init__(self, isapp=True, name='model'):
        ttk.Frame.__init__(self, name=name) # app frame for init
        self.pack(expand=Y, fill=BOTH) # app screen properties (pack) for init
        self.master.title('DAS Program Trading Model') # app title for init
        self.master.wm_state('zoomed')
        #self.master.resizable(width=False, height=False) # uncomment for disable resizing
        self.width=self.master.winfo_screenwidth()
        self.height=self.master.winfo_screenheight()
        self.isapp = isapp # isapp for init
        self.__vars = {} # menu vars for init
        self.logged_in=False
        self._create_panel()

    # ================================================================================
    # load stock data function (with API)
    # ================================================================================

    def _load_stock_data(self):
        self.data = [
            ('DAAS', '74.74', '73.52', '75.92', '76.91', '68.22', '75.51', '187', '-1'),
            ('KAYT', '69.22', '67.33', '78.13', '77.29', '65.65', '73.25', '643', '-1'),
            ('EQNX', '63.57', '62.29', '65.44', '67.55', '58.92', '64.00', '266', '-1')]

        # configure column headings
        for c in self.dataCols:
            self.tree.heading(c, text=c.title(),
                                command=lambda c=c: self._column_sort(c, App.SortDir))
            self.tree.column(c, width=Font().measure(c.title()))

        # add data to the tree
        for item in self.data:
            self.tree.insert('', 'end', values=item)

            # and adjust column widths if necessary
            for idx, val in enumerate(item):
                iwidth = Font().measure(val)
                if self.tree.column(self.dataCols[idx], 'width') < iwidth:
                    self.tree.column(self.dataCols[idx], width = iwidth)

    # ================================================================================
    # load news data function (with API)
    # ================================================================================

    def _load_news_data(self):
        id=1
        user_id=1

        if user_id == 1:
            author='Gregory Cave'

        stock_id=()
        title='Debt Advice Specialist (DAS) Program for Investors'
        intro='DAS Program Remains Popular with the Shareholders of AMP'
        created_at='FEB 20 AT 21:36'

        body = ["The Debt Advice Specialist (DAAS) stock took a steep dive today ",
         "after certain individuals decided they would sell their $371.32 shares ",
         "for a mere $5! The result is shown in the graph below, ",
         "where the stock peaked at $371 ",
         "and dipped down to $5 where it stuck for a while. "]

        self.news = [id, author, stock_id, title, intro, body, created_at]

    # ================================================================================
    # load users data function (with API)
    # ================================================================================

    def _load_user_data(self):

        users=open(user_file, 'rb')

        self.data = []

        end_of_file=False

        while not end_of_file:

            try:
                # Unpickle the next object.
                user = pickle.load(users)

                user_id = user.get_id()
                first_name = user.get_first_name()
                last_name = user.get_last_name()
                cash=user.get_cash()
                account_value=user.get_account_value(user_id, cash, stocks_file, user_stocks_file)
                name= first_name + " " + last_name

                # Add the user to self.data
                self.data.append(['1st', name, account_value, cash])

            except EOFError:
                # Set the flag to indicate the end
                # of the file has been reached
                end_of_file = True

        # Close the file
        users.close()

        # configure column headings
        for c in self.dataCols:
            self.tree.heading(c, text=c.title(),
                                command=lambda c=c: self._column_sort(c, App.SortDir))
            self.tree.column(c, width=Font().measure(c.title()))

        # add data to the tree
        for item in self.data:
            self.tree.insert('', 'end', values=item)

            # and adjust column widths if necessary
            for idx, val in enumerate(item):
                iwidth = Font().measure(val)
                if self.tree.column(self.dataCols[idx], 'width') < iwidth:
                    self.tree.column(self.dataCols[idx], width = iwidth)

    # ================================================================================
    # column sort function for market data feed
    # ================================================================================

    def _column_sort(self, col, descending=False):

        # grab values to sort as a list of tuples (column value, column id)
        data = [(self.tree.set(child, col), child) for child in self.tree.get_children('')]

        # reorder data
        # tkinter looks after moving other items in
        # the same row
        data.sort(reverse=descending)
        for indx, item in enumerate(data):
            self.tree.move(item[1], '', indx)   # item[1] = item Identifier

        # reverse sort direction for next sort operation
        App.SortDir = not descending

    # ================================================================================
    # configure text styles function (for user interface)
    # ================================================================================

    def _create_styles(self):
        # font styles
        family = 'Courier'      # font family

        self.text.tag_configure('bold', font=(family, 12, 'bold', 'italic'))
        self.text.tag_configure('big', font=(family, 14, 'bold'))
        self.text.tag_configure('verybig', font=('Helvetica', 24, 'bold'))
        self.text.tag_configure('tiny', font=('Times', 8, 'bold'))
        self.text.tag_configure('underline', underline='on')
        self.text.tag_configure('overstrike', overstrike='on')
        self.text.tag_configure('super', offset='4p', font=(family, 10))
        self.text.tag_configure('sub', offset='-2p', font=(family, 10))

        # foreground/background styles
        self.text.tag_configure('bgstipple', background='black',
                           borderwidth=0, bgstipple='gray12')

        self.text.tag_configure('fgstipple', foreground='blue', fgstipple='gray50')
        self.text.tag_configure('color1', background='#a0b7ce')
        self.text.tag_configure('color2', foreground='red')
        self.text.tag_configure('raised', relief=RAISED, borderwidth=1)
        self.text.tag_configure('sunken', relief=SUNKEN, borderwidth=1)

        # margins, spacing, and alignment
        self.text.tag_configure('right', justify='right')
        self.text.tag_configure('center', justify='center')
        self.text.tag_configure('margins', lmargin1='12m', lmargin2='6m',
                           rmargin='10m')

        self.text.tag_configure('spacing', spacing1='10p', spacing2='2p',
                           lmargin1='12m', lmargin2='6m', rmargin='10m')

    # ================================================================================
    # create panel function (for user interface)
    # ================================================================================

    def _create_panel(self):
        # create Panel
        self.panel = Frame(self, name='model')
        self.panel.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

        # create statusbar
        statusBar = ttk.Frame()
        self.__status = ttk.Label(self.master, text=' ', relief=SUNKEN, borderwidth=1,
                              font=('Helv 10'), anchor=W, name='status')

        # pack statusbar
        self.__status.pack(side=LEFT, padx=2, expand=Y, fill=BOTH)
        statusBar.pack(side=BOTTOM, fill=X, pady=2)

        self._create_submenus()


        # create structure and windows
        self._create_window()
        self._stock_pane()
        self._home()

    # ================================================================================
    # create window structure function (for user interface)
    # ================================================================================

    def _create_window(self):
        self.outer = ttk.PanedWindow(self.panel, orient=HORIZONTAL, name='outer')
        self.outer.pack(expand=Y, fill=BOTH, padx=10, pady=(6,10))

        self.left = ttk.PanedWindow(self.outer, orient=VERTICAL, name='left')
        self.right = ttk.PanedWindow(self.outer, orient=VERTICAL, name='right')
        self.outer.add(self.left)
        self.outer.add(self.right)

        ltop = ttk.LabelFrame(self.left, text='Stocks', padding=3, name='ltop')
        self.left.add(ltop)

        rtop = ttk.LabelFrame(self.right, padding=3, name='rtop')
        self.right.add(rtop)

    # ================================================================================
    # create submenus function (for user interface)
    # ================================================================================

    def _create_submenus(self):
        # create the submenus
        # the routines are essentially the same:
        #    1. create the submenu, passing the main menu as parent
        #    2. add the submenu to the main menu as a 'cascade'
        #    3. add the submenu's individual items

        # try and except to destroy the menu if it already exists e.g. for user login
        try:
            self._menu.destroy()
        except:
            pass

        # create the main menu (only displays if child of the 'root' window)
        self.master.option_add('*tearOff', False)  # disable all tearoff's
        self._menu = Menu(self.master, name='menu')

        self._create_home_menu()
        self._create_stocks_menu()
        self._create_news_menu()
        self._create_users_menu()
        self._create_support_menu()

        self.master.config(menu=self._menu)

        # set up standard bindings for the Menu class
        # (essentially to capture mouse enter/leave events)
        self._menu.bind_class('Menu', '<<MenuSelect>>', self._update_command)

    # ================================================================================
    # create home menu function (for user interface)
    # ================================================================================

    def _create_home_menu(self):
        self.home_menu = Menu(self._menu, name='home_menu')
        self._menu.add_cascade(label='Home', menu=self.home_menu, underline=0)

        # if the user is logged in, show the user's cash and name
        if self.logged_in == True:
            self.home_menu.add_command(label=self.cash, state='disabled')
            self.home_menu.add_command(label=self.name, state='disabled')
        self.home_menu.add_command(label='Home', underline=6,
                            command=lambda: self._home())

        if self.logged_in == True:
            # if the user is an admin, show the admin panel
            if self.admin == True:
                self.home_menu.add_command(label='Admin', underline=6,
                    command=lambda: self._admin())
            else:
                self.home_menu.add_command(label='Admin', underline=6, state='disabled',
                    command=lambda: self._admin())
            self.home_menu.add_command(label='Profile', underline=6,
                command=lambda: self._profile())
            self.home_menu.add_command(label='Logout', underline=6,
                command=lambda: self._logout())

        else:
            self.home_menu.add_command(label='Register', underline=6,
                command=lambda: self._registration())
            self.home_menu.add_command(label='Login', underline=6,
                command=lambda: self._login())

        self.home_menu.add_separator()
        self.home_menu.add_command(label='Exit',
                          command=lambda: self.master.destroy()) # kill toplevel window

    # ================================================================================
    # create stocks menu function (for user interface)
    # ================================================================================

    def _create_stocks_menu(self):

        self.stocks_menu = Menu(self._menu, name='stocks_menu')
        self._menu.add_cascade(menu=self.stocks_menu, label='Stocks', underline=0)

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_order_menu(self, cascades):
            # build Cascades->Radio Buttuns subment
            submenu = Menu(cascades)
            cascades.add_cascade(label='Create Order', underline=0,
                                   menu=submenu)

            self.__vars['size'] = StringVar()
            self.__vars['font'] = StringVar()

            for item in ('Buy Order', 'Sell Order'):
               submenu.add_radiobutton(label='{}'.format(item),
                                    variable=self.__vars['size'])

        create_order_menu(self, self.stocks_menu)

        self.stocks_menu.add_command(label='Stock Data', underline=6,
            command=lambda: self._stock_data())

    # ================================================================================
    # create news menu function (for user interface)
    # ================================================================================

    def _create_news_menu(self):

        self._menu.add_command(label='News', underline=0, command=lambda: self._news())

    # ================================================================================
    # create users menu function (for user interface)
    # ================================================================================

    def _create_users_menu(self):

        self._menu.add_command(label='Users', underline=0, command=lambda: self._users())

    # ================================================================================
    # create help & support menu function (for user interface)
    # ================================================================================

    def _create_support_menu(self):

        self._menu.add_command(label='Help & Support', underline=0, command=lambda: self._support())

    # ================================================================================
    # Bound and Command methods
    # ================================================================================

    def _print_command(self, e, txt):

        # triggered by multiple menu items that print letters or greetings
        # or by an accelerator keypress (CTRL+A, CTRL+B, etc).
        print(txt)

    #_________________________________________________________________________________

    def _update_command(self, evt):

        # triggered on mouse entry if a menu item has focus
        # (focus occurs when user clicks on a top level menu item)
        try:
            item = self.tk.eval('%s entrycget active -label' % evt.widget )
            self.__status.configure(background='gray90', foreground='black',
                                    text=item)
        except TclError:
            # no label available, ignore
            pass

    # ================================================================================
    # frame construction method(s)
    # ================================================================================

    def _create_rtop(self, current_tab):

        # create the top right position for use in the frame
        rtop = ttk.LabelFrame(self.right, text=current_tab, padding=3, name='rtop')
        return rtop

    #_________________________________________________________________________________

    def _create_frame(self, rtop):

        # try and except to destroy the frame if it exists
        # so that a new frame can be created
        try:
            self.frame.destroy()
        except:
            pass

        # create the new frame using the top right position variable (rtop)
        self.frame = ttk.Frame(rtop)

        # set frame resize priorities
        self.frame.rowconfigure(1, weight=1)
        self.frame.columnconfigure((0,1), weight=1, uniform=1)

        # pack the frame
        self.frame.pack(expand=Y, fill=BOTH)

    # ================================================================================
    # canvas construction method
    # ================================================================================

    def _create_canvas(self, current_tab):

        # create and add the submenus
        self._create_submenus()

        # create and add frame widget
        rtop = self._create_rtop(current_tab)
        self.right.add(rtop)
        self._create_frame(rtop)

    # ================================================================================
    # notebook construction method
    # ================================================================================

    def _create_notebook(self, name):

        self.nb = ttk.Notebook(self.frame, name=name)

        # extend bindings to top level window allowing
        #   CTRL+TAB - cycles through tabs
        #   SHIFT+CTRL+TAB - previous tab
        #   ALT+K - select tab using mnemonic (K = underlined letter)
        self.nb.enable_traversal()

        self.nb.pack(fill=BOTH, expand=Y, padx=2, pady=3)

    # ================================================================================
    # label construction method
    # ================================================================================

    def _create_label(self, frame):

        # create and add label
        self.label = ttk.Label(frame, justify=LEFT, anchor=N)

        # position and set resize behaviour
        self.label.grid(row=0, column=0, columnspan=2, sticky='new', pady=5)

    # ================================================================================
    # text construction method
    # ================================================================================

    def _create_text(self):

        # create text styles
        self.text = Text(self.label, height=self.height, width=self.width, setgrid=True, wrap=WORD,
                    undo=True, pady=2, padx=3)

        self._create_styles()

    # ================================================================================
    # seperator construction method
    # ================================================================================

    def _create_seperator(self):

        self.text.insert(END, '\n\n')

        for each in range (0, 110):
            self.text.insert(END, '_')

        self.text.insert(END, '\n\n')

    # ================================================================================
    # home section function
    # ================================================================================

    def _home(self):
        self._create_canvas('Home')

    # ================================================================================
    # stocks function (using data from self._load_data())
    # ================================================================================

    def _stock_data(self):
        self._create_canvas('Market Data')

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_header(self):
            self.text = Text(self.frame, height=6, width=self.width, setgrid=True, wrap=WORD,
                        undo=True, pady=2, padx=3)

            self._create_styles()

            self.text.insert(END, "\nStocks", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nBrowse the stocks available that are currently trading. You must be logged in to trade stocks.", 'bold')

            # position in frame and set resize constraints
            self.text.grid(row=0, columnspan=2)

            # set text state to disabled
            self.text.config(state=DISABLED)

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_table(self):

            # create the tree
            self.dataCols = ('Stock', 'Price ($)', 'Bid ($)', 'Offer ($)', 'High ($)', 'Low ($)', 'Last Close ($)', 'Volume', 'Change (%)')
            self.tree = ttk.Treeview(columns=self.dataCols,
                                             show = 'headings')
            # add tree to frame
            self.tree.grid(in_=self.frame, row=1, column=0, columnspan=4, sticky="nsew")

            self._load_stock_data()

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        create_header(self)
        create_table(self)

    # ================================================================================
    # account registration function
    # ================================================================================

    def _registration(self):
        self._create_canvas('Register')

    # ================================================================================
    # account login function
    # ================================================================================

    def _login(self):

        self._create_canvas('Login')

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_login():
            demoPanel = Frame(self.frame)
            demoPanel.pack(side=TOP, fill=X)

            self.flds = []  # entry fields
            lbls = ['Email Address:','Password:']

            for i in range(2):
                f = ttk.Frame()
                f.pack(in_=demoPanel, side=TOP, fill=X, padx=10)

                lbl = ttk.Label(text=lbls[i], width=15)
                e = ttk.Entry(width=20)
                self.flds.append(e) # save reference to field

                # on resize, expand entry but not label
                lbl.pack(in_=f, side=LEFT)
                e.pack(in_=f, side=LEFT, expand=Y, fill=X)

            self.flds[0].focus_set()

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def do_login():

            users=open(user_file, 'rb')

            self.data = []

            end_of_file=False

            while not end_of_file:

                try:
                    # Unpickle the next object.
                    user = pickle.load(users)

                    first_name = user.get_first_name()
                    last_name = user.get_last_name()

                    if user.get_id() == 1:

                        self.logged_in=True
                        self.name= first_name + " " + last_name
                        self.admin = user.get_admin()
                        self.cash=user.get_cash()

                except EOFError:
                    # Set the flag to indicate the end
                    # of the file has been reached
                    end_of_file = True

            # Close the file
            srchStr = StringVar()
            e = ttk.Entry(width=40, textvariable=srchStr)
            e.pack(in_=self.frame, side=LEFT)

            btn = ttk.Button(text='Search',
                             command=lambda ss=srchStr: search_text(self, ss.get()))
            btn.pack(in_=self.frame, side=LEFT, padx=10, pady=5)

            # 'Return' triggers button routine
            e.bind('<Return>', lambda evt, btn=btn: btn.invoke())

            self.frame.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky="nsew")
            self._home()

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        create_login()
        #do_login()

    # ================================================================================
    # profile section function
    # ================================================================================

    def _profile(self):
        self._create_canvas('Profile')

    # ================================================================================
    # orders function
    # ================================================================================

    def _orders(self):
        self._create_canvas('Create Order')

    # ================================================================================
    # news function
    # ================================================================================

    def _news(self):
        self._create_canvas('News')

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def search_text(self, srchString):
            # remove previous search results
            self.text.tag_remove('search', 0.0, END)

            # empty search string?
            if not srchString:
                return 'break'  # don't propagate event

            cur = 1.0         # current position
            length = IntVar() # num of matched chars
            while True:
                cur = self.text.search(srchString,
                                       cur, END,
                                       count=length)
                if not cur:
                    return 'break'

                # 'end' position of matched characters
                matchEnd = '{0}+{1}c'.format(cur, length.get())

                self.text.tag_add('search', cur, matchEnd)
                cur = self.text.index(matchEnd)

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_search_panel(self):

            self.label=ttk.Label(text='Search News: ',
                    width=13, anchor=W).pack(in_=self.frame, side=LEFT)

            srchStr = StringVar()
            e = ttk.Entry(width=40, textvariable=srchStr)
            e.pack(in_=self.frame, side=LEFT)

            btn = ttk.Button(text='Search',
                             command=lambda ss=srchStr: search_text(self, ss.get()))
            btn.pack(in_=self.frame, side=LEFT, padx=10, pady=5)

            # 'Return' triggers button routine
            e.bind('<Return>', lambda evt, btn=btn: btn.invoke())

            self.frame.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky="nsew")

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_text_panel(self):

            # create scrolled text widget

            rtop = self.nametowidget('model.outer.right.rtop')

            txtFrame = ttk.Frame(rtop)
            txtFrame.grid(row=1, column=0, sticky="nsew")

            self.text = Text(txtFrame, height=20, setgrid=True, wrap=WORD,
                        undo=True, pady=2, padx=3)

            self._create_styles()

            xscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(txtFrame, command=self.text.xview,
                                    orient=HORIZONTAL)

            yscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(txtFrame, command=self.text.yview,
                                    orient=VERTICAL)

            self.text.configure(xscrollcommand=xscroll.set, yscrollcommand=yscroll.set)

            # configure 'search' style tag
            self.text.tag_configure('search', background='yellow')

            # position in frame and set resize constraints
            self.text.grid(row=0, columnspan=2)
            yscroll.grid(row=0, column=1, sticky=NSEW)
            txtFrame.rowconfigure(0, weight=1)
            txtFrame.columnconfigure(0, weight=1)

            # add text to scrolled text widget
            txt = ["The Debt Advice Specialist (DAAS) stock took a steep dive today ",
                   "after certain individuals decided they would sell their $371.32 shares ",
                   "for a mere $5! The result is shown in the graph below, ",
                   "where the stock peaked at $371 ",
                   "and dipped down to $5 where it stuck for a while. "]

            self.text.insert(END, ''.join(txt))

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        create_search_panel(self)
        create_text_panel(self)

    # ================================================================================
    # users function
    # ================================================================================

    def _users(self):
        self._create_canvas('Users')

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_header(self):
            self.text = Text(self.frame, height=6, width=self.width, setgrid=True, wrap=WORD,
                        undo=True, pady=2, padx=3)

            self._create_styles()

            self.text.insert(END, "\nUsers", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nValues shown here do NOT include stocks managed by the user.", 'bold')

            # position in frame and set resize constraints
            self.text.grid(row=0, columnspan=2)

            # set text state to disabled
            self.text.config(state=DISABLED)

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_table(self):
            # create the tree
            self.dataCols = ('Rank', 'User', 'Account Value ($)', 'Cash ($)')
            self.tree = ttk.Treeview(columns=self.dataCols,
                                             show = 'headings')
            # add tree to frame
            self.tree.grid(in_=self.frame, row=1, column=0, columnspan=4, sticky="nsew")

            self._load_user_data()

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        create_header(self)
        create_table(self)

    # ================================================================================
    # help & support section function
    # ================================================================================

    def _support(self):

        self._create_canvas('Help & Support')

        # create and add notebook
        name='support'
        self._create_notebook(name)

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_support_getting_started(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='getting_started')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            # create and add label
            self._create_label(frame)

            # create and add text
            self._create_text()

            # Header
            self.text.insert(END, "\nGetting Started", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nWelcome to the help and support section.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nThis is your resource for learning about how the stock exchange works, ")
            self.text.insert(END, "as well as stock trading in general.")

            # Seperator
            self._create_seperator()

            #Body
            self.text.insert(END, "How to Start Trading", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nYou can start by buying, and selling stocks.")
            self.text.insert(END, " You were given ")
            self.text.insert(END, "$20000", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " when you first joined to help you get started. ")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nFollow the few steps below to make your first trade.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\n1.", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " Take a look at the ")
            self.text.insert(END, "Debt Advice Specialist Program (DAAS)", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " stock and click on the ")
            self.text.insert(END, "Buy" , 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " tab.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n2.", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " Choose the ")
            self.text.insert(END, "Market", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " type, leave the Quantity as 1, and set the ")
            self.text.insert(END, "Expiry", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " to ")
            self.text.insert(END, "End of Day.", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n3.", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " Press the ")
            self.text.insert(END, "Place Bid", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " button.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nThat's all!", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " Within the next 5 minutes you'll ")
            self.text.insert(END, "own your very own stock.", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nYou can then either sell the stock straight away (look out for those fees!),")
            self.text.insert(END, " or keep them until the value increases and make your fortune!")

            # Seperator
            self._create_seperator()

            self.text.insert(END, "What next?", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nHead on over to the ")
            self.text.insert(END, "Stocks", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " page and browse the other stocks available to trade.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nYou can also take a look at your ")
            self.text.insert(END, "Portfolio", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " to see how your stocks are doing and look at previous orders you've placed.")

            # set text state to disabled
            self.text.config(state=DISABLED)

            xscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.xview,
                                orient=HORIZONTAL)

            yscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.yview,
                                orient=VERTICAL)

            self.text.configure(xscrollcommand=xscroll.set, yscrollcommand=yscroll.set)

            # position in frame and set resize constraints
            self.text.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky=NSEW)
            yscroll.grid(row=0, column=1, sticky=NSEW)
            frame.rowconfigure(0, weight=1)
            frame.columnconfigure(0, weight=1)

            # pack text into notebook
            self.text.pack()

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='Getting Started', underline=0, padding=2)

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_support_stocks(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='stocks')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            # create and add label
            self._create_label(frame)

            # create and add text
            self._create_text()

            # Header
            self.text.insert(END, "\nStocks", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nStocks, are a virtual unit of investment in a company.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nThis is your resource for learning about how the stock exchange works, as well as stock trading in general.")

            # Seperator
            self._create_seperator()

            # Body
            self.text.insert(END, "Buying and Selling Stocks", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nBuying and selling stocks is an investment.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nOver time, stocks can gain or lose value depending on multiple factors.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nThe value of a stock will also depend on whether a stocks price moves up or down and when you buy and sell.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nYou should expect to make both gains and losses.")

            # Seperator
            self._create_seperator()

            #Footer
            self.text.insert(END, "Stock Types", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nThere are currently 3 different types of stock trading on the  exchange:")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\n • Company Stocks")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\n • Community Stocks")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\n • Server Stocks")

            # set text state to disabled
            self.text.config(state=DISABLED)

            # create scrolled text widget
            xscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.xview,
                                orient=HORIZONTAL)
            yscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.yview,
                                orient=VERTICAL)
            self.text.configure(xscrollcommand=xscroll.set, yscrollcommand=yscroll.set)

            # position in frame and set resize constraints
            self.text.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky=NSEW)
            yscroll.grid(row=0, column=1, sticky=NSEW)
            frame.rowconfigure(0, weight=1)
            frame.columnconfigure(0, weight=1)

            # pack text into notebook
            self.text.pack()

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='Stocks', underline=0, padding=2)

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_support_buying_stocks(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='buying_stocks')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            # create and add label
            self._create_label(frame)

            # create and add text
            self._create_text()

            # Header
            self.text.insert(END, "\nBuying Stocks", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nBuying stocks allows you to own an investment in a company, community or server.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nWhen buying stocks, you are not buying them directly from the exchange, but from another user.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nTo buy stocks, another user must have those stocks for sale.")

            # Seperator
            self._create_seperator()

            # Body

            self.text.insert(END, "Buy Orders", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nTo buy a stock, you must place a buy order which you can do from the stock's page.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nThere are two types of buy orders you can choose from.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nOrder Types", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nA ")
            self.text.insert(END, "Market Buy Order", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " is one that will be fulfilled at the 'current' market price.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\nThe 'current' price is the price of the stock at the time the order is processed, before any transaction fees.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nA ")
            self.text.insert(END, "Limit Buy Order", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " is one that will be fulfilled at a maximum of the limit you set when placing the order, before any fees.")

            #Footer
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nOrder Expiry", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nYou can set your orders to expire either at End Of Day ")
            self.text.insert(END, "(EOD)", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " or Good 'Til Cancelled ")
            self.text.insert(END, "(GTC).", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nEOD orders will expire at the end of the trading day (23:59:59 UTC) if they are not fulfilled, whereas GTC orders will not expire.")

            # set text state to disabled
            self.text.config(state=DISABLED)

            # create scrolled text widget
            xscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.xview,
                                orient=HORIZONTAL)
            yscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.yview,
                                orient=VERTICAL)
            self.text.configure(xscrollcommand=xscroll.set, yscrollcommand=yscroll.set)

            # position in frame and set resize constraints
            self.text.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky=NSEW)
            yscroll.grid(row=0, column=1, sticky=NSEW)
            frame.rowconfigure(0, weight=1)
            frame.columnconfigure(0, weight=1)

            # pack text into notebook
            self.text.pack()

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='Buying Stocks', underline=0, padding=2)

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_support_selling_stocks(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='selling_stocks')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            # create and add label
            self._create_label(frame)

            # create and add text
            self._create_text()

            # Header
            self.text.insert(END, "\nSelling Stocks", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nSelling stocks allows you to sell your investment in a company, community or server.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nWhen selling stocks, you are not selling them directly to the exchange, but to another user.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nTo sell stocks, another user must want to buy those stocks.")

            # Seperator
            self._create_seperator()

            # Body

            self.text.insert(END, "Sell Orders", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nTo sell a stock, you must place a sell order which you can do from the stock's page.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nThere are two types of sell orders you can choose from.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nOrder Types", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nA ")
            self.text.insert(END, "Market Sell Order", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " is one that will be fulfilled at the 'current' market price.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\nThe 'current' price is the price of the stock at the time the order is processed, before any transaction fees.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nA ")
            self.text.insert(END, "Limit Sell Order", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " is one that will be fulfilled at a minimum of the limit you set when placing the order, before any fees.")

            #Footer
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nOrder Expiry", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nYou can set your orders to expire either at End Of Day ")
            self.text.insert(END, "(EOD)", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " or Good 'Til Cancelled ")
            self.text.insert(END, "(GTC).", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nEOD orders will expire at the end of the trading day (23:59:59 UTC) if they are not fulfilled, whereas GTC orders will not expire.")

            # set text state to disabled
            self.text.config(state=DISABLED)

            # create scrolled text widget
            xscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.xview,
                                orient=HORIZONTAL)
            yscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.yview,
                                orient=VERTICAL)
            self.text.configure(xscrollcommand=xscroll.set, yscrollcommand=yscroll.set)

            # position in frame and set resize constraints
            self.text.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky=NSEW)
            yscroll.grid(row=0, column=1, sticky=NSEW)
            frame.rowconfigure(0, weight=1)
            frame.columnconfigure(0, weight=1)

            # pack text into notebook
            self.text.pack()

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='Selling Stocks', underline=0, padding=2)

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_support_order_fees(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='order_fees')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            # create and add label
            self._create_label(frame)

            # create and add text
            self._create_text()

            # Header
            self.text.insert(END, "\nOrder Fees", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nJust like most stock exchanges, there are commission fees placed on orders we fulfill for you.")

            # Seperator
            self._create_seperator()

            # Body
            self.text.insert(END, "For  ")
            self.text.insert(END, "Market Orders", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, ", there is a fee of $20.00.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nFor  ")
            self.text.insert(END, "Limit Orders", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, ", there is a fee of $30.00.")

            # set text state to disabled
            self.text.config(state=DISABLED)

            # create scrolled text widget
            xscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.xview,
                                orient=HORIZONTAL)
            yscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.yview,
                                orient=VERTICAL)
            self.text.configure(xscrollcommand=xscroll.set, yscrollcommand=yscroll.set)

            # position in frame and set resize constraints
            self.text.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky=NSEW)
            yscroll.grid(row=0, column=1, sticky=NSEW)
            frame.rowconfigure(0, weight=1)
            frame.columnconfigure(0, weight=1)

            # pack text into notebook
            self.text.pack()

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='Order Fees', underline=0, padding=2)

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_support_order_matching(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='order_matching')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            # create and add label
            self._create_label(frame)

            # create and add text
            self._create_text()

            # Header
            self.text.insert(END, "\nOrder Matching", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nOrders are matched in a certain order, according to a set of rules.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nThis exchange is using a Price-time Priority matching algorithm..")

            # Seperator
            self._create_seperator()

            # Body
            self.text.insert(END, "Orders are executed in an order determined by following the rules below. ")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\n • Buy Orders", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, ": Market orders are executed first (from the oldest to the newest), and then limit orders (from the highest to the lowest).")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\n • Sell Orders", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, ": Market orders are executed first (from the oldest to the newest), and then limit orders (from the lowest to the highest).")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nOrders placed at the same price are executed in time-priority order (from oldest to newest).")

            # set text state to disabled
            self.text.config(state=DISABLED)

            # create scrolled text widget
            xscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.xview,
                                orient=HORIZONTAL)
            yscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.yview,
                                orient=VERTICAL)
            self.text.configure(xscrollcommand=xscroll.set, yscrollcommand=yscroll.set)

            # position in frame and set resize constraints
            self.text.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky=NSEW)
            yscroll.grid(row=0, column=1, sticky=NSEW)
            frame.rowconfigure(0, weight=1)
            frame.columnconfigure(0, weight=1)

            # pack text into notebook
            self.text.pack()

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='Order Matching', underline=0, padding=2)

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_support_dividends(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='dividends')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            # create and add label
            self._create_label(frame)

            # create and add text
            self._create_text()

            # Header
            self.text.insert(END, "\nDividends", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nDividends are paid out daily for certain stocks.")

            # Seperator
            self._create_seperator()

            # Body
            self.text.insert(END, "Each day, any stocks with a price of ")
            self.text.insert(END, "$30.00", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " or more will pay out a ")
            self.text.insert(END, "1%", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " dividend for each stock to shareholders in that stock.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nFor example, if a certain stock is worth ")
            self.text.insert(END, "$50", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " and you own ")
            self.text.insert(END, "200", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " stocks, you will be paid out ")
            self.text.insert(END, "$100", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " each day for owning that stock!")

            # set text state to disabled
            self.text.config(state=DISABLED)

            # create scrolled text widget
            xscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.xview,
                                orient=HORIZONTAL)
            yscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.yview,
                                orient=VERTICAL)
            self.text.configure(xscrollcommand=xscroll.set, yscrollcommand=yscroll.set)

            # position in frame and set resize constraints
            self.text.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky=NSEW)
            yscroll.grid(row=0, column=1, sticky=NSEW)
            frame.rowconfigure(0, weight=1)
            frame.columnconfigure(0, weight=1)

            # pack text into notebook
            self.text.pack()

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='Dividends', underline=0, padding=2)

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_support_definitions(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='definitions')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            # create and add label
            self._create_label(frame)

            # create and add text
            self._create_text()

            # Header
            self.text.insert(END, "\nDefinitions", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nA quick rundown of the definitions used on the site and stock trading in general.")

            # Seperator
            self._create_seperator()

            # Body
            self.text.insert(END, "GTC", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\nGood 'Til Cancelled - ", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, "This is where a buy or sell order will not expire at the end of the trading day.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nEOD", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\nEnd of Day - ", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, "This is where a buy or sell order will expire at the end of the trading day.")

            # set text state to disabled
            self.text.config(state=DISABLED)

            # create scrolled text widget
            xscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.xview,
                                orient=HORIZONTAL)
            yscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.yview,
                                orient=VERTICAL)
            self.text.configure(xscrollcommand=xscroll.set, yscrollcommand=yscroll.set)

            # position in frame and set resize constraints
            self.text.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky=NSEW)
            yscroll.grid(row=0, column=1, sticky=NSEW)
            frame.rowconfigure(0, weight=1)
            frame.columnconfigure(0, weight=1)

            # pack text into notebook
            self.text.pack()

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='Definitions', underline=0, padding=2)

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_support_rules(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='rules')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            # create and add label
            self._create_label(frame)

            # create and add text
            self._create_text()

            # Header
            self.text.insert(END, "\nRules", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nThese rules apply to the exchange and are enforced automatically.")

            # Seperator
            self._create_seperator()

            # Body
            self.text.insert(END, "1. You cannot own more than ")
            self.text.insert(END, "100%", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " of a stock at any one time.")

            self.text.insert(END, "\n\n2. You cannot place a limit buy or sell order more than ")
            self.text.insert(END, "10%", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " away from the current market price of a stock.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\nFor example, if a stock price is ")
            self.text.insert(END, "$100", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, ", you cannot place a limit sell order for less than ")
            self.text.insert(END, "$90", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, ", or more than ")
            self.text.insert(END, "$110.", 'bold')

            self.text.insert(END, "\n\n3. Stocks with a value over ")
            self.text.insert(END, "$50", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " that changes by ")
            self.text.insert(END, "10%", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, " or more on a single day will halt trading until the end of the day.")

            # set text state to disabled
            self.text.config(state=DISABLED)

            # create scrolled text widget
            xscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.xview,
                                orient=HORIZONTAL)
            yscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.yview,
                                orient=VERTICAL)
            self.text.configure(xscrollcommand=xscroll.set, yscrollcommand=yscroll.set)

            # position in frame and set resize constraints
            self.text.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky=NSEW)
            yscroll.grid(row=0, column=1, sticky=NSEW)
            frame.rowconfigure(0, weight=1)
            frame.columnconfigure(0, weight=1)

            # pack text into notebook
            self.text.pack()

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='Rules', underline=0, padding=2)

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        def create_support_faq(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='faq')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            # create and add label
            self._create_label(frame)

            # create and add text
            self._create_text()

            # Header
            self.text.insert(END, "\nFrequently Asked Questions", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nHere, you can find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.")

            # Seperator
            self._create_seperator()

            # Body
            self.text.insert(END, "Q: What is stock trading all about?", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nA: ", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, "Stock trading is all about return on investment.")
            self.text.insert(END, "\nWe start you off with some virtual cash to buy your initial stocks, but from there on out you'll need to manage your own portfolio.")

            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nQ. Can I use real money?", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nA: ", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, "No, only virtual money is used here. More money cannot be given or bought.")

            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nQ. Can I make my own stock?", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nA: ", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, "You can apply to have stock added. You must have at least $5,000.00 cash to apply.")

            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nQ. I've made my own stock, how do other people buy it?", 'big')
            self.text.insert(END, "\n\nA: ", 'bold')
            self.text.insert(END, "You must create a sell order to sell the stock that was given to you, so others can then buy it.")

            # set text state to disabled
            self.text.config(state=DISABLED)

            # create scrolled text widget
            xscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.xview,
                                orient=HORIZONTAL)
            yscroll = ttk.Scrollbar(frame, command=self.text.yview,
                                orient=VERTICAL)
            self.text.configure(xscrollcommand=xscroll.set, yscrollcommand=yscroll.set)

            # position in frame and set resize constraints
            self.text.grid(row=0, column=0, sticky=NSEW)
            yscroll.grid(row=0, column=1, sticky=NSEW)
            frame.rowconfigure(0, weight=1)
            frame.columnconfigure(0, weight=1)

            # pack text into notebook
            self.text.pack()

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='FAQ', underline=0, padding=2)

        #_____________________________________________________________________________

        create_support_getting_started(self)
        create_support_stocks(self)
        create_support_buying_stocks(self)
        create_support_selling_stocks(self)
        create_support_order_fees(self)
        create_support_order_matching(self)
        create_support_dividends(self)
        create_support_definitions(self)
        create_support_rules(self)
        create_support_faq(self)

    # ================================================================================
    # admin section function
    # ================================================================================

    def _admin(self):

        self._create_canvas('Admin')

        # create the notebook
        name='admin'
        self._create_notebook(name)

        def create_admin_dashboard(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='dashboard')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            msg = ["Ttk is the new Tk themed widget set. One of the widgets ",
                   "it includes is the notebook widget, which provides a set ",
                   "of tabs that allow the selection of a group of panels, ",
                   "each with distinct content. They are a feature of many ",
                   "modern user interfaces. Not only can the tabs be selected ",
                   "with the mouse, but they can also be switched between ",
                   "using Ctrl+Tab when the notebook page heading itself is ",
                   "selected. Note that the second tab is disabled, and cannot "
                   "be selected."]

            lbl = ttk.Label(frame, wraplength='7i', justify=LEFT, anchor=N,
                            text=''.join(msg))

            # position and set resize behaviour
            lbl.grid(row=0, column=0, columnspan=2, sticky='new', pady=5)

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='Dashboard', underline=0, padding=2)

        def create_admin_stocks(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='stocks')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='Stocks', underline=0, padding=2)

        def create_admin_buy_orders(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='buy_orders')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='Buy Orders', underline=0, padding=2)

        def create_admin_sell_orders(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='sell_orders')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='Sell Orders', underline=0, padding=2)

        def create_admin_news(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='news')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='News', underline=0, padding=2)

        def create_admin_users(self):
            frame = ttk.Frame(self.nb, name='users')
            frame.pack(side=TOP, fill=BOTH, expand=Y)

            # add to notebook (underline = index for short-cut character)
            self.nb.add(frame, text='Users', underline=0, padding=2)

        create_admin_dashboard(self)
        create_admin_stocks(self)
        create_admin_buy_orders(self)
        create_admin_sell_orders(self)
        create_admin_news(self)
        create_admin_users(self)

    # ================================================================================
    # fill stock pane function (with API)
    # ================================================================================

    def _stock_pane(self):
        # create and add stock labels
        stocks = ('AVLN',
                 'ASTR',
                 'BETA',
                 'DAAS',
                 'EQNX',
                 'KAYT',
                 'RFRD')

        ltop = self.nametowidget('model.outer.left.ltop')
        for each in stocks:
            # extract and format stock identifier
            identifier = each.split('/')[-1]
            identifier = [c if c != '_' else ' ' for c in identifier]

            # create two labels for each stock; one with the identifier
            # the other to hold the stock price
            lbl = ttk.Label(ltop, text=''.join(identifier), anchor=W)
            price = ttk.Label(ltop,  textvariable=StringVar(), anchor=W)
            lbl.pack(fill=X)
            price.pack(fill=X)
            ttk.Separator(ltop).pack(fill=X)

            # set the current price for the indicated stock
            self._update_stock_price(price, each)

    # ================================================================================
    # update stock pane function (with API)
    # ================================================================================

    def _update_stock_price(self, price, identifier):
            # stock label helper function
            # sets the price immediately and updates it every 1000ms
            #
            # price - one of the 'stock' labels
            # stock - the associated stock identifier

            stocks=open(stocks_file, 'rb')
            stock_data = []
            end_of_file=False

            while not end_of_file:
              try:
                # Unpickle the next object.
                stock = pickle.load(stocks)

                # Store the next object
                stock_data.append([stock.get_identifier(), stock.get_price()])

              except EOFError:
                        # Set the flag to indicate the end
                        # of the file has been reached
                        end_of_file = True

            # Close the file
            stocks.close()

            for each in stock_data:
                if each[0] == identifier:
                    c=each[1]

            varname = price.cget('textvariable')
            price.setvar(varname, c)

            self.after(1000, self._update_stock_price, *(price, identifier))

    # ================================================================================
    # logout function
    # ================================================================================

    def _logout(self):
        self.logged_in=False
        self._home()

# ===================================================================================

# function for the main program

if __name__ == '__main__':

    #_________________________________________________________________________________

    # global variable to store current directory

    cwd = os.getcwd()
    new_cwd = ""

    for each in cwd:

        if each == '\\':
            each = '/'

        new_cwd+=each

    cwd=new_cwd

    #_________________________________________________________________________________

    # global variables to store filepaths for static data
    stocks_file = (cwd + '/data/stocks.dat') # Stock Data
    transaction_file = (cwd + '/data/transactions.dat') # Transaction Data
    user_file = (cwd + '/data/users.dat') # User Data
    user_stocks_file = (cwd + '/data/user_stocks.dat') # User Stocks Data

    #_________________________________________________________________________________

    # global variables to store filepaths for data feeds
    news_file = (cwd + '/feeds/news.dat') # News Feeds
    notification_file = (cwd + '/feeds/notifications.dat') # Notification Feeds
    stock_history_file = (cwd + '/feeds/stock_history.dat') # Market Feeds


    #_________________________________________________________________________________

    # global variables to store filepaths for orders
    buy_orders_file = (cwd + '/orders/buy_orders.dat') # Buy Orders
    sell_orders_file = (cwd + '/orders/sell_orders.dat') # Sell Orders

    #_________________________________________________________________________________

    # call the main program

    App().mainloop()