Yes, I’ve tried AppDaemon, pyscript, python_scripts and Node-Red.
- python_scripts cannot have triggers, so you still have to rely on YAML+Jinja for these
- Pyscript seems easy and coincise, but I found it way too unstable. After installing I got big fat warnings saying it could break HA. I dismissed them a bit worried, and I proceeded writing my first automation, made of 2 lines: a trigger on a device attribute (temperature of generic_thermostat) and a log message. I spent an hour trying to understand why it wouldn’t trigger, then I’ve tried to restart HA, and it began to work. So I added a third line, and it stopped triggering again. Not a good first look.
- Node-Red: great interface, great debugging; but I’ve tried it two times, and immediately I found myself writing code inside nodes. If I have to do that, I can do it on a text editor (I guess this more because of how HA internals are exposed to it, not Node-Red itself).
- I’m trying AppDaemon now, but callbacks and the plethora of “self.” doesn’t make it so friendly - but at least it’s poweful.
I think HA need something between YAML and AppDaemon. I understand removing Jinja would break HA, but it’s not impossible to empower something else at its side.
Thinking about difficulties encountered by new HA users (like me) I’d at least put on official documentation:
- A better documentation on how Jinja relates with YAML
- That mysterious Jinja “undocumented” methods and goodies (not the official documentation only)
Then, endorse one between Pyscript or Node-Red, or even AppDaemon, and make operations as smooth as possible, making it easy for casual users.