Feature Request: Kew With File Input Via Command Line

by ADMIN 54 views

Hey guys,

I've got a feature suggestion for Kew that I think could be a real game-changer for how we use it. It's all about making it even easier to play files directly from the command line. Let's dive into the details and see what you think.

The Idea: Command Line File Input

My main keyword here is command line file input, and the core idea is to allow users to pass files directly to Kew as command-line arguments. Imagine being able to type something like this:

kew --input file1.mp3 file2.flac [...]

This would tell Kew to create a temporary playlist with file1.mp3, file2.flac, and any other files you specify. It's super straightforward and could seriously streamline our workflows.

Why This Matters

This feature is crucial because it enhances usability and efficiency. Think about it: how often do you find yourself wanting to quickly play a few specific files without having to create a full playlist or navigate through a GUI? This command-line option would make that process incredibly fast and easy. For us command-line aficionados, this is a total win!

Currently, the process for playing specific files often involves opening Kew, manually adding the files to a playlist, and then playing the playlist. This can be a bit cumbersome, especially if you just want to listen to a few tracks quickly. The proposed feature would bypass these steps, allowing for immediate playback with minimal effort. It’s all about speed and convenience.

Streamlining Workflows

Consider scenarios where you're working with audio files in a terminal, perhaps transcoding or organizing them. Being able to pipe files directly into Kew for playback would be incredibly efficient. You could, for example, use find to locate specific files and then immediately play them with Kew. This level of integration can significantly speed up your workflow and keep you in the command-line environment, which many of us prefer.

Another key benefit is the ability to integrate Kew with other command-line tools. Imagine using tools like ffmpeg to extract audio from video files and then instantly playing those extracted files with Kew. The possibilities are vast, and this feature would open up a whole new world of command-line audio manipulation.

Temporary Playlists for the Win

The suggestion includes the creation of a temporary playlist. This is a key element because it keeps things clean and organized. Instead of cluttering your permanent playlists with one-off playback sessions, Kew would create a temporary playlist specifically for the files passed via the command line. Once you’re done listening, the playlist disappears, keeping your library tidy.

This approach also allows for flexibility in how you manage your audio. You can quickly listen to a set of files without affecting your existing playlists, making it perfect for previewing tracks or just enjoying a temporary mix. The temporary nature of the playlist ensures that your library remains uncluttered and well-organized.

Use Cases: Real-World Examples

Let's break down some real-world use cases to illustrate the power of this feature.

  1. Quick Previews: Imagine you're sifting through a folder of audio files and want to quickly preview a few tracks. With this feature, you could simply type kew --input track1.mp3 track2.flac track3.wav and instantly hear them. No need to import them into a playlist or use a separate preview tool.
  2. Command-Line Workflows: For those of us who live in the terminal, this is a game-changer. You could use tools like find to locate files based on certain criteria (e.g., all FLAC files in a directory) and then pipe the results directly into Kew for playback. This creates a seamless command-line audio workflow.
  3. Educational Settings: This feature could be incredibly useful in educational settings, such as music production classes or audio engineering workshops. Students could quickly load and play audio samples or recordings without having to navigate complex interfaces.
  4. DJing and Live Performances: DJs and live performers could use this feature to quickly load tracks for a set. Imagine having a script that automatically loads specific tracks based on the mood or energy of the crowd. This level of flexibility could be a game-changer for live performances.
  5. Accessibility: For users with accessibility needs, a command-line interface can be much easier to navigate than a graphical one. This feature would make Kew more accessible to a wider range of users.

Technical Feasibility: Is It Doable?

Now, let's talk about the technical side. I'm not a developer myself, so I'm not sure about the intricacies of implementing this, but it seems feasible. Many command-line media players support this kind of file input, so there's precedent for it. The main challenge might be integrating it seamlessly with Kew's existing playlist management system.

The key would be to ensure that the command-line input doesn’t interfere with the user’s regular playlists and that the temporary playlist is handled gracefully. This might involve creating a separate mode or flag for command-line input to avoid conflicts with the GUI.

Potential Implementation Details

Here are a few ideas on how this could be implemented:

  • --input Flag: As suggested earlier, a --input flag could be used to specify the files to play. This is a common convention in command-line tools and would be easy for users to understand.
  • Temporary Playlist Handling: Kew could create a temporary playlist in memory, load the specified files into it, and then start playback. Once playback is stopped, the temporary playlist could be automatically deleted.
  • Error Handling: The implementation should include robust error handling to deal with cases where files are not found or are not supported formats. This would ensure a smooth user experience.
  • Integration with Existing Features: The new feature should integrate seamlessly with Kew’s existing features, such as looping, shuffling, and playback controls. This would ensure that users can use the command-line input in conjunction with other functionalities.

Why This Feature Rocks

Let's reiterate why this feature is so awesome. It's all about:

  • Efficiency: Quickly play files without manual playlist creation.
  • Command-Line Integration: Seamlessly use Kew in terminal workflows.
  • Temporary Playlists: Keep your library clean and organized.

This feature really boils down to giving us more control and flexibility over how we use Kew. It's about making the tool work even better for our specific needs, especially for those of us who love the command line.

Alternatives Considered

Of course, there are other ways to achieve similar results, but none are quite as elegant or efficient. For example, you could manually create a playlist each time you want to play specific files, but that's time-consuming. You could also use a different media player that already supports command-line input, but that means switching away from Kew, which we all love.

The proposed feature strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and power. It provides a quick and easy way to play files without requiring a complete overhaul of Kew’s existing functionality. It’s a targeted solution that addresses a specific need in a highly effective manner.

Conclusion: Let's Make This Happen!

So, what do you guys think? I genuinely believe this feature would be a fantastic addition to Kew. It would make the player even more versatile and user-friendly, especially for those of us who love the command line. Let's discuss this and see if we can make it happen!

I'm eager to hear your thoughts and any suggestions you might have. Let’s work together to make Kew even better!