[BUGFIX] Fix "File name too long" error when a title is used as a folder name (#1479)

Some presets put the video title into a folder name (not just the file name). The code only shortened the file name, never the folder name. So a title with multi-byte characters (like bold/fancy Unicode, which take 4 bytes each) could make the folder name go over the OS 255-byte limit and crash with OSError: [Errno 36] File name too long.

This fix shortens every folder in the path too, not just the file name, while keeping the file extension. output_directory is left alone so real folders aren't touched.

Added a test with a title made of 4-byte bold Unicode characters.

Relates to #1092, #1189

-- Thanks @Nojyto for the contribution!

.github/workflows/release.yaml

@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ jobs:
     name: build-windows
     needs:
       - version
-    runs-on: windows-2019
+    runs-on: windows-latest
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v3
       - name: Set up Python

.gitignore

@@ -146,8 +146,11 @@ docker/testing/volumes
 .local/
 
 .ytdl-sub-working-directory
+.ytdl-sub-lock
 
 ffmpeg.exe
 ffprobe.exe
 
-tools/docgen/out
+tools/docgen/out
+
+prof/

.readthedocs.yaml

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ build:
 
 sphinx:
   configuration: docs/source/conf.py
+  fail_on_warning: true
 
 python:
   install:
@@ -14,4 +15,4 @@ python:
     - method: pip
       path: .
       extra_requirements:
-        - docs
+        - docs

Makefile

@@ -1,7 +1,20 @@
+# Defensive settings for make:
+#     https://tech.davis-hansson.com/p/make/
+SHELL:=bash
+.ONESHELL:
+.SHELLFLAGS:=-eu -o pipefail -c
+.SILENT:
+.DELETE_ON_ERROR:
+MAKEFLAGS+=--warn-undefined-variables
+MAKEFLAGS+=--no-builtin-rules
+export PS1?=$$
+# Prefix echoed recipe commands with the recipe line number for debugging:
+export PS4?=:$$LINENO+
+
 # Get version related variables
-export DATE=$(shell date +'%Y.%m.%d')
-export DATE_COMMIT_COUNT=$(shell git rev-list --count HEAD --since="$(DATE) 00:00:00")
-export COMMIT_HASH=$(shell git rev-parse --short HEAD)
+export DATE:=$(shell date +'%Y.%m.%d')
+export DATE_COMMIT_COUNT:=$(shell git rev-list --count HEAD --since="$(DATE) 00:00:00")
+export COMMIT_HASH:=$(shell git rev-parse --short HEAD)
 
 # Set Local version to YYYY.MM.DD-<hash>
 export LOCAL_VERSION="$(DATE)+$(COMMIT_HASH)"
@@ -13,13 +26,22 @@ else
 	export PYPI_VERSION="$(DATE).post$(DATE_COMMIT_COUNT)"
 endif
 
+# Finished with `$(shell)`, echo recipe commands going forward
+.SHELLFLAGS+= -x
+
+
+### Top-level targets:
+
+.PHONY: all
+all: check_lint docs docker docker_ubuntu docker_gui
+
 lint:
-	python3 -m isort .
-	python3 -m black .
+	python3 -m ruff format .
+	python3 -m ruff check --fix .
 	python3 -m pylint src
 check_lint:
-	isort . --check-only --diff  \
-		&& black . --check  \
+	ruff format --check .  \
+        && ruff check .  \
 		&& pylint src/
 wheel: clean
 	$(shell echo "__pypi_version__ = \"$(PYPI_VERSION)\"" > src/ytdl_sub/__init__.py)
@@ -41,7 +63,8 @@ executable: clean
 	mv dist/ytdl-sub dist/ytdl-sub${EXEC_SUFFIX}
 docs:
 	REGENERATE_DOCS=1 pytest tests/unit/docgen/test_docgen.py
-	sphinx-build -M html docs/source/ docs/build/
+	sphinx-build --write-all --fail-on-warning --nitpicky -b html \
+	    "./docs/source/" "./docs/build/"
 clean:
 	rm -rf \
 		.pytest_cache/ \

README.md

@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ __preset__:
     
   # Pass any arg directly to yt-dlp's Python API
   ytdl_options:
-    cookiefile: "/config/cookie.txt" 
+    cookiefile: "/config/ytdl-sub-configs/cookie.txt"
 
 ###################################################################
 # TV Show Presets. Can replace Plex with Plex/Jellyfin/Emby/Kodi

docker/Dockerfile

@@ -7,16 +7,20 @@ FROM ghcr.io/linuxserver/baseimage-alpine:edge
 ENV OPENSSL_CONF="/etc/ssl"
 # For downloading thumbnails
 ENV SSL_CERT_DIR="/etc/ssl/certs/"
+# Working directory used at both build and run times:
+ENV DEFAULT_WORKSPACE="/config"
 
 COPY root/ /
-RUN mkdir -p /config && \
+RUN mkdir -pv "${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}" && \
     apk update --no-cache && \
     apk upgrade --no-cache && \
     apk add --no-cache --repository=http://dl-3.alpinelinux.org/alpine/edge/main/ \
       vim \
       g++ \
       nano \
+      unzip \
       make \
+      deno \
       libffi-dev \
       "python3>=3.10" \
       py3-pip \
@@ -28,41 +32,44 @@ RUN mkdir -p /config && \
       "aria2>=1.36.0" && \
     ffmpeg -version && \
     aria2c --version && \
+    deno --version && \
     # Install phantomjs if using x86_64, ensure it is properly installed
     if [[ $(uname -m) == "x86_64" ]]; then \
+      echo "installing phantomjs" && \
       apk add --no-cache gcompat && \
-      cd /usr/share && \
-      curl -L https://bitbucket.org/ariya/phantomjs/downloads/phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64.tar.bz2 | tar xj && \
-      mv /usr/share/phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64/bin/phantomjs phantomjs && \
-      rm -rf /usr/share/phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64 && \
+      tar -xjvf /defaults/phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64.tar.bz2 && \
+      mv phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64/bin/phantomjs /usr/share/phantomjs && \
+      rm -rf phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64 && \
+      rm /defaults/phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64.tar.bz2 && \
       ln -s /usr/share/phantomjs /usr/bin/phantomjs && \
       echo "Phantom JS version:" && \
       phantomjs --version && \
       cd -; \
     fi && \
-    echo "hi" && \
-    # Install ytdl-sub, ensure it is installed properly
-    python3 -m pip install --break-system-packages --no-cache-dir ytdl_sub-*.whl && \
+    # Configure pip globally
+    echo -e "[global]\nbreak-system-packages = true\nroot-user-action = ignore\nno-cache-dir = true" > /etc/pip.conf && \
+    # Install ytdl-sub and yt-dlp dependencies, ensure they are installed properly
+    python3 -m pip install ytdl_sub-*.whl curl-cffi yt-dlp-ejs && \
       ytdl-sub -h && \
     # Delete unneeded packages after install
     rm ytdl_sub-*.whl && \
     apk del \
       g++ \
       make \
-      libffi-dev \
-      py3-pip \
-      py3-setuptools
+      libffi-dev && \
+    python3 -m pip --help
+
 
 ###############################################################################
 # CONTAINER CONFIGS
 
 ENV EDITOR="nano" \
-HOME="/config" \
+HOME="${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}" \
 DOCKER_MODS=linuxserver/mods:universal-stdout-logs|linuxserver/mods:universal-cron \
-DEFAULT_WORKSPACE=/config \
-CRON_SCRIPT="/config/cron" \
-CRON_WRAPPER_SCRIPT="/config/.cron_wrapper" \
-LOGS_TO_STDOUT=/config/.cron.log \
+CRON_SCRIPT="${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}/cron" \
+CRON_WRAPPER_SCRIPT="${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}/.cron_wrapper" \
+LOGS_TO_STDOUT="${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}/.cron.log" \
 LSIO_FIRST_PARTY=false
 
-VOLUME /config
+VOLUME "${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}"
+WORKDIR "${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}"

docker/Dockerfile.gui

@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ FROM lscr.io/linuxserver/code-server:4.98.2
 ENV OPENSSL_CONF="/etc/ssl"
 # For downloading thumbnails
 ENV SSL_CERT_DIR="/etc/ssl/certs/"
+# Working directory used at both build and run times:
+ENV DEFAULT_WORKSPACE="/config/ytdl-sub-configs"
 
 ###############################################################################
 # YTDL-SUB INSTALL
@@ -21,6 +23,7 @@ RUN mkdir -p /config && \
       vim \
       g++ \
       nano \
+      unzip \
       make \
       python3-pip \
       fontconfig \
@@ -51,16 +54,21 @@ RUN mkdir -p /config && \
     ffmpeg -version && \
     # Install phantomjs if using x86_64, ensure it is properly installed
     if [[ $(uname -m) == "x86_64" ]]; then \
-      curl -L -o phantomjs.tar.bz2 https://bitbucket.org/ariya/phantomjs/downloads/phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64.tar.bz2 && \
-      tar -xvf phantomjs.tar.bz2 && \
+      echo "installing phantomjs" && \
+      tar -xjvf /defaults/phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64.tar.bz2 && \
       mv phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64/bin/phantomjs /usr/bin/phantomjs && \
-      rm -rf phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64/ && \
-      rm phantomjs.tar.bz2 && \
+      rm -rf phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64 && \
+      rm /defaults/phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64.tar.bz2 && \
       echo "Phantom JS version:" && \
       phantomjs --version ; \
     fi && \
-    # Install ytdl-sub, ensure it is installed properly
-    pip install --no-cache-dir --break-system-packages ytdl_sub-*.whl && \
+    # Install Deno, required for YouTube downloads
+    curl -fsSL https://deno.land/install.sh | DENO_INSTALL=/usr/local sh -s -- -y --no-modify-path && \
+    deno --help && \
+    # Configure pip globally
+    echo -e "[global]\nbreak-system-packages = true\nroot-user-action = ignore\nno-cache-dir = true" > /etc/pip.conf && \
+    # Install ytdl-sub and yt-dlp dependencies, ensure they are installed properly
+    python3 -m pip install ytdl_sub-*.whl curl-cffi yt-dlp-ejs && \
       ytdl-sub -h && \
     # Delete unneeded packages after install
     rm ytdl_sub-*.whl && \
@@ -68,11 +76,11 @@ RUN mkdir -p /config && \
       g++ \
       make \
       xz-utils \
-      bzip2 \
-      python3-venv && \
+      bzip2 && \
     apt-get autoremove -y && \
     apt-get purge -y --auto-remove && \
-    rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*
+    rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/* && \
+    python3 -m pip --help
 
 ###############################################################################
 # CONTAINER CONFIGS
@@ -80,10 +88,10 @@ RUN mkdir -p /config && \
 ENV EDITOR="nano" \
 HOME="/config" \
 DOCKER_MODS=linuxserver/mods:universal-stdout-logs|linuxserver/mods:universal-cron \
-DEFAULT_WORKSPACE=/config/ytdl-sub-configs \
-CRON_SCRIPT="/config/ytdl-sub-configs/cron" \
+CRON_SCRIPT="${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}/cron" \
 CRON_WRAPPER_SCRIPT="/config/.cron_wrapper" \
 LOGS_TO_STDOUT=/config/.cron.log \
 LSIO_FIRST_PARTY=false
 
-VOLUME /config
+VOLUME /config
+WORKDIR "${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}"

docker/Dockerfile.headless

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Dockerfile

docker/Dockerfile.ubuntu

@@ -7,13 +7,15 @@ ARG DEBIAN_FRONTEND=noninteractive
 ENV OPENSSL_CONF="/etc/ssl"
 # For downloading thumbnails
 ENV SSL_CERT_DIR="/etc/ssl/certs/"
+# Working directory used at both build and run times:
+ENV DEFAULT_WORKSPACE="/config"
 
 ###############################################################################
 # YTDL-SUB INSTALL
 
 SHELL ["/bin/bash", "-c"]
 COPY root/ /
-RUN mkdir -p /config && \
+RUN mkdir -pv "${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}" && \
     apt-get -y update && \
     apt-get -y upgrade && \
     apt-get install --no-install-recommends -y \
@@ -24,6 +26,7 @@ RUN mkdir -p /config && \
       vim \
       g++ \
       nano \
+      unzip \
       make \
       python3-pip \
       fontconfig \
@@ -54,16 +57,21 @@ RUN mkdir -p /config && \
     ffmpeg -version && \
     # Install phantomjs if using x86_64, ensure it is properly installed
     if [[ $(uname -m) == "x86_64" ]]; then \
-      curl -L -o phantomjs.tar.bz2 https://bitbucket.org/ariya/phantomjs/downloads/phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64.tar.bz2 && \
-      tar -xvf phantomjs.tar.bz2 && \
+      echo "installing phantomjs" && \
+      tar -xjvf /defaults/phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64.tar.bz2 && \
       mv phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64/bin/phantomjs /usr/bin/phantomjs && \
-      rm -rf phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64/ && \
-      rm phantomjs.tar.bz2 && \
+      rm -rf phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64 && \
+      rm /defaults/phantomjs-2.1.1-linux-x86_64.tar.bz2 && \
       echo "Phantom JS version:" && \
       phantomjs --version ; \
     fi && \
-    # Install ytdl-sub, ensure it is installed properly
-    pip install --no-cache-dir --break-system-packages ytdl_sub-*.whl && \
+    # Install Deno, required for YouTube downloads
+    curl -fsSL https://deno.land/install.sh | DENO_INSTALL=/usr/local sh -s -- -y --no-modify-path && \
+    deno --help && \
+    # Configure pip globally
+    echo -e "[global]\nbreak-system-packages = true\nroot-user-action = ignore\nno-cache-dir = true" > /etc/pip.conf && \
+    # Install ytdl-sub and yt-dlp dependencies, ensure they are installed properly
+    python3 -m pip install ytdl_sub-*.whl curl-cffi yt-dlp-ejs && \
       ytdl-sub -h && \
     # Delete unneeded packages after install
     rm ytdl_sub-*.whl && \
@@ -71,22 +79,22 @@ RUN mkdir -p /config && \
       g++ \
       make \
       xz-utils \
-      bzip2 \
-      python3-venv && \
+      bzip2 && \
     apt-get autoremove -y && \
     apt-get purge -y --auto-remove && \
-    rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*
+    rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/* && \
+    python3 -m pip --help
 
 ###############################################################################
 # CONTAINER CONFIGS
 
 ENV EDITOR="nano" \
-HOME="/config" \
+HOME="${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}" \
 DOCKER_MODS=linuxserver/mods:universal-stdout-logs|linuxserver/mods:universal-cron \
-DEFAULT_WORKSPACE=/config \
-CRON_SCRIPT="/config/cron" \
-CRON_WRAPPER_SCRIPT="/config/.cron_wrapper" \
-LOGS_TO_STDOUT=/config/.cron.log \
+CRON_SCRIPT="${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}/cron" \
+CRON_WRAPPER_SCRIPT="${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}/.cron_wrapper" \
+LOGS_TO_STDOUT="${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}/.cron.log" \
 LSIO_FIRST_PARTY=false
 
-VOLUME /config
+VOLUME "${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}"
+WORKDIR "${DEFAULT_WORKSPACE}"

docker/root/custom-cont-init.d/defaults

@@ -17,12 +17,28 @@ echo "Starting ytdl-sub..."
   echo "alias ls='ls --color=auto'" > /config/.bashrc && \
   echo "cd ." >> /config/.bashrc
 
+# always create empty cron log file on start
+echo "" > "$LOGS_TO_STDOUT"
+
 # permissions
 chown -R ${PUID:-abc}:${PGID:-abc} \
     /config
 
-# always create empty cron log file on start
-echo "" > "$LOGS_TO_STDOUT"
+# update command reference:
+# https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/wiki/Installation#with-pip
+if [ "$UPDATE_YT_DLP_ON_START" == "stable" ] ; then
+    echo "UPDATE_YT_DLP_ON_START is set to stable, attempting to update to a new stable version of yt-dlp if it exists."
+    python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp[default]" 
+elif [ "$UPDATE_YT_DLP_ON_START" == "nightly" ] ; then
+    echo "UPDATE_YT_DLP_ON_START is set to nightly, attempting to update to the latest nightly version of yt-dlp."
+    python3 -m pip install -U --pre "yt-dlp[default]"
+elif [ "$UPDATE_YT_DLP_ON_START" == "master" ] ; then
+    echo "UPDATE_YT_DLP_ON_START is set to master, pulling yt-dlp's latest commit for install."
+    python3 -m pip install -U pip hatchling wheel
+    python3 -m pip install --force-reinstall "yt-dlp[default] @ https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/archive/master.tar.gz"
+else
+    echo "UPDATE_YT_DLP_ON_START is not set, using packaged version."
+fi
 
 # set up cron
 if [ "$CRON_SCHEDULE" != "" ] ; then
@@ -31,9 +47,11 @@ if [ "$CRON_SCHEDULE" != "" ] ; then
 
     # create cron script wrapper
     echo '#!/bin/bash' > "$CRON_WRAPPER_SCRIPT"
+    # Echo commands for easier user debugging:
+    echo "set -x" >> "$CRON_WRAPPER_SCRIPT"
     echo "PATH=/usr/local/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/bin:/sbin:/bin" >> "$CRON_WRAPPER_SCRIPT"
     echo "cd \"$DEFAULT_WORKSPACE\"" >> "$CRON_WRAPPER_SCRIPT"
-    echo ". \"$CRON_SCRIPT\" | tee -a \"$LOGS_TO_STDOUT\"" >> "$CRON_WRAPPER_SCRIPT"
+    echo ". \"$CRON_SCRIPT\" >> \"$LOGS_TO_STDOUT\" 2>&1" >> "$CRON_WRAPPER_SCRIPT"
     chmod +x "$CRON_WRAPPER_SCRIPT"
     chown abc:abc "$CRON_WRAPPER_SCRIPT"
 

docker/root/defaults/config.yaml

@@ -16,4 +16,7 @@
 # See the documentation above on how to build your own custom presets.
 #
 configuration:
+  # Avoid unnecessarily long large file renames, set this to a path on the same
+  # filesystem as the destination for downloaded files in the `overrides: /
+  # *_directory:` paths:
   working_directory: ".ytdl-sub-working-directory"

docker/root/defaults/cron

@@ -1,4 +1,15 @@
-echo "Beginning cron job..."
-
 # Place your ytdl-sub command(s) here.
-# This script is executed in the same relative path as this file.
+#
+# This script is executed in the same directory as this file which also contains the
+# default `./config.yaml` and `./subscriptions.yaml`, so you don't need to use the
+# `--config` CLI option or pass a `SUBPATH` to the `$ ytdl-sub sub` sub-command.
+#
+# Test your configuration and subscriptions carefully before automating downloads to
+# prevent triggering throttles or bans:
+#
+# https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/guides/getting_started/downloading.html
+#
+# Once you've tested your configuration and you're ready to download entries unattended,
+# remove the next line and un-comment the following line:
+echo "WARNING: Read /config/ytdl-sub-configs/cron and modify to automate downloads."
+# ytdl-sub sub

docker/root/defaults/subscriptions.yaml

@@ -15,12 +15,12 @@ __preset__:
     music_video_directory: "/music_videos"
 
     # For 'Only Recent' preset, only keep vids within this range and limit
-    only_recent_date_range: "2months"
-    only_recent_max_files: 30
+    # only_recent_date_range: "2months"
+    # only_recent_max_files: 30
 
   # Pass any arg directly to yt-dlp's Python API
-  ytdl_options:
-    cookiefile: "/config/cookie.txt"
+  # ytdl_options:
+  #   cookiefile: "/config/ytdl-sub-configs/cookie.txt"
 
 ###################################################################
 # Subscriptions nested under this will use the
@@ -35,52 +35,54 @@ Plex TV Show by Date:
   # Sets genre tag to "Documentaries"
   = Documentaries:
     "NOVA PBS": "https://www.youtube.com/@novapbs"
-    "National Geographic": "https://www.youtube.com/@NatGeo"
-    "Cosmos - What If": "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZdXRHYAVxTJno6oFF9nLGuwXNGYHmE8U"
+    # "National Geographic": "https://www.youtube.com/@NatGeo"
+    # "Cosmos - What If": "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZdXRHYAVxTJno6oFF9nLGuwXNGYHmE8U"
 
   # Sets genre tag to "Kids", "TV-Y" for content rating
-  = Kids | = TV-Y:
-    "Jake Trains": "https://www.youtube.com/@JakeTrains"
-    "Kids Toys Play": "https://www.youtube.com/@KidsToysPlayChannel"
+  # = Kids | = TV-Y:
+  #   "Jake Trains": "https://www.youtube.com/@JakeTrains"
+  #   "Kids Toys Play": "https://www.youtube.com/@KidsToysPlayChannel"
 
-  = Music:
-    # TV show subscriptions can support multiple urls and store in the same TV Show
-    "Rick Beato":
-      - "https://www.youtube.com/@RickBeato"
-      - "https://www.youtube.com/@rickbeato240"
+  # = Music:
+  #   # TV show subscriptions can support multiple urls and store in the same TV Show
+  #   "Rick Beato":
+  #     - "https://www.youtube.com/@RickBeato"
+  #     - "https://www.youtube.com/@rickbeato240"
 
   # Set genre tag to "News", use `Only Recent` preset to only store videos uploaded recently
-  = News | Only Recent:
-    "BBC News": "https://www.youtube.com/@BBCNews"
+  # = News | Only Recent:
+  #   "BBC News": "https://www.youtube.com/@BBCNews"
 
 ###################################################################
 # Subscriptions nested under these will use the various prebuilt
 # music presets
-YouTube Releases:
-  = Jazz:  # Sets genre tag to "Jazz"
-    "Thelonious Monk": "https://www.youtube.com/@theloniousmonk3870/releases"
 
-YouTube Full Albums:
-  = Lofi:
-    "Game Chops": "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBsm_SagFMmdWnCnrNtLjA9kzfrRkto4i"
+# YouTube Releases:
+#   = Jazz:  # Sets genre tag to "Jazz"
+#     "Thelonious Monk": "https://www.youtube.com/@theloniousmonk3870/releases"
 
-SoundCloud Discography:
-  = Chill Hop:
-    "UKNOWY": "https://soundcloud.com/uknowymunich"
-  = Synthwave:
-    "Lazerdiscs Records": "https://soundcloud.com/lazerdiscsrecords"
-    "Earmake": "https://soundcloud.com/earmake"
+# YouTube Full Albums:
+#   = Lofi:
+#     "Game Chops": "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBsm_SagFMmdWnCnrNtLjA9kzfrRkto4i"
 
-Bandcamp:
-  = Lofi:
-    "Emily Hopkins": "https://emilyharpist.bandcamp.com/"
+# SoundCloud Discography:
+#   = Chill Hop:
+#     "UKNOWY": "https://soundcloud.com/uknowymunich"
+#   = Synthwave:
+#     "Lazerdiscs Records": "https://soundcloud.com/lazerdiscsrecords"
+#     "Earmake": "https://soundcloud.com/earmake"
+
+# Bandcamp:
+#   = Lofi:
+#     "Emily Hopkins": "https://emilyharpist.bandcamp.com/"
 
 ###################################################################
 # Can choose between:
 #   - Plex Music Videos:
 #   - Jellyfin Music Videos:
 #   - Kodi Music Videos:
-"Plex Music Videos":
-  = Pop:  # Sets genre tag to "Pop"
-    "Rick Astley": "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlaN88a7y2_plecYoJxvRFTLHVbIVAOoc"
-    "Michael Jackson": "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mnY03zP6abNWH929q2XhGzWD_2uKJ_n8E"
+
+# "Plex Music Videos":
+#   = Pop:  # Sets genre tag to "Pop"
+#     "Rick Astley": "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlaN88a7y2_plecYoJxvRFTLHVbIVAOoc"
+#     "Michael Jackson": "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mnY03zP6abNWH929q2XhGzWD_2uKJ_n8E"

docker/testing/Makefile

@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+# Local building and testing of the Docker image variants.
+
+# Defensive settings for make:
+#     https://tech.davis-hansson.com/p/make/
+SHELL:=bash
+.ONESHELL:
+.SHELLFLAGS:=-eu -o pipefail -c
+.SILENT:
+.DELETE_ON_ERROR:
+MAKEFLAGS+=--warn-undefined-variables
+MAKEFLAGS+=--no-builtin-rules
+export PS1?=$$
+# Prefix echoed recipe commands with the recipe line number for debugging:
+export PS4?=:$$LINENO+
+
+VARIANTS=headless gui ubuntu
+ROOT_PREREQS:=$(shell find ../root -type f)
+
+# Finished with `$(shell)`, echo recipe commands going forward
+.SHELLFLAGS+= -x
+
+
+### Top-level targets:
+
+.PHONY: all
+all: build
+
+.PHONY: build
+build: $(VARIANTS:%=./build/ytdl-sub-%.log)
+
+.PHONY: run
+run: build $(VARIANTS:%=./volumes/ytdl-sub-%/)
+	docker compose up
+
+
+### Real targets:
+
+# Re-build the local images when changes require it.
+./build/ytdl-sub-%.log: ../Dockerfile.% $(ROOT_PREREQS)
+	mkdir -pv "$(dir $(@))"
+	docker compose build "$(@:build/ytdl-sub-%.log=ytdl-sub-%)" |&
+	    tee -a "$(@)"
+
+# Ensure volumes are owned by the developer's normal user:
+./volumes/ytdl-sub-%/:
+	mkdir -pv "$(@)"

docker/testing/docker-compose.yml

@@ -1,39 +1,50 @@
 services:
   ytdl-sub-gui:
-    image: ytdl-sub-gui:local
-    container_name: ytdl-sub-gui
+    build:
+      context: "../"
+      dockerfile: "./Dockerfile.gui"
+    image: "ytdl-sub-gui:local"
+    container_name: "ytdl-sub-gui"
     environment:
-      - PUID=1000
-      - PGID=1000
-      - TZ=America/Los_Angeles
-      - CRON_SCHEDULE="*/1 * * * *"
-      - CRON_RUN_ON_START=true
+      PUID: "1000"
+      PGID: "1000"
+      TZ: "America/Los_Angeles"
+      CRON_SCHEDULE: '*/1 * * * *'
+      CRON_RUN_ON_START: "true"
+      UPDATE_YT_DLP_ON_START: "stable"
     volumes:
-      - ./volumes/ytdl-sub-gui:/config
+      - "./volumes/ytdl-sub-gui/:/config/"
     ports:
-      - 8443:8443
-    restart: unless-stopped
-  ytdl-sub:
-    image: ytdl-sub:local
-    container_name: ytdl-sub
+      - "8443:8443"
+    restart: "unless-stopped"
+  ytdl-sub-headless:
+    build:
+      context: "../"
+    image: "ytdl-sub:local"
+    container_name: "ytdl-sub-headless"
     environment:
-      - PUID=1000
-      - PGID=1000
-      - TZ=America/Los_Angeles
-      - CRON_SCHEDULE="*/1 * * * *"
-      - CRON_RUN_ON_START=true
+      PUID: "1000"
+      PGID: "1000"
+      TZ: "America/Los_Angeles"
+      CRON_SCHEDULE: '*/1 * * * *'
+      CRON_RUN_ON_START: "true"
+      UPDATE_YT_DLP_ON_START: "stable"
     volumes:
-      - ./volumes/ytdl-sub:/config
-    restart: unless-stopped
+      - "./volumes/ytdl-sub-headless/:/config/"
+    restart: "unless-stopped"
   ytdl-sub-ubuntu:
-    image: ytdl-sub-ubuntu:local
-    container_name: ytdl-sub-ubuntu
+    build:
+      context: "../"
+      dockerfile: "./Dockerfile.ubuntu"
+    image: "ytdl-sub-ubuntu:local"
+    container_name: "ytdl-sub-ubuntu"
     environment:
-      - PUID=1000
-      - PGID=1000
-      - TZ=America/Los_Angeles
-      - CRON_SCHEDULE="*/1 * * * *"
-      - CRON_RUN_ON_START=true
+      PUID: "1000"
+      PGID: "1000"
+      TZ: "America/Los_Angeles"
+      CRON_SCHEDULE: '*/1 * * * *'
+      CRON_RUN_ON_START: "true"
+      UPDATE_YT_DLP_ON_START: "stable"
     volumes:
-      - ./volumes/ytdl-sub:/config
-    restart: unless-stopped
+      - "./volumes/ytdl-sub-ubuntu/:/config/"
+    restart: "unless-stopped"

docs/source/conf.py

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 # https://www.sphinx-doc.org/en/master/usage/configuration.html#project-information
 
 project = "ytdl-sub"
-copyright = "2024, Jesse Bannon"
+copyright = "2026, Jesse Bannon"
 author = "Jesse Bannon"
 release = ""
 
@@ -15,10 +15,8 @@ release = ""
 # https://www.sphinx-doc.org/en/master/usage/configuration.html#general-configuration
 
 extensions = [
-    "sphinx.ext.autodoc",
     "sphinx.ext.autosectionlabel",
     "sphinx.ext.extlinks",
-    "sphinx.ext.napoleon",
     "sphinx_copybutton",
     "sphinx_design",
 ]
@@ -70,19 +68,3 @@ extlinks = {
     "lsio-gh": ("https://github.com/linuxserver/%s", "%s image"),
     "ytdl-sub-gh": ("https://github.com/jmbannon/ytdl-sub/%s", "src %s"),
 }
-
-# -- Options for autodoc ----------------------------------------------------
-# https://www.sphinx-doc.org/en/master/usage/extensions/autodoc.html#configuration
-
-# Automatically extract typehints when specified and place them in
-# descriptions of the relevant function/method.
-autodoc_default_options = {
-    "autodoc_typehints_format": "short",
-    "autodoc_class_signature": "separated",
-    "add_module_names": False,
-    # "add_class_names": False,
-}
-
-python_use_unqualified_type_names = True
-napoleon_numpy_docstring = True
-napoleon_use_rtype = False

docs/source/config_reference/config_yaml.rst

@@ -1,10 +1,13 @@
-==================
+..
+  WARNING: This RST file is generated from docstrings in:
+    The respective function docstrings within ytdl_sub/config/config_validator.py
+  In order to make a change to this file, edit the respective docstring
+  and run `make docs`. This will automatically sync the Python RST-based
+  docstrings into this file. If the docstrings and RST file are out of sync,
+  it will fail TestDocGen tests in GitHub CI.
+
 Configuration File
 ==================
------------
-config.yaml
------------
-
 ytdl-sub is configured using a ``config.yaml`` file.
 
 The ``config.yaml`` is made up of two sections:
@@ -14,77 +17,118 @@ The ``config.yaml`` is made up of two sections:
   configuration:
   presets:
 
-You can jump to any section and subsection of the config using the navigation
-section to the left.
 
 Note for Windows users, paths can be represented with ``C:/forward/slashes/like/linux``.
-If you wish to represent paths like Windows, you will need to ``C:\\double\\bashslash\\paths``
-in order to escape the backslash character.
-
-configuration
-~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-The ``configuration`` section contains app-wide configs applied to all presets
-and subscriptions.
-
-.. autoclass:: ytdl_sub.config.config_validator.ConfigOptions()
-  :members:
-  :member-order: bysource
-  :exclude-members: subscription_value, persist_logs, experimental
-
-persist_logs
-""""""""""""
-Within ``configuration``, define whether logs from subscription downloads
-should be persisted.
+If you prefer to use a Windows backslash, note that it must have
+``C:\\double\\bashslash\\paths`` in order to escape the backslash character. This is due
+to it being a YAML escape character.
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
   configuration:
-    persist_logs:
-      logs_directory: "/path/to/log/directory"
+    dl_aliases:
+      mv: "--preset music_video"
+      u: "--download.url"
 
-Log files are stored as
+    experimental:
+      enable_update_with_info_json: True
+
+    ffmpeg_path: "/usr/bin/ffmpeg"
+    ffprobe_path: "/usr/bin/ffprobe"
+
+    file_name_max_bytes: 255
+    lock_directory: "/tmp"
+
+    persist_logs:
+      keep_successful_logs: True
+      logs_directory: "/var/log/ytdl-sub-logs"
+
+    umask: "022"
+    working_directory: ".ytdl-sub-working-directory"
+
+dl_aliases
+----------
+.. _dl_aliases:
+
+Alias definitions to shorten :ref:`dl arguments <usage:Download Options>`. For example,
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+
+   configuration:
+     dl_aliases:
+       mv: "--preset music_video"
+       u: "--download.url"
+
+Simplifies
+
+.. code-block:: bash
+
+   ytdl-sub dl --preset "Jellyfin Music Videos" --download.url "youtube.com/watch?v=a1b2c3"
+
+to
+
+.. code-block:: bash
+
+   ytdl-sub dl --mv --u "youtube.com/watch?v=a1b2c3"
+
+experimental
+------------
+Experimental flags reside under the ``experimental`` key.
+
+``enable_update_with_info_json``
+
+Enables modifying subscription files using info.json files using the argument
+``--update-with-info-json``. This feature is still being tested and has the ability to
+destroy files. Ensure you have a full backup before usage. You have been warned!
+
+ffmpeg_path
+-----------
+Path to ffmpeg executable. Defaults to ``/usr/bin/ffmpeg`` for Linux,
+``./ffmpeg.exe`` in the same directory as ytdl-sub for Windows.
+
+ffprobe_path
+------------
+Path to ffprobe executable. Defaults to ``/usr/bin/ffprobe`` for Linux,
+``./ffprobe.exe`` in the same directory as ytdl-sub for Windows.
+
+file_name_max_bytes
+-------------------
+Max file name size in bytes. Most OS's typically default to 255 bytes.
+
+lock_directory
+--------------
+The directory to temporarily store file locks, which prevents multiple instances
+of ``ytdl-sub`` from running. Note that file locks do not work on
+network-mounted directories. Ensure that this directory resides on the host
+machine. Defaults to ``/tmp``.
+
+persist_logs
+------------
+By default, no logs are persisted. Specifying this key will enable persisted logs. The following
+options are available.
+
+``keep_successful_logs``
+
+Defaults to ``True``. When this key is ``False``, only write log files for failed
+subscriptions.
+
+``logs_directory``
+
+Required field. Write log files to this directory with names like
 ``YYYY-mm-dd-HHMMSS.subscription_name.(success|error).log``.
 
-.. autoclass:: ytdl_sub.config.config_validator.PersistLogsValidator()
-  :members:
-  :member-order: bysource
+umask
+-----
+Umask in octal format to apply to every created file. Defaults to ``022``.
 
-presets
-~~~~~~~
-``presets`` define a `formula` for how to format downloaded media and metadata.
+working_directory
+-----------------
+The directory to temporarily store downloaded files before moving them into their final
+directory. Defaults to ``.ytdl-sub-working-directory``, created in the same directory
+that ytdl-sub is invoked from.
 
-This section is work-in-progress!
-
-preset
-""""""
-Presets support inheritance by defining a parent preset:
-
-.. code-block:: yaml
-
-  presets:
-    custom_preset:
-      ...
-    parent_preset:
-      ...
-    child_preset:
-      preset: "parent_preset"
-
-In the example above, ``child_preset`` inherits all fields defined in ``parent_preset``.
-It is advantageous to use parent presets where possible to reduce duplicate yaml
-definitions.
-
-Presets also support inheritance from multiple presets:
-
-.. code-block:: yaml
-
-  child_preset:
-    preset:
-      - "custom_preset"
-      - "parent_preset"
-
-In this example, ``child_preset`` will inherit all fields from ``custom_preset``
-and ``parent_preset`` in that order. The bottom-most preset has the highest
-priority.
-
-If you are only inheriting from one preset, the syntax ``preset: "parent_preset"`` is
-valid YAML. Inheriting from multiple presets require use of a list.
+Presets
+=======
+Custom presets are defined in this section. Refer to the
+:ref:`Getting Started Guide<guides/getting_started/first_config:Basic Configuration>`
+on how to configure.

docs/source/config_reference/index.rst

@@ -2,11 +2,50 @@
 Reference
 =========
 
-This section contains direct references to the code of ``ytdl-sub`` and information on how it functions.
+This section contains direct references to the code of ``ytdl-sub`` and information on
+how it functions.
+
+
+Terminology
+-----------
+
+Must-know terminology:
+
+- ``subscription``: URL(s) that you want to download with specific metadata
+  requirements.
+- ``preset``: A media profile comprised of YAML configuration that can specify anything
+  from metadata layout, media quality, or any feature of ytdl-sub, to apply to
+  subscriptions. A preset can inherit other presets.
+- ``prebuilt preset``: Presets that are included in ytdl-sub. These do most of the work
+  defining plugins, overrides, etc in order to make downloads ready for player
+  consumption.
+- ``override``: Verb describing the act of overriding something in a preset. For
+  example, the TV Show presets practically expect you to *override* the URL variable to
+  tell ytdl-sub where to download from.
+- ``override variables``: User-defined variables that are intended to *override*
+  something.
+- ``subscription file``: The file to specify all of your subscriptions and some override
+  variables.
+
+Intermediate terminology:
+
+- ``plugin``: Modular logic to apply to a subscription. To use a plugin, it must be
+  defined in a preset.
+- ``config file``: An optional file where you can define custom presets and other
+  advanced configuration.
+- ``yt-dlp``: The underlying application that handles downloading for ytdl-sub.
+
+Advanced terminology:
+
+- ``entry variables``: Variables that derive from a downloaded yt-dlp entry (media).
+- ``static variables``: Variables that do not have a dependency to entry variables.
+- ``scripting``: Syntax that allows the use of entry variables, static variables, and
+  functions in override variables.
+
 
 .. toctree:: 
     config_yaml
     subscription_yaml
     plugins
     scripting/index
-    prebuilt_presets/index
+    prebuilt_presets/index

docs/source/config_reference/plugins.rst

@@ -1,3 +1,10 @@
+..
+  WARNING: This RST file is generated from docstrings in:
+    The respective plugin files under src/ytdl_sub/plugins/
+  In order to make a change to this file, edit the respective docstring
+  and run `make docs`. This will automatically sync the Python RST-based
+  docstrings into this file. If the docstrings and RST file are out of sync,
+  it will fail TestDocGen tests in GitHub CI.
 
 Plugins
 =======
@@ -21,7 +28,6 @@ Extracts audio from a video file.
   The codec to output after extracting the audio. Supported codecs are aac, flac, mp3, m4a,
   opus, vorbis, wav, and best to grab the best possible format at runtime.
 
-
 ``enable``
 
 :expected type: Optional[OverridesFormatter]
@@ -30,7 +36,6 @@ Extracts audio from a video file.
   this field can be set using an override variable to easily toggle whether this plugin
   is enabled or not via Boolean.
 
-
 ``quality``
 
 :expected type: Float
@@ -38,7 +43,6 @@ Extracts audio from a video file.
   Optional. Specify ffmpeg audio quality. Insert a value between ``0`` (better) and ``9``
   (worse) for variable bitrate, or a specific bitrate like ``128`` for 128k.
 
-
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 chapters
@@ -77,14 +81,12 @@ chapters and remove specific ones. Can also remove chapters using regex.
   Defaults to False. If chapters do not exist in the video/description itself, attempt to
   scrape comments to find the chapters.
 
-
 ``embed_chapters``
 
 :expected type: Optional[Boolean]
 :description:
   Defaults to True. Embed chapters into the file.
 
-
 ``enable``
 
 :expected type: Optional[OverridesFormatter]
@@ -93,7 +95,6 @@ chapters and remove specific ones. Can also remove chapters using regex.
   this field can be set using an override variable to easily toggle whether this plugin
   is enabled or not via Boolean.
 
-
 ``force_key_frames``
 
 :expected type: Optional[Boolean]
@@ -101,7 +102,6 @@ chapters and remove specific ones. Can also remove chapters using regex.
   Defaults to False. Force keyframes at cuts when removing sections. This is slow due to
   needing a re-encode, but the resulting video may have fewer artifacts around the cuts.
 
-
 ``remove_chapters_regex``
 
 :expected type: Optional[List[RegexString]
@@ -109,7 +109,6 @@ chapters and remove specific ones. Can also remove chapters using regex.
   List of regex patterns to match chapter titles against and remove them from the
   entry.
 
-
 ``remove_sponsorblock_categories``
 
 :expected type: Optional[List[String]]
@@ -118,7 +117,6 @@ chapters and remove specific ones. Can also remove chapters using regex.
   categories that are specified in ``sponsorblock_categories`` or "all", which removes
   everything specified in ``sponsorblock_categories``.
 
-
 ``sponsorblock_categories``
 
 :expected type: Optional[List[String]]
@@ -127,7 +125,6 @@ chapters and remove specific ones. Can also remove chapters using regex.
   "intro", "outro", "selfpromo", "preview", "filler", "interaction", "music_offtopic",
   "poi_highlight", or "all" to include all categories.
 
-
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 date_range
@@ -140,9 +137,11 @@ Dates must adhere to a yt-dlp datetime. From their docs:
    A string in the format YYYYMMDD or
    (now|today|yesterday|date)[+-][0-9](microsecond|second|minute|hour|day|week|month|year)(s)
 
-Valid examples are ``now-2weeks`` or ``20200101``. Can use override variables in this.
-Note that yt-dlp will round times to the closest day, meaning that `day` is the lowest
-granularity possible.
+Valid examples are ``now-2weeks`` or ``20200101``. Can use override variables in
+this. Note that yt-dlp will round times to the closest day, meaning that `day` is
+the lowest granularity possible. Also note that, considering time zones, it's best
+to include a margin of an extra day on either side to be sure it includes the
+intended download files.
 
 :Usage:
 
@@ -158,15 +157,13 @@ granularity possible.
 
 :expected type: Optional[OverridesFormatter]
 :description:
-  Only download videos after this datetime.
-
+  Only download videos after or on this datetime, inclusive.
 
 ``before``
 
 :expected type: Optional[OverridesFormatter]
 :description:
-  Only download videos before this datetime.
-
+  Only download videos only before this datetime, not inclusive.
 
 ``breaks``
 
@@ -175,7 +172,6 @@ granularity possible.
   Toggle to enable breaking subsequent metadata downloads if an entry's upload date
   is out of range. Defaults to True.
 
-
 ``enable``
 
 :expected type: Optional[OverridesFormatter]
@@ -184,7 +180,6 @@ granularity possible.
   this field can be set using an override variable to easily toggle whether this plugin
   is enabled or not via Boolean.
 
-
 ``type``
 
 :expected type: Optional[OverridesFormatter]
@@ -192,7 +187,6 @@ granularity possible.
   Which type of date to use. Must be either ``upload_date`` or ``release_date``.
   Defaults to ``upload_date``.
 
-
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 download
@@ -296,7 +290,6 @@ Also supports custom ffmpeg conversions:
     - Video: avi, flv, mkv, mov, mp4, webm
     - Audio: aac, flac, mp3, m4a, opus, vorbis, wav
 
-
 ``convert_with``
 
 :expected type: Optional[String]
@@ -305,7 +298,6 @@ Also supports custom ffmpeg conversions:
   yt-dlp whereas ``ffmpeg`` specifies it will be converted using a custom command specified
   with ``ffmpeg_post_process_args``. Defaults to ``yt-dlp``.
 
-
 ``enable``
 
 :expected type: Optional[OverridesFormatter]
@@ -314,7 +306,6 @@ Also supports custom ffmpeg conversions:
   this field can be set using an override variable to easily toggle whether this plugin
   is enabled or not via Boolean.
 
-
 ``ffmpeg_post_process_args``
 
 :expected type: Optional[OverridesFormatter]
@@ -327,7 +318,6 @@ Also supports custom ffmpeg conversions:
   The output file will use the extension specified in ``convert_to``. Post-processing args
   can still be set  with ``convert_with`` set to ``yt-dlp``.
 
-
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 filter_exclude
@@ -463,7 +453,6 @@ with a ``.nfo`` extension. You can add any values into the NFO.
   this field can be set using an override variable to easily toggle whether this plugin
   is enabled or not via Boolean.
 
-
 ``kodi_safe``
 
 :expected type: OverridesBooleanFormatterValidator
@@ -472,14 +461,12 @@ with a ``.nfo`` extension. You can add any values into the NFO.
   emojis and some foreign language characters. Setting this to True will replace those
   characters with '□'.
 
-
 ``nfo_name``
 
 :expected type: EntryFormatter
 :description:
   The NFO file name.
 
-
 ``nfo_root``
 
 :expected type: EntryFormatter
@@ -492,7 +479,6 @@ with a ``.nfo`` extension. You can add any values into the NFO.
      <episodedetails>
      </episodedetails>
 
-
 ``tags``
 
 :expected type: NfoTags
@@ -529,7 +515,6 @@ with a ``.nfo`` extension. You can add any values into the NFO.
      <genre>Comedy</genre>
      <genre>Drama</genre>
 
-
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 output_directory_nfo_tags
@@ -561,7 +546,6 @@ Usage:
   this field can be set using an override variable to easily toggle whether this plugin
   is enabled or not via Boolean.
 
-
 ``kodi_safe``
 
 :expected type: OverridesBooleanFormatterValidator
@@ -570,14 +554,12 @@ Usage:
   emojis and some foreign language characters. Setting this to True will replace those
   characters with '□'.
 
-
 ``nfo_name``
 
 :expected type: EntryFormatter
 :description:
   The NFO file name.
 
-
 ``nfo_root``
 
 :expected type: EntryFormatter
@@ -590,7 +572,6 @@ Usage:
      <tvshow>
      </tvshow>
 
-
 ``tags``
 
 :expected type: NfoTags
@@ -625,7 +606,6 @@ Usage:
      <genre>Comedy</genre>
      <genre>Drama</genre>
 
-
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 output_options
@@ -660,7 +640,6 @@ Defines where to output files and thumbnails after all post-processing has compl
   The file name to store a subscriptions download archive placed relative to
   the output directory. Defaults to ``.ytdl-sub-{subscription_name}-download-archive.json``
 
-
 ``file_name``
 
 :expected type: EntryFormatter
@@ -668,7 +647,6 @@ Defines where to output files and thumbnails after all post-processing has compl
   The file name for the media file. This can include directories such as
   ``"Season {upload_year}/{title}.{ext}"``, and will be placed in the output directory.
 
-
 ``info_json_name``
 
 :expected type: Optional[EntryFormatter]
@@ -677,7 +655,6 @@ Defines where to output files and thumbnails after all post-processing has compl
   as ``"Season {upload_year}/{title}.{info_json_ext}"``, and will be placed in the output
   directory. Can be set to empty string or `null` to disable info json writes.
 
-
 ``keep_files_after``
 
 :expected type: Optional[OverridesFormatter]
@@ -689,7 +666,6 @@ Defines where to output files and thumbnails after all post-processing has compl
   files after ``19000101``, which implies all files. Can be used in conjunction with
   ``keep_max_files``.
 
-
 ``keep_files_before``
 
 :expected type: Optional[OverridesFormatter]
@@ -701,7 +677,6 @@ Defines where to output files and thumbnails after all post-processing has compl
   files before ``now``, which implies all files. Can be used in conjunction with
   ``keep_max_files``.
 
-
 ``keep_files_date_eval``
 
 :expected type: str
@@ -711,7 +686,6 @@ Defines where to output files and thumbnails after all post-processing has compl
     perform evaluation for keep_files_before/after and keep_max_files. Defaults
     to the entry's upload_date_standardized variable.
 
-
 ``keep_max_files``
 
 :expected type: Optional[OverridesFormatter]
@@ -721,7 +695,6 @@ Defines where to output files and thumbnails after all post-processing has compl
   Only keeps N most recently uploaded videos. If set to <= 0, ``keep_max_files`` will not be
   applied. Can be used in conjunction with ``keep_files_before`` and ``keep_files_after``.
 
-
 ``maintain_download_archive``
 
 :expected type: Optional[Boolean]
@@ -736,7 +709,6 @@ Defines where to output files and thumbnails after all post-processing has compl
 
   Defaults to False.
 
-
 ``migrated_download_archive_name``
 
 :expected type: Optional[OverridesFormatter]
@@ -746,13 +718,19 @@ Defines where to output files and thumbnails after all post-processing has compl
   name first, and fallback to ``download_archive_name``. It will always save to this file
   and remove the original ``download_archive_name``.
 
-
 ``output_directory``
 
 :expected type: OverridesFormatter
 :description:
   The output directory to store all media files downloaded.
 
+``preserve_mtime``
+
+:expected type: Optional[Boolean]
+:description:
+  Preserve the video's original upload time as the file modification time.
+  When True, sets the file's mtime to match the video's upload_date from
+  yt-dlp metadata. Defaults to False.
 
 ``thumbnail_name``
 
@@ -762,7 +740,6 @@ Defines where to output files and thumbnails after all post-processing has compl
   as ``"Season {upload_year}/{title}.{thumbnail_ext}"``, and will be placed in the output
   directory. Can be set to empty string or `null` to disable thumbnail writes.
 
-
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 overrides
@@ -827,15 +804,28 @@ used with no modifications.
   If a file has no chapters and is set to "pass", then ``chapter_title`` is
   set to the entry's title and ``chapter_index``, ``chapter_count`` are both set to 1.
 
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+square_thumbnail
+----------------
+Whether to make thumbnails square. Supports both file and embedded-based thumbnails. Ideal
+for representing audio albums.
+
+:Usage:
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+
+   square_thumbnail: True
 
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 static_nfo_tags
 ---------------
-Adds an NFO file for every entry, but does not link it to an entry in the download archive.
-This is intended to produce ``season.nfo``s in each season directory. Each entry within a
-season will overwrite this file with its season name. If the entry gets deleted from ytdl-sub,
-this file will remain since it's not linked.
+Adds an NFO file for every entry, but does not link it to an entry in the download
+archive.  This is intended to produce ``season.nfo`` files in each season
+directory. Each entry within a season will overwrite this file with its season
+name. If the entry gets deleted from ytdl-sub, this file will remain since it's not
+linked.
 
 Usage:
 
@@ -860,7 +850,6 @@ Usage:
   this field can be set using an override variable to easily toggle whether this plugin
   is enabled or not via Boolean.
 
-
 ``kodi_safe``
 
 :expected type: OverridesBooleanFormatterValidator
@@ -869,14 +858,12 @@ Usage:
   emojis and some foreign language characters. Setting this to True will replace those
   characters with '□'.
 
-
 ``nfo_name``
 
 :expected type: EntryFormatter
 :description:
   The NFO file name.
 
-
 ``nfo_root``
 
 :expected type: EntryFormatter
@@ -889,7 +876,6 @@ Usage:
      <season>
      </season>
 
-
 ``tags``
 
 :expected type: NfoTags
@@ -903,7 +889,6 @@ Usage:
        <title>My custom season name!</title>
      </season>
 
-
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 subtitles
@@ -931,7 +916,6 @@ It will set the respective language to the correct subtitle file.
 :description:
   Defaults to False. Whether to allow auto generated subtitles.
 
-
 ``embed_subtitles``
 
 :expected type: Optional[Boolean]
@@ -939,7 +923,6 @@ It will set the respective language to the correct subtitle file.
   Defaults to False. Whether to embed the subtitles into the video file. Note that
   webm files can only embed "vtt" subtitle types.
 
-
 ``enable``
 
 :expected type: Optional[OverridesFormatter]
@@ -948,7 +931,6 @@ It will set the respective language to the correct subtitle file.
   this field can be set using an override variable to easily toggle whether this plugin
   is enabled or not via Boolean.
 
-
 ``languages``
 
 :expected type: Optional[List[String]]
@@ -956,6 +938,12 @@ It will set the respective language to the correct subtitle file.
   Language code(s) to download for subtitles. Supports a single or list of multiple
   language codes. Defaults to only "en".
 
+``languages_required``
+
+:expected type: Optional[List[String]]
+:description:
+  Language code(s) that are required to be present for downloads to continue. If missing,
+  ytdl-sub will throw an error. NOTE: currently this only checks file-based subtitles.
 
 ``subtitles_name``
 
@@ -966,14 +954,12 @@ It will set the respective language to the correct subtitle file.
   and will be placed in the output directory. ``lang`` is dynamic since you can download
   multiple subtitles. It will set the respective language to the correct subtitle file.
 
-
 ``subtitles_type``
 
 :expected type: Optional[String]
 :description:
   Defaults to "srt". One of the subtitle file types "srt", "vtt", "ass", "lrc".
 
-
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 throttle_protection
@@ -982,6 +968,9 @@ Provides options to make ytdl-sub look more 'human-like' to protect from throttl
 range-based values, a random number will be chosen within the range to avoid sleeps looking
 scripted.
 
+Range min and max values support static override variables within their definitions.
+``sleep_per_download_s`` supports both static and override variables.
+
 :Usage:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
@@ -1011,14 +1000,12 @@ scripted.
   this field can be set using an override variable to easily toggle whether this plugin
   is enabled or not via Boolean.
 
-
 ``max_downloads_per_subscription``
 
 :expected type: Optional[Range]
 :description:
   Number of downloads to perform per subscription.
 
-
 ``sleep_per_download_s``
 
 :expected type: Optional[Range]
@@ -1026,7 +1013,6 @@ scripted.
   Number in seconds to sleep between each download. Does not include time it takes for
   ytdl-sub to perform post-processing.
 
-
 ``sleep_per_request_s``
 
 :expected type: Optional[Range]
@@ -1036,14 +1022,12 @@ scripted.
   download for the entry. Also, yt-dlp only supports a single value at this time for this,
   so will always use the max value.
 
-
 ``sleep_per_subscription_s``
 
 :expected type: Optional[Range]
 :description:
   Number in seconds to sleep between each subscription.
 
-
 ``subscription_download_probability``
 
 :expected type: Optional[Float]
@@ -1052,7 +1036,6 @@ scripted.
   recommended to set if you run ytdl-sub in a cron-job, that way you are statistically
   guaranteed over time to eventually download the subscription.
 
-
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 video_tags

docs/source/config_reference/prebuilt_presets/common.rst

@@ -4,17 +4,30 @@ Common
 
 .. highlight:: yaml
 
-Filtering
--------------
 
-.. literalinclude:: /../../src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/helpers/filtering.yaml
+Filter Keywords
+---------------
+
+.. literalinclude::
+   /../../src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/helpers/filter_keywords.yaml
+
+
+Filter Duration
+---------------
+
+.. literalinclude::
+   /../../src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/helpers/filter_duration.yaml
+
 
 Media Quality
 -------------
 
-.. literalinclude:: /../../src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/helpers/media_quality.yaml
+.. literalinclude::
+   /../../src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/helpers/media_quality.yaml
+
 
 Only Recent Videos
 ------------------
 
-.. literalinclude:: /../../src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/helpers/download_deletion_options.yaml
+.. literalinclude::
+   /../../src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/helpers/download_deletion_options.yaml

docs/source/config_reference/prebuilt_presets/index.rst

@@ -2,11 +2,10 @@
 Prebuilt Preset Reference
 =========================
 
-This section contains the code for the prebuilt presets. If you just want to understand how to use the presets, check :doc:`this section instead</prebuilt_presets/index>`.
-
-
+This section contains the code for the prebuilt presets. If you just want to understand
+how to use the presets, check :doc:`this section instead</prebuilt_presets/index>`.
 
 .. toctree::
   common
   tv_show
-  music
+  music

docs/source/config_reference/prebuilt_presets/music.rst

@@ -6,4 +6,5 @@ All audio music based presets inherit from ``_music_base``.
 
 .. highlight:: yaml
 
-.. literalinclude:: /../../src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/music/singles.yaml
+.. literalinclude::
+   /../../src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/music/singles.yaml

docs/source/config_reference/prebuilt_presets/tv_show.rst

@@ -6,4 +6,5 @@ All TV show based presets inherit from ``_episode_base``.
 
 .. highlight:: yaml
 
-.. literalinclude:: /../../src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/tv_show/episode.yaml
+.. literalinclude::
+   /../../src/ytdl_sub/prebuilt_presets/tv_show/episode.yaml

docs/source/config_reference/scripting/entry_variables.rst

@@ -1,3 +1,10 @@
+..
+  WARNING: This RST file is generated from docstrings in:
+    src/ytdl_sub/entries/script/variable_definitions.py
+  In order to make a change to this file, edit the respective docstring
+  and run `make docs`. This will automatically sync the Python RST-based
+  docstrings into this file. If the docstrings and RST file are out of sync,
+  it will fail TestDocGen tests in GitHub CI.
 
 Entry Variables
 ===============
@@ -83,6 +90,13 @@ extractor_key
 :description:
   The yt-dlp extractor key
 
+height
+~~~~~~
+:type: ``Integer``
+:description:
+  Height in pixels of the video. If this value is unavailable (i.e. audio download), it
+  will default to 0.
+
 ie_key
 ~~~~~~
 :type: ``String``
@@ -165,6 +179,13 @@ webpage_url
 :description:
   The url to the webpage.
 
+width
+~~~~~
+:type: ``Integer``
+:description:
+  Width in pixels of the video. If this value is unavailable (i.e. audio download), it
+  will default to 0.
+
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 Metadata Variables

docs/source/config_reference/scripting/index.rst

@@ -2,8 +2,9 @@
 Scripting
 =========
 
-``ytdl-sub`` fields (file-names, tags, etc) are defined using variables and scripts. The links below
-contain reference documentation for each built-in variable and scripting function.
+``ytdl-sub`` fields (file-names, tags, etc) are defined using variables and scripts. The
+links below contain reference documentation for each built-in variable and scripting
+function.
 
 .. toctree::
   :maxdepth: 1
@@ -13,6 +14,7 @@ contain reference documentation for each built-in variable and scripting functio
   scripting_functions
   scripting_types
 
+
 How it Works
 ------------
 
@@ -44,22 +46,22 @@ We can use this instead of hard-coding it above:
      output_directory: "/path/to/tv_shows/{subscription_name}"
 
 The syntax for variable usage is curly-braces with the variable name within it. Assuming
-our subscription is actually named "Custom YTDL-SUB TV Show", then ``ytdl-sub``
-will actually write to that directory.
+our subscription is actually named "Custom YTDL-SUB TV Show", then ``ytdl-sub`` will
+actually write to that directory.
 
 Entry Variables
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
-For context, an *entry* is a video or audio file downloaded from ``yt-dlp``.
-*Entry variables* are variables that are derived from an entry's ``info.json`` file. This file
+For context, an *entry* is a video or audio file downloaded from ``yt-dlp``.  *Entry
+variables* are variables that are derived from an entry's ``info.json`` file. This file
 comes from ``yt-dlp`` and contains every piece of metadata that it scraped.
 
-These variables are not considered static since they change per entry download. There are a
-few fields in ``ytdl-sub`` (i.e. ``output_directory``) that must be static. For others,
-we are free to use values that derive from an entry.
+These variables are not considered static since they change per entry download. There
+are a few fields in ``ytdl-sub`` (i.e. ``output_directory``) that must be static. For
+others, we are free to use values that derive from an entry.
 
-Suppose we want to customize the name of an entry's output file and thumbnail to include its
-title in its name. We can do that using entry variables:
+Suppose we want to customize the name of an entry's output file and thumbnail to include
+its title in its name. We can do that using entry variables:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -74,8 +76,8 @@ Creating Custom Variables
 Suppose we want to include the date in our file names. This means we'd need to update
 both the ``file_name`` and ``thumbnail_name`` fields to include it.
 
-Instead, we can create a custom *override variable*. This is ``ytdl-sub``'s method
-for creating and overriding custom variables.
+Instead, we can create a custom *override variable*. This is ``ytdl-sub``'s method for
+creating and overriding custom variables.
 
 These are created in the ``overrides`` section. Let's take our above example and create
 a ``custom_file_name`` variable to use for the entry file and thumbnail fields:
@@ -97,9 +99,9 @@ For experienced ``yt-dlp`` scrapers, you may be thinking:
 
 - What if the title has characters that do not play nice with my operating system?
 
-``ytdl-sub`` is able to *sanitize* any variable, meaning it replaces any problematic characters
-with safe alternatives that can be used in file names. We can ensure our file names and directories
-are safe by using:
+``ytdl-sub`` is able to *sanitize* any variable, meaning it replaces any problematic
+characters with safe alternatives that can be used in file names. We can ensure our file
+names and directories are safe by using:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -116,16 +118,16 @@ Simply add a ``_sanitized`` suffix to any variable name to make it sanitized.
 .. note::
 
    Make sure you do not sanitize custom variables that intentionally create directories,
-   (i.e. sanitizing ``/path/to/tv_shows/``) otherwise they will... be sanitized and not resolve to
-   directories!
+   (i.e. sanitizing ``/path/to/tv_shows/``) otherwise they will... be sanitized and not
+   resolve to directories!
 
 
 Using Scripting Functions
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
 Let's suppose you are an avid command-line user, and like all of your file names to be
-``snake_cased_with_no_spaces``. We can use the
-`replace <https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#replace>`_
+``snake_cased_with_no_spaces``. We can use the `replace
+<https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#replace>`_
 *scripting function* to create and use a snake-cased title.
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
@@ -143,42 +145,48 @@ Let's suppose you are an avid command-line user, and like all of your file names
      custom_file_name: "{upload_date_standardized}_{snake_cased_title_sanitized}"
 
 Scripting functions are similar to variables - they must be used within curly-braces.
-It is good practice to use ``>-`` when defining variables that use functions. It is YAML's way of
-saying:
+It is good practice to use ``>-`` when defining variables that use functions. It is
+YAML's way of saying:
 
 - Allow a string to be multi-lined, and do not include newlines before or after it.
 
-See for yourself `here <https://yaml-online-parser.appspot.com/?yaml=output_options%3A%0A%20%20output_directory%3A%20%22%7Bsubscription_name_sanitized%7D%22%0A%20%20file_name%3A%20%22%7Bcustom_file_name%7D.%7Bext%7D%22%0A%20%20thumbnail_name%3A%20%22%7Bcustom_file_name%7D.%7Bthumbnail_ext%7D%22%0A%0Aoverrides%3A%0A%20%20snake_cased_title%3A%20%3E-%0A%20%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%25replace%28%20title%2C%20%27%20%27%2C%20%27_%27%20%29%0A%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20custom_file_name%3A%20%22%7Bupload_date_standardized%7D%20%7Bsnake_cased_title_sanitized%7D%22&type=json>`_.
-Any whitespace within curly-braces is okay since it will be parsed out. This is needed to make
-scripting function usage readable.
+See for yourself `here
+<https://yaml-online-parser.appspot.com/?yaml=output_options%3A%0A%20%20output_directory%3A%20%22%7Bsubscription_name_sanitized%7D%22%0A%20%20file_name%3A%20%22%7Bcustom_file_name%7D.%7Bext%7D%22%0A%20%20thumbnail_name%3A%20%22%7Bcustom_file_name%7D.%7Bthumbnail_ext%7D%22%0A%0Aoverrides%3A%0A%20%20snake_cased_title%3A%20%3E-%0A%20%20%20%20%7B%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%25replace%28%20title%2C%20%27%20%27%2C%20%27_%27%20%29%0A%20%20%20%20%7D%0A%20%20custom_file_name%3A%20%22%7Bupload_date_standardized%7D%20%7Bsnake_cased_title_sanitized%7D%22&type=json>`_.
+Any whitespace within curly-braces is okay since it will be parsed out. This is needed
+to make scripting function usage readable.
 
 .. important::
 
-   It is important to use ``>-`` over other YAML new-line directives like ``>`` because they
-   add newlines before or after curly-braces, and will be included in your variable's output string.
+   It is important to use ``>-`` over other YAML new-line directives like ``>`` because
+   they add newlines before or after curly-braces, and will be included in your
+   variable's output string.
+
 
 Advanced Scripting
 ------------------
 
 Accessing ``info.json`` Fields
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-The entirety of an entry's ``info.json`` file resides in the
-`Map <https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_types.html#map>`_
-variable
-`entry_metadata <https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/entry_variables.html#entry-metadata>`_.
 
-Any field can be accessed by using the
-`map_get <https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#map-get>`_
+The entirety of an entry's ``info.json`` file resides in the `Map
+<https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_types.html#map>`_
+variable `entry_metadata
+<https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/entry_variables.html#entry-metadata>`_.
+
+Any field can be accessed by using the `map_get
+<https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#map-get>`_
 function like so:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
-  :caption: Fetches the 'artist' value from the .info.json, returns null if it does not exist.
+  :caption:
+     Fetches the 'artist' value from the .info.json, returns null if it does not exist.
 
    artist: >-
      { %map_get( entry_metadata, "artist", null ) }
 
 Creating Custom Functions
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
 Custom functions can be created in the overrides section using the following syntax:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
@@ -187,9 +195,9 @@ Custom functions can be created in the overrides section using the following syn
      "%get_entry_metadata_field": >-
        { %map_get( entry_metadata, $0, null ) }
 
-Custom function definitions must have ``%`` as a prefix to the function name, be surrounded by
-quotes to make YAML parsing happy, and can support arguments using ``$0``, ``$1``, ... to indicate
-their first argument, second argument, etc.
+Custom function definitions must have ``%`` as a prefix to the function name, be
+surrounded by quotes to make YAML parsing happy, and can support arguments using ``$0``,
+``$1``, ... to indicate their first argument, second argument, etc.
 
 Using our new custom function, we can simply the ``artist`` variable definition above to:
 

docs/source/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.rst

@@ -1,3 +1,10 @@
+..
+  WARNING: This RST file is generated from docstrings in:
+    The respective function files under src/ytdl_sub/script/functions/
+  In order to make a change to this file, edit the respective docstring
+  and run `make docs`. This will automatically sync the Python RST-based
+  docstrings into this file. If the docstrings and RST file are out of sync,
+  it will fail TestDocGen tests in GitHub CI.
 
 Scripting Functions
 ===================
@@ -514,6 +521,13 @@ pow
 :description:
   ``**`` operator. Returns the exponential of the base and exponent value.
 
+range
+~~~~~
+:spec: ``range(end: Integer, start: Optional[Integer], step: Optional[Integer]) -> Array``
+
+:description:
+  Returns the desired range of Integers in the form of an Array.
+
 sub
 ~~~
 :spec: ``sub(values: Numeric, ...) -> Numeric``
@@ -531,27 +545,26 @@ print
 :spec: ``print(message: AnyArgument, passthrough: ReturnableArgument, level: Optional[Integer]) -> ReturnableArgument``
 
 :description:
-  Print the ``message`` and return ``passthrough``.
-  Optionally can pass level, where < 0 is debug, 0 is info, 1 is warning, > 1 is error.
-  Defaults to info.
+  Log the ``message`` and return ``passthrough``. Optionally can pass level,
+  where < 0 is debug, 0 is info, 1 is warning, > 1 is error. (default ``0``)
 
 print_if_false
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 :spec: ``print_if_false(message: AnyArgument, passthrough: ReturnableArgument, level: Optional[Integer]) -> ReturnableArgument``
 
 :description:
-  Print the ``message`` if ``passthrough`` evaluates to ``false``. Return ``passthrough``.
-  Optionally can pass level, where < 0 is debug, 0 is info, 1 is warning, > 1 is error.
-  Defaults to info.
+  Log the ``message`` if ``passthrough`` evaluates to ``false``. Return
+  ``passthrough``. Optionally can pass level, where < 0 is debug, 0 is info, 1
+  is warning, > 1 is error. (default ``0``)
 
 print_if_true
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 :spec: ``print_if_true(message: AnyArgument, passthrough: ReturnableArgument, level: Optional[Integer]) -> ReturnableArgument``
 
 :description:
-  Print the ``message`` if ``passthrough`` evaluates to ``true``. Return ``passthrough``.
-  Optionally can pass level, where < 0 is debug, 0 is info, 1 is warning, > 1 is error.
-  Defaults to info.
+  Log the ``message`` if ``passthrough`` evaluates to ``true``. Return
+  ``passthrough``. Optionally can pass level, where < 0 is debug, 0 is info, 1
+  is warning, > 1 is error. (default ``0``)
 
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
@@ -824,7 +837,7 @@ behavior.
 
 sanitize
 ~~~~~~~~
-:spec: ``sanitize(value: AnyArgument) -> String``
+:spec: ``sanitize(value: AnyArgument, ...) -> String``
 
 Sanitize a string using yt-dlp's ``sanitize_filename`` method to ensure it's safe to use
 for file/directory names on any OS.

docs/source/config_reference/scripting/scripting_types.rst

@@ -1,7 +1,8 @@
-
+===============
 Scripting Types
 ===============
 
+
 Types
 -----
 
@@ -16,8 +17,9 @@ Strings are a series of characters surrounded by quotes.
 
 .. note::
 
-   For non-String types, they must be defined as parameters to scripting functions. This is because
-   anything in a variable definition that is not within curly-braces gets evaluated as a String.
+   For non-String types, they must be defined as parameters to scripting functions. This
+   is because anything in a variable definition that is not within curly-braces gets
+   evaluated as a String.
 
 We can define Strings within curly-braces by setting them as parameters to a function:
 
@@ -65,8 +67,8 @@ There are a few ways to make variables that use curly braces more compact, inclu
 
       string_variable: "{ %string('This is a String variable') }"
 
-In the case that you want to define a string variable that contains both single and double quotes,
-triple-quotes can be used to avoid *closing* the String.
+In the case that you want to define a string variable that contains both single and
+double quotes, triple-quotes can be used to avoid *closing* the String.
 
 .. tab-set::
 
@@ -88,7 +90,8 @@ triple-quotes can be used to avoid *closing* the String.
           %string("""This has both " and ' in it.""")
         }
 
-If you want a plain string that contains literal curly braces, you can escape them like so:
+If you want a plain string that contains literal curly braces, you can escape them like
+so:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -185,8 +188,8 @@ A type is considered boolean if it spells out ``True`` or ``False``, case-insens
 Array
 ~~~~~
 
-An Array contains multiple types of any kind, including nested Arrays and Maps.
-Arrays are defined using brackets (``[ ]``), and are accessed using zero-based indexing.
+An Array contains multiple types of any kind, including nested Arrays and Maps.  Arrays
+are defined using brackets (``[ ]``), and are accessed using zero-based indexing.
 
 .. tab-set::
 
@@ -227,8 +230,8 @@ Arrays are defined using brackets (``[ ]``), and are accessed using zero-based i
 Map
 ~~~
 
-A Map is a key-value store, containing mappings between keys and values.
-Maps are defined using curly-braces (``{ }``), and are accessed using their keys.
+A Map is a key-value store, containing mappings between keys and values.  Maps are
+defined using curly-braces (``{ }``), and are accessed using their keys.
 
 .. tab-set::
 
@@ -267,6 +270,7 @@ Maps are defined using curly-braces (``{ }``), and are accessed using their keys
 
 Null
 ~~~~
+
 Null is represented by an empty String, and can be conveyed by spelling out ``null``,
 case-insensitive.
 
@@ -297,7 +301,9 @@ Function Type-Hints
 
 AnyArgument
 ~~~~~~~~~~~
-AnyArgument means any of the above Types are valid as input or output to a scripting function.
+
+AnyArgument means any of the above Types are valid as input or output to a scripting
+function.
 
 .. note::
 
@@ -306,13 +312,15 @@ AnyArgument means any of the above Types are valid as input or output to a scrip
 
 Numeric
 ~~~~~~~
+
 Numeric refers to either an Integer or Float.
 
 Optional
 ~~~~~~~~
-Optional means a particular scripting function argument can be either provided or not included.
-For example, the function
-`map_get <https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#map-get>`_
+
+Optional means a particular scripting function argument can be either provided or not
+included.  For example, the function `map_get
+<https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#map-get>`_
 has an optional default value. Both of these usages are valid:
 
 .. tab-set::
@@ -331,8 +339,9 @@ has an optional default value. Both of these usages are valid:
 
 Lambda
 ~~~~~~
-Lambda parameters are a reference to a function, and will call that lambda function
-on the input. In this example,
+
+Lambda parameters are a reference to a function, and will call that lambda function on
+the input. In this example,
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -341,20 +350,23 @@ on the input. In this example,
        %array_apply( [ 1, 2, 3, 4], %string )
      }
 
-We apply ``%string`` as a lambda function to
-`array_apply <https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#array-apply>`_,
-which is called on every element in the input array. The output becomes ``["1", "2", "3", "4"]``.
+We apply ``%string`` as a lambda function to `array_apply
+<https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#array-apply>`_,
+which is called on every element in the input array. The output becomes ``["1", "2",
+"3", "4"]``.
 
-This example has one input-argument being passed into the lambda. For other lambda-based functions
-like `array_enumerate <https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#array-enumerate>`_,
+This example has one input-argument being passed into the lambda. For other lambda-based
+functions like `array_enumerate
+<https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#array-enumerate>`_,
 it expects the lambda function to have two input arguments. These are denoted using
 ``LambdaTwo``, ``LambdaThree``, etc within the function spec.
 
 LambdaReduce
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~
-LambdaReduce parameters are a reference to a function that will perform a *reduce* - an operation
-that reduces an Array to a single value by calling the LambdaReduce function repeatedly on two
-elements in the Array until it is reduced to a single value.
+
+LambdaReduce parameters are a reference to a function that will perform a *reduce* - an
+operation that reduces an Array to a single value by calling the LambdaReduce function
+repeatedly on two elements in the Array until it is reduced to a single value.
 
 In this example,
 
@@ -365,11 +377,12 @@ In this example,
        %array_reduce( [ 1, 2, 3, 4], %add )
      }
 
-We call
-`array_reduce <https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#array-reduce>`_
-on the input array, using
-`add <https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#add>`_
-as the LambdaReduce function. This will reduce the Array to a single value by internally calling
+We call `array_reduce
+<https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#array-reduce>`_
+on the input array, using `add
+<https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#add>`_
+as the LambdaReduce function. This will reduce the Array to a single value by internally
+calling
 
 - *reduce-call 1*: ``%add(1, 2) = 3`` (first two elements)
 - *reduce-call 2*: ``%add(3, 3) = 6`` (output from first two and third element)
@@ -380,9 +393,10 @@ And evaluate to ``10``.
 ReturnableArguments
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
-Returnable arguments are used in conditional functions like
-`if <https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#if>`_,
-which implies the argument passed into the function is the function's output. For example,
+Returnable arguments are used in conditional functions like `if
+<https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions.html#if>`_,
+which implies the argument passed into the function is the function's output. For
+example,
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -391,4 +405,4 @@ which implies the argument passed into the function is the function's output. Fo
        %if( True, "Return this if True", "Return this if False" )
      }
 
-is going to return ``"Return this if True"`` since the condition parameter is ``True``.
+is going to return ``"Return this if True"`` since the condition parameter is ``True``.

docs/source/config_reference/scripting/static_variables.rst

@@ -1,3 +1,10 @@
+..
+  WARNING: This RST file is generated from docstrings in:
+    src/ytdl_sub/entries/variables/override_variables.py
+  In order to make a change to this file, edit the respective docstring
+  and run `make docs`. This will automatically sync the Python RST-based
+  docstrings into this file. If the docstrings and RST file are out of sync,
+  it will fail TestDocGen tests in GitHub CI.
 
 Static Variables
 ================
@@ -24,16 +31,21 @@ otherwise.
 
 subscription_indent_i
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-For subscriptions in the form of
+For subscriptions where the ancestor keys contain the ``= ...`` prefix, the
+variables ``subscription_indent_1``, ``subscription_indent_2``, and so on get
+set to each subsequent value. For example, given the following subscriptions
+file snippet:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
-   Preset | = Indent Value 1:
-     = Indent Value 2:
+   Preset 1 | = Indent Value 1 | Preset 2:
+     Preset 3 | = Indent Value 2 | Preset 4:
        "Subscription Name": "https://..."
 
-``subscription_indent_1`` and ``subscription_indent_2`` get set to
-``Indent Value 1`` and ``Indent Value 2``.
+The ``{subscription_indent_1}`` variable will be ``Indent Value 1`` and
+``{subscription_indent_2}`` will be ``Indent Value 2``. The most common use of
+these variables is to :doc:`set the genre and rating for subscriptions from the
+YAML keys <../prebuilt_presets/tv_show>`.
 
 subscription_map
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

docs/source/config_reference/subscription_yaml.rst

@@ -2,19 +2,22 @@
 Subscription File
 ==================
 
-A subscription file is designed to both define and organize many things
-to download in condensed YAML.
+A subscription file is designed to both define and organize many things to download in
+condensed YAML.
 
 .. hint::
 
   Read the :ref:`getting started guide <guides/getting_started/index:Getting Started>`
   first before reviewing this section.
 
+
 File Preset
 -----------
-Many examples show ``__preset__`` at the top. This is known as the *subscription file preset*.
-It is where a single :ref:`preset <guides/getting_started/first_config:Custom Preset Definition>`
-can be defined that gets applied to each subscription within the file.
+
+Many examples show ``__preset__`` at the top. This is known as the *subscription file
+preset*.  It is where a single :ref:`preset <guides/getting_started/first_config:Custom
+Preset Definition>` can be defined that gets applied to each subscription within the
+file.
 
 This is a good place to apply file-wide variables such as ``tv_show_directory`` or
 supply a cookies file path.
@@ -22,15 +25,17 @@ supply a cookies file path.
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
   __preset__:
+    # Variables that override defaults from `overrides:` for presets in YAML keys:
     overrides:
       tv_show_directory: "/tv_shows"
 
+    # Directly set plugin options:
     ytdl_options:
-      cookiefile: "/config/cookie.txt"
-
+      cookiefile: "/config/ytdl-sub-configs/cookie.txt"
 
 Layout
 ------
+
 A subscription file is comprised of YAML keys and values. Keys can be either
 
 - a preset
@@ -52,32 +57,33 @@ All three types of keys are used for the following:
 - ``= News`` - an override value for genre
 - ``Breaking News``, ``BBC News`` - The subscription names
 
-The bottom-most keys, or leaf keys, should always be the subscription name.
-It is good practice to put subscription names in quotes to differentiate
-between preset names and subscription names.
+The lowest level, most indented keys should always be the subscription name.  It is good
+practice to put subscription names in quotes to differentiate between preset names and
+subscription names.
 
-Values should always be the subscription itself. The simplest form is
-just the URL. Further sections will show more exotic examples that go beyond
-a single URL.
+Values should always be the subscription itself. The simplest form is just the
+URL. Further sections will show more exotic examples that go beyond a single URL.
 
 
 Inheritance
 -----------
-A subscription inherits every key above it. In the above example,
-both ``Breaking News`` and ``BBC News`` inherits the ``Jellyfin TV Show by Date``
-preset and the ``= News`` override value.
+
+A subscription inherits every key above it. In the above example, both ``Breaking News``
+and ``BBC News`` inherits the ``Jellyfin TV Show by Date`` preset and the ``= News``
+override value.
 
 .. note::
 
-  There are no limits or boundaries on how one structures
-  their presets. This flexibility is intended for subscription authors
-  to organize their downloads as they see fit.
+  There are no limits or boundaries on how one structures their presets. This
+  flexibility is intended for subscription authors to organize their downloads as they
+  see fit.
+
 
 Multi Keys
 ----------
-Subscription keys support pipe syntax, or ``|``, which allows multiple
-keys to be defined on a single line. The following is equivalent to the above
-example:
+
+Subscription keys support pipe syntax, or ``|``, which allows multiple keys to be
+defined on a single line. The following is equivalent to the above example:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -85,16 +91,16 @@ example:
     "Breaking News": "https://www.youtube.com/@SomeBreakingNews"
     "BBC News": "https://www.youtube.com/@BBCNews"
 
+
 Override Mode
 -------------
-Often times, it is convenient to set multiple override values for
-a single subscription. We can put a preset in *override mode* by
-using tilda syntax, or ``~``.
+
+Often times, it is convenient to set multiple override values for a single
+subscription. We can put a preset in *override mode* by using tilda syntax, or ``~``.
 
 Suppose we want to apply the :ref:`Only Recent <prebuilt_presets/helpers:Only Recent>`
-preset to the above examples. But for ``BBC News`` specifically, we want to
-set the date range to be different than the default ``2months`` value to
-``2weeks``.
+preset to the above examples. But for ``BBC News`` specifically, we want to set the date
+range to be different than the default ``2months`` value to ``2weeks``.
 
 We can change it as follows:
 
@@ -109,13 +115,14 @@ We can change it as follows:
 
 .. important::
 
-  When using override mode, we need to set the ``url``
-  variable since we are no longer using the simplified
-  *subscription_value*. For more info on how this works,
-  read about :ref:`subscription variables <config_reference/scripting/static_variables:Subscription Variables>`.
+  When using override mode, we need to set the ``url`` variable since we are no longer
+  using the simplified *subscription_value*. For more info on how this works, read about
+  :ref:`subscription variables <config_reference/scripting/static_variables:Subscription
+  Variables>`.
+
 
 Map Mode
 --------
-Map mode is for highly advanced presets that benefit
-from a more complex subscription definition. TODO: Show music video
-example here.
+
+Map mode is for highly advanced presets that benefit from a more complex subscription
+definition. TODO: Show music video example here.

docs/source/debugging.rst

@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+Debugging
+=========
+
+Run with ``--log-level debug`` to show all log messages, often too much information for
+normal operation but useful when investigating a specific problem.
+
+:ref:`ytdl-sub builds on yt-dlp <introduction:motivation>`, which is in itself a complex
+tool. It performs an intricate and fragile task, web scraping, which in turn :ref:`is
+subject to the whims of external services <guides/getting_started/index:minimize the
+work to only what's necessary>` outside its control. Finally, because :ref:`ytdl-sub is
+a lower-level tool <guides/getting_started/index:prerequisite knowledge>`, many users,
+if not most, will have problems getting their configuration working and it can be
+difficult to determine when the root cause is their configuration, just a limit imposed
+by the services, or, least likely, a bug in one of the tools involved.
+
+To expedite resolution and conserve the limited resources of both yourself and
+volunteers, do as much investigation yourself as you can:
+
+#. Start by assuming the issue is your configuration:
+
+   Review :doc:`the guides <./guides/index>` to confirm your understanding. Increase
+   output using the ``--log-level`` CLI option and read the output carefully for hints
+   and clues. Use those clues to `search the docs`_. Read :doc:`the reference docs
+   <./config_reference/index>` of the involved ``ytdl-sub`` components.
+
+#. Try to determine if the issue is happening in ``yt-dlp`` or ``ytdl-sub``:
+
+   The user's configuration tells ``ytdl-sub`` how to run ``yt-dlp``. ``yt-dlp`` handles
+   all the web scraping and downloading. ``ytdl-sub`` then assembles the files and metadata
+   produced by ``yt-dlp`` and places them in your library.
+
+   If the issue is happening while scraping or downloading from the external service,
+   then it's happening in the running of ``yt-dlp``. Look for output showing failed
+   downloads, ``403`` errors, or signs of throttles. That doesn't mean it's a bug in
+   ``yt-dlp``, it could be in how your configuration tells ``ytdl-sub`` to run
+   ``yt-dlp`` or limits imposed by the service that are constantly changing, but you may
+   be able to find answers from other ``yt-dlp`` users running into similar issues.
+
+   See `the yt-dlp known issues`_ and `search their issues`_ for clues and hints. Read
+   the comments for more understanding, workarounds, and maybe even fixes. If you still
+   don't understand the cause after reading everything you can find there, try to find
+   help in `the yt-dlp Discord`_.
+
+#. If the issue is happening in ``ytdl-sub``, reach out for help:
+
+   Once you've done everything you can to get your configuration working and you've
+   determined that the issue isn't happening in ``yt-dlp``, look for answers in
+   ``ytdl-sub``:
+
+   #. Cut your configuration and subscriptions down to the minimum that reproduces the
+      issue.
+
+   #. Run with the ``--log-level debug`` CLI option and copy the full output.
+
+   #. `Search the ytdl-sub issues`_ using clues and hints from the output.
+
+   #. `Open a support post in Discord`_ with those details and all other relevant
+      details.
+
+   #. If someone from the Discord discussion directs you to, then `open a new issue`_
+      with those same details.
+
+
+.. _`the yt-dlp known issues`:
+   https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/wiki/FAQ#known-issues
+.. _`search their issues`:
+   https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/issues
+.. _`the yt-dlp Discord`:
+   https://discord.gg/H5MNcFW63r
+
+.. _`search the docs`:
+   https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/search.html
+.. _`search the ytdl-sub issues`:
+   https://github.com/jmbannon/ytdl-sub/issues
+.. _`open a support post in Discord`:
+   https://discord.com/channels/994270357957648404/1084886228266127460
+.. _`open a new issue`:
+   https://github.com/jmbannon/ytdl-sub/issues/new

docs/source/deprecation_notices.rst

@@ -1,14 +1,25 @@
 Deprecation Notices
 ===================
 
+Dec 2025
+--------
+
+Override variables names can no longer be plugin names, to avoid the common pitfall of
+defining a plugin underneath ``overrides``.
+
+In the past, there was usage of a ``date_range`` override variable in a few example configs
+that complimented the ``Only Recent`` preset. This overrride variable usage needs to be
+replaced with ``only_recent_date_range``.
+
 Sep 2024
 --------
 
 regex plugin
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
 Regex plugin has been removed in favor of scripting. The function
-:ref:`config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions:regex_capture_many`
-has been created to replicate the plugin's behavior. See the following converted example:
+:ref:`config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions:regex_capture_many` has been
+created to replicate the plugin's behavior. See the following converted example:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
   :caption: regex plugin
@@ -40,13 +51,16 @@ has been created to replicate the plugin's behavior. See the following converted
         }
       track_title: "{%array_at(captured_track_title, 1)}"
 
+
 Oct 2023
 --------
 
 subscription preset and value
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
 The use of ``__value__`` will go away in Dec 2023 in favor of the method found in
-:ref:`config_reference/subscription_yaml:Subscription File`. ``__preset__`` will still be supported for the time being.
+:ref:`config_reference/subscription_yaml:Subscription File`. ``__preset__`` will still
+be supported for the time being.
 
 July 2023
 ---------
@@ -54,8 +68,9 @@ July 2023
 music_tags
 ~~~~~~~~~~
 
-Music tags are getting simplified. ``tags`` will now reside directly under music_tags, and
-``embed_thumbnail`` is getting moved to its own plugin (supports video files as well). Convert from:
+Music tags are getting simplified. ``tags`` will now reside directly under music_tags,
+and ``embed_thumbnail`` is getting moved to its own plugin (supports video files as
+well). Convert from:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -79,8 +94,8 @@ The old format will be removed in October 2023.
 video_tags
 ~~~~~~~~~~
 
-Video tags are getting simplified as well. ``tags`` will now reside directly under video_tags.
-Convert from:
+Video tags are getting simplified as well. ``tags`` will now reside directly under
+video_tags.  Convert from:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 

docs/source/faq/index.rst

@@ -2,45 +2,36 @@
 FAQ
 ===
 
-Since ytdl-sub is relatively new to the public, there has not been many question asked yet. We will update this as more questions get asked.
+Since ytdl-sub is relatively new to the public, there has not been many question asked
+yet. We will update this as more questions get asked.
 
 .. contents:: Frequently Asked Questions
   :depth: 3
 
+
 How do I...
 -----------
 
 ...remove the date in the video title?
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
-The :ref:`config_reference/prebuilt_presets/tv_show:TV Show` presets by default include the upload date in the ``episode_title``
-override variable. This variable is used to set the title in things like the video metadata, NFO file, etc, which is
-subsequently read by media players. This can be overwritten as you see fit by redefining it:
+The :ref:`config_reference/prebuilt_presets/tv_show:TV Show` presets by default include
+the upload date in the ``episode_title`` override variable. This variable is used to set
+the title in things like the video metadata, NFO file, etc, which is subsequently read
+by media players. This can be overwritten as you see fit by redefining it:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
    overrides:
      episode_title: "{title}"  # Only sets the video title
 
-...get support or reach out to contribute?
-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-
-If you need support, you can:
-
-* :ytdl-sub-gh:`Open an issue on GitHub <issues/new>`
-
-* `Join our Discord <https://discord.gg/v8j9RAHb4k>`_
-
-If you would like to contribute, we're happy to accept any help, even non-coders! To find out how you can help this project, you can:
-
-* `Join our Discord <https://discord.gg/v8j9RAHb4k>`_ and leave a comment in #development with where you think you can assist or what skills you would like to contribute.
-
-* If you just want to fix one thing, you're welcome to :ytdl-sub-gh:`submit a pull request <compare>` with information on what issue you're resolving and it will be reviewed as soon as possible.
-
 ...download age-restricted YouTube videos?
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
-See `yt-dl's recommended way <https://github.com/ytdl-org/youtube-dl#how-do-i-pass-cookies-to-youtube-dl>`_ to download your YouTube cookie, then add it to your :ref:`ytdl options <config_reference/plugins:ytdl_options>` section of your config:
+See `yt-dl's recommended way
+<https://github.com/ytdl-org/youtube-dl#how-do-i-pass-cookies-to-youtube-dl>`_ to
+download your YouTube cookie, then add it to your :ref:`ytdl options
+<config_reference/plugins:ytdl_options>` section of your config:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -50,7 +41,8 @@ See `yt-dl's recommended way <https://github.com/ytdl-org/youtube-dl#how-do-i-pa
 ...automate my downloads?
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
-:doc:`This page </guides/getting_started/automating_downloads>` shows how to set up ``ytdl-sub`` to run automatically on various platforms.
+:doc:`This page </guides/getting_started/automating_downloads>` shows how to set up
+``ytdl-sub`` to run automatically on various platforms.
 
 ...download large channels?
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@@ -65,7 +57,8 @@ See the prebuilt preset :doc:`Filter Keywords </prebuilt_presets/helpers>`.
 ...prevent creation of NFO file
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
-Creation of NFO files is done by the NFO tags plugin. It, as any other plugin, can be disabled:
+Creation of NFO files is done by the NFO tags plugin. It, as any other plugin, can be
+disabled:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -75,8 +68,9 @@ Creation of NFO files is done by the NFO tags plugin. It, as any other plugin, c
 ...prevent download of images
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
-The :ref:`config_reference/prebuilt_presets/tv_show:TV Show` presets by default downloads images corresponding to show and each episode.
-This can be prevented by overriding following variables:
+The :ref:`config_reference/prebuilt_presets/tv_show:TV Show` presets by default
+downloads images corresponding to show and each episode.  This can be prevented by
+overriding following variables:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -85,25 +79,182 @@ This can be prevented by overriding following variables:
     tv_show_poster_file_name: ""  # to stop creation of poster.jpg in subscription
     thumbnail_name: ""            # to stop creation of episode thumbnails
 
+...use only part of the media's title
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+ytdl-sub offers a range of functions that can be used to parse a subset of a title for
+use in your media player. Consider the example:
+
+* I want to remove "NOVA PBS - " from the title ``NOVA PBS - Hidden Cities All Around
+  Us``.
+
+There are several solutions using ytdl-sub's scripting capabilities to override
+``episode_title`` by manipulating the original media's ``title``.
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+   :caption: Replace exclusion with empty string
+
+   "~Nova PBS":
+     url: "https://www.youtube.com/@novapbs"
+     episode_title: >-
+       {
+         %replace( title, "NOVA PBS - ", "" )
+       }
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+   :caption: Split once using delimiter, grab last value in the split array.
+
+   "~Nova PBS":
+     url: "https://www.youtube.com/@novapbs"
+     episode_title: >-
+       {
+         %array_at( %split(title, " - ", 1), -1 )
+       }
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+   :caption:
+      Regex capture. Supports multiple capture strings and default values if captures
+      are unsuccessful.
+
+   "~Nova PBS":
+     url: "https://www.youtube.com/@novapbs"
+     captured_episode_title: >-
+       {
+         %regex_capture_many(
+           title,
+           [ "NOVA PBS - (.*)" ],
+           [ title ]
+         )
+       }
+     episode_title: >-
+        { %array_at( captured_episode_title, 1 ) }
+
+There is no single solution to this problem - it will vary case-by-case. See our full
+suite of :ref:`scripting functions
+<config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions:Scripting Functions>` to create your own
+clever scraping mechanisms.
+
+...force ytdl-sub to re-download a file
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+Sometimes users may wish to replace a file already in the archive, for example, if the
+current file is a lower resolution than desired, missing subtitles, corrupt, etc..
+
+``ytdl-sub`` decides what files have already been downloaded by entries in :ref:`the
+download archive file <config_reference/plugins:output_options>`,
+``./.ytdl-sub-...-download-archive.json``, at the top of the subscription/series/show
+:ref:`output directory <config_reference/plugins:output_options>` in the appropriate
+``overrides: / ..._directory:`` library path, *and* the presence of the corresponding
+downloaded files under the same path. To force ``ytdl-sub`` to re-download an entry both
+need to be removed:
+
+- Move aside the downloaded files:
+
+  Rename or move the downloaded files, including the associated files with the same
+  base/stem name, such as ``./*.nfo``, ``./*.info-json``, etc..
+
+- Ensure ``ytdl-sub`` is not running and won't run, such as by cron:
+
+  ``ytdl-sub`` loads the ``./.ytdl-sub-...-download-archive.json`` file early, keeps it
+  in memory, and writes it back out late. If it's running or starts running while you're
+  modifying that file, then your changes will be overwritten when it exits.
+
+- Remove the ``./.ytdl-sub-...-download-archive.json`` JSON array item:
+
+  Search for the stem name, the basename without any extension or suffix, common to all
+  the downloaded files in this file and delete that whole entry, from the YouTube ID
+  string to the closing curly braces. Be ware of JSON traling commas.
+
+- Run ``$ ytdl-sub sub`` again with the appropriate CLI plugin options:
+
+  In normal operation, :ref:`yt-dlp minimizes requests and the files considered for
+  download <guides/getting_started/index:minimize the work to only what's
+  necessary>`. To re-download, those options must be disabled or modified. Disable
+  :ref:`the 'break_on_existing' option <config_reference/plugins:ytdl_options>`, set
+  :ref:`the 'date_range:' plugin <config_reference/plugins:date_range>`, and :ref:`limit
+  the subscriptions <guides/getting_started/downloading:preview>` to
+  download only the files that you've renamed in the steps above.
+
+  Set the appropriate dates, :ref:`including a sufficient margin
+  <config_reference/plugins:date_range>`, and subscription name to include only the
+  files you've renamed, and re-run. For example, if you've renamed all the files from
+  2024 in the ``NOVA PBS`` subscription:
+
+    .. code-block:: shell
+
+       ytdl-sub --match="NOVA PBS" sub -o "\
+       --ytdl_options.break_on_existing False \
+       --date_range.after 20240101 \
+       --date_range.before 20250101 \
+       "
+
+...download a file missing from the archive
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+The root causes are unknown, but sometimes even after successful, complete runs, some
+files will be missing from the archive. To attempt to download those missing files,
+use `the same CLI options as re-downloading a file`_
+
+.. _`the same CLI options as re-downloading a file`:
+   `...force ytdl-sub to re-download a file`_
+
+...get support?
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+See :doc:`the debugging documentation <../debugging>`.
+
+...reach out to contribute?
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+If you would like to contribute, we're happy to accept any help, including from
+non-coders! To find out how you can help this project, you can:
+
+- `Join our Discord <https://discord.gg/v8j9RAHb4k>`_ and leave a comment in
+  #development with where you think you can assist or what skills you would like to
+  contribute.
+
+- If you just want to fix one thing, you're welcome to :ytdl-sub-gh:`submit a pull
+  request <compare>` with information on what issue you're resolving and it will be
+  reviewed as soon as possible.
+
+
 There is a bug where...
 -----------------------
 
+...ytdl-sub is not downloading
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+...ytdl-sub is downloading at 360p or other lower quality
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+...ytdl-sub downloads 2-4 videos and then fails
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+These are often just limits imposed by the external services that are not bugs. There
+may be little that can be done about them, but see :ref:`the '_throttle_protection'
+preset <prebuilt_presets/helpers:_throttle_protection>` for more information.
+
 ...date_range is not downloading older videos after I changed the range
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
-Your preset most likely has ``break_on_existing`` set to True, which will stop downloading additional metadata/videos if the video exists in your download archive. Set the following in your config to skip downloading videos that exist instead of stopping altogether.
+Your preset most likely has ``break_on_existing`` set to True, which will stop
+downloading additional metadata/videos if the video exists in your download archive. Set
+the following in your config to skip downloading videos that exist instead of stopping
+altogether.
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
   ytdl_options:
     break_on_existing: False
 
-After you download your new date_range duration, re-enable ``break_on_existing`` to speed up successive downloads.
+After you download your new date_range duration, re-enable ``break_on_existing`` to
+speed up successive downloads.
 
 ...it is downloading non-English title and description metadata
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
-Most likely the video has a non-English language set to its 'native' language. You can tell yt-dlp to explicitly download English metadata using.
+Most likely the video has a non-English language set to its 'native' language. You can
+tell yt-dlp to explicitly download English metadata using.
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -119,7 +270,9 @@ Most likely the video has a non-English language set to its 'native' language. Y
 1. Set the following for your ytdl-sub library that has been added to Plex.
 
 .. figure:: ../../images/plex_scanner_agent.png
-  :alt: The Plex library editor, under the advanced settings, showing the required options for Plex to show the TV shows correctly.
+  :alt:
+     The Plex library editor, under the advanced settings, showing the required options
+     for Plex to show the TV shows correctly.
 
 - **Scanner:** Plex Series Scanner
 - **Agent:** Personal Media shows
@@ -127,7 +280,15 @@ Most likely the video has a non-English language set to its 'native' language. Y
 - **Episode sorting:** Library default
 - **YES** Enable video preview thumbnails
 
-2. Under **Settings** > **Agents**, confirm Plex Personal Media Shows/Movies scanner has **Local Media Assets** enabled.
+2. Under **Settings** > **Agents**, confirm Plex Personal Media Shows/Movies scanner has
+   **Local Media Assets** enabled.
 
 .. figure:: ../../images/plex_agent_sources.png
-  :alt: The Plex Agents settings page has Local Media Assets enabled for Personal Media Shows and Movies tabs.
+  :alt:
+     The Plex Agents settings page has Local Media Assets enabled for Personal Media
+     Shows and Movies tabs.
+
+...ytdl-sub errors when downloading a 360p video with resolution assert
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+:ref:`See how to either ignore this specific video or disable resolution assertion entirely here. <resolution assert handling>`

docs/source/guides/development/index.rst

@@ -1,8 +1,10 @@
 Development and Contributing
 ============================
 
+
 Requirements
 ------------
+
 - python >= 3.10
 - ffmpeg/ffprobe 4.4.5 (test checksums rely on this version)
 - make
@@ -20,15 +22,18 @@ Local Install
 
         pip install -e .\[test,lint,docs\]
 
+
 Linter
 ------
-All source code contributed must be formatted to our linter specification.
-Run the following to auto-format and check for any issues with your code:
+
+All source code contributed must be formatted to our linter specification.  Run the
+following to auto-format and check for any issues with your code:
 
 .. code-block:: shell
 
    make lint
 
+
 Adding Documentation
 --------------------
 
@@ -36,18 +41,21 @@ Docs can be found in ``ytdl-sub/docs/source/``, and are built using the command:
 
 
 .. code-block:: shell
-   :caption: Viewable at http://localhost:63342/ytdl-sub/docs/build/html/index.html once built
+   :caption:
+      Viewable at http://localhost:63342/ytdl-sub/docs/build/html/index.html once built
 
    make docs
 
-Some of the documentation is built using doc-strings from the python source code. The above
-command will rebuild those as well.
+Some of the documentation is built using doc-strings from the python source code. The
+above command will rebuild those as well.
+
 
 Testing
 -------
-Tests are written using pytest. Many of them evaluate checksums of output files to ensure no unintended
-changes are introduced to the way ``ytdl-sub`` produces files. This checksum can be inaccurate for
-end-to-end tests, but are reliable for integration tests.
+
+Tests are written using pytest. Many of them evaluate checksums of output files to
+ensure no unintended changes are introduced to the way ``ytdl-sub`` produces files. This
+checksum can be inaccurate for end-to-end tests, but are reliable for integration tests.
 
 If integration tests are failing, ensure...
 
@@ -55,26 +63,36 @@ If integration tests are failing, ensure...
 - you are developing on Linux or Mac (have not tested windows yet)
 - your local ``ytdl-sub`` dependencies are up-to-date
 
+
+Docker
+------
+
+Test changes to the Docker image variants locally:
+
+.. code-block:: shell
+
+   cd ./docker/testing/
+   make -j run
+
+See ``./docker/testing/docker-compose.yml`` for the Compose services for each image
+variant.
+
+
 IDE Setup
 ---------
-PyCharm is our preferred IDE. The codebase is simple enough to where it's not required, but
-is highly recommended.
+
+PyCharm is our preferred IDE. The codebase is simple enough to where it's not required,
+but is highly recommended.
 
 TODO: screenshots of configuration
 
-Debugging
----------
-
-Debug Logs
-^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
-Run with ``--log-level debug`` to show all debug logs when running ytdl-sub.
-
 
 Reproducing a Failing Subscription
-^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
-Subscriptions will dump their entire *compiled* yaml at the beginning of exeuction
-when using ``--log-level debug``. This can be copy-pasted into the file
-``resources/file_fixtures/repro.yaml``.
+----------------------------------
 
-Running the test ``e2e.test_debug_repro.TestReproduce.test_debug_log_repro``
-will fully reproduce that subscription in order to debug it.
+Subscriptions will dump their entire *compiled* yaml at the beginning of exeuction
+:doc:`when using '--log-level debug' <../../debugging>`. This can be copy-pasted into
+the file ``resources/file_fixtures/repro.yaml``.
+
+Running the test ``e2e.test_debug_repro.TestReproduce.test_debug_log_repro`` will fully
+reproduce that subscription in order to debug it.

docs/source/guides/getting_started/automating_downloads.rst

@@ -1,58 +1,132 @@
-Automating Downloads
-====================
+Automating
+==========
 
-:ref:`Guide for Docker and Unraid Containers <guides/getting_started/automating_downloads:docker and unraid>`
+Automate downloading your subscriptions by running the :ref:`'sub' sub-command
+<usage:subscriptions options>` periodically. There are various tools that can run
+commands on a schedule you may use any of them that work with your installation
+method. Most users use `cron`_ in `Docker containers <docker and unraid_>`_.
 
-:ref:`Guide for Linux <guides/getting_started/automating_downloads:linux>`
-
-:ref:`Guide for Windows <guides/getting_started/automating_downloads:windows>`
-
-.. _cron scheduling syntax: https://crontab.guru/#0_*/6_*_*_*
-
-.. _docker-unraid-setup:
 
 Docker and Unraid
 -----------------
 
-Cron is preconfigured in every ytdl-sub docker container. Enable by adding the following
-ENV variables to your docker setup.
+:doc:`The 'ytdl-sub' Docker container images <../install/docker>` provide optional cron
+support. Enable cron support by setting `a cron schedule`_ in the ``CRON_SCHEDULE``
+environment variable:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
+  :caption: ./compose.yaml
+  :emphasize-lines: 4
 
   services:
     ytdl-sub:
       environment:
-        - CRON_SCHEDULE="0 */6 * * *"
-        - CRON_RUN_ON_START=false
+        CRON_SCHEDULE: "0 */6 * * *"
+	# WARNING: See "Getting Started" -> "Automating" docs regarding throttles/bans:
+	# CRON_RUN_ON_START: false
 
+Then recreate the container to apply the change and start it to generate the default
+``/config/ytdl-sub-configs/cron`` script. Read the comments in that script and edit as
+appropriate.
 
-- ``CRON_SCHEDULE`` follows the standard `cron scheduling syntax`_. The above value will run the script once every 6 hours.
-- ``CRON_RUN_ON_START`` toggles whether to run your cron script on container start in addition to the cron schedule.
+The container cron wrapper script will write output from the cron job to
+``/config/ytdl-sub-configs/.cron.log``. The default image ``ENTRYPOINT`` will ``$ tail
+...`` that file so you can monitor the cron job in the container's output and thus also
+in the Docker logs.
 
-The cron script will reside in the main directory with the file name ``cron``.
-Cron logs should show when viewing the Docker logs.
+You may also set the ``CRON_RUN_ON_START`` environment variable to ``true`` to have the
+image run your cron script whenever the container starts in addition to the cron
+schedule.
+
+.. warning::
+
+   Using ``CRON_RUN_ON_START`` may cause your cron script to run too often and may
+   trigger throttles and bans. When enabled, your cron script will run *whenever* the
+   container starts including when the host reboots, when ``# dockerd`` restarts such as
+   when upgrading Docker itself, when a new image is pulled, when something applies
+   Compose changes, etc.. This may result in running ``ytdl-sub`` right before or after
+   the next cron scheduled run.
 
 
 .. _linux-setup:
 
-Linux 
------
-Must configure crontab manually, like so:
+Linux, Mac OS X, BSD, or other UNIX's
+-------------------------------------
+
+For installations on systems already running ``# crond``, you can also use cron to run
+``ytdl-sub`` periodically. Write a script to run ``ytdl-sub`` in the cron job. Be sure
+the script changes to the same directory as your configuration and uses the full path to
+``ytdl-sub``:
 
 .. code-block:: shell
+   :caption: ~/.local/bin/ytdl-sub-cron
+   :emphasize-lines: 2,3
 
-  crontab -e
-  0     */6     *       *       *       /config/run_cron
+   #!/bin/bash
+   cd "~/.config/ytdl-sub/"
+   ~/.local/bin/ytdl-sub --dry-run sub -o '--ytdl_options.max_downloads 3' |&
+       tee -a "~/.local/state/ytdl-sub/.cron.log"
 
+Then tell ``# crond`` when to run the script:
 
+.. code-block:: console
+
+   echo "0 */6 * * * ${HOME}/.local/bin/ytdl-sub-cron" | crontab "-"
+
+Remove the ``--dry-run`` and ``-o ...`` CLI options from your cron script when you've
+tested your configuration and you're ready to download entries unattended.
 
 
 .. _windows-setup:
 
 Windows
 -------
-To be tested (please contact code owner or join the discord server if you can test this out for us)
 
-.. code-block:: powershell
+For most Windows users, the best way to run commands periodically is `the Task
+Scheduler`_:
 
-  ytdl-sub.exe --config \path\to\config\config.yaml sub \path\to\config\subscriptions.yaml
+.. attention::
+
+   These instructions are untested. Use at your own risk. If you use them, whether they
+   work or not, please let us know how it went in `a support post in Discord`_ or `a new
+   GitHub issue`_.
+
+#. Open the Task Scheduler app.
+
+#. Click ``Create Basic Task`` at the top of the right sidebar.
+
+#. Set all the fields as appropriate until you get to the ``Action``...
+
+#. For the ``Action``, select ``Start a program``...
+
+#. Click ``Browse...`` to the installed ``ytdl-sub.exe`` executable...
+
+#. Add CLI arguments to ``Add arguments (optional):``, for example ``--dry-run sub -o
+   '--ytdl_options.max_downloads 3'``...
+
+#. Set ``Start in (optional):`` to the directory containing your configuration.
+
+#. Finish the rest of the ``Create Basic Task`` wizard.
+
+
+Next Steps
+----------
+
+At this point, ``ytdl-sub`` should run periodically and keep your subscriptions current
+in your media library without your intervention. As your :doc:`subscriptions file
+<./subscriptions>` grows or you discover new use cases, it becomes worth while to
+simplify things by :doc:`defining your own custom presets <./first_config>`.
+
+
+
+.. _`cron`:
+   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cron
+.. _`a cron schedule`:
+   https://crontab.cronhub.io/
+
+.. _`the Task Scheduler`:
+   https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/taskschd/task-scheduler-start-page
+.. _`a support post in Discord`:
+   https://discord.com/channels/994270357957648404/1084886228266127460
+.. _`a new GitHub issue`:
+   https://github.com/jmbannon/ytdl-sub/issues/new

docs/source/guides/getting_started/downloading.rst

@@ -0,0 +1,69 @@
+Downloading
+===========
+
+Once you've :doc:`defined your subscriptions <./subscriptions>`, it's time to test your
+configuration and try your first download. As a web scraping tool, :ref:`it's important
+to minimize the requests sent to external services
+<guides/getting_started/index:minimize the work to only what's necessary>` to avoid
+triggering throttling or bans. Further, a full download of even one subscription can
+take significant time. Test each change to your subscriptions carefully and quickly as
+follows.
+
+
+Preview
+-------
+
+Preview what ``ytdl-sub`` would do for this subscription. Run the :ref:`'sub'
+sub-command <usage:subscriptions options>` with CLI options to restrict requests as much
+as possible:
+
+- Pull metadata and *simulate* a download without actually downloading any media files
+  using the ``--dry-run`` CLI option.
+
+- Limit requests by narrowing the run to one subscription by giving a
+  subscription name to the ``--match`` CLI option.
+
+- Stop after just a few downloads to further minimize requests and make testing faster
+  using the ``max_downloads`` setting from ``yt-dlp``.
+
+Change to the directory containing your ``./subscriptions.yaml`` file and run with those
+options:
+
+.. code-block:: console
+
+   cd "/config/ytdl-sub-configs/"
+   ytdl-sub --dry-run --match="NOVA PBS" sub -o '--ytdl_options.max_downloads 3'
+
+Examine the output carefully, investigate anything that doesn't look right and repeat
+this step until everything looks right.
+
+
+Review
+------
+
+Review the results of real downloads. Run it again without the ``--dry-run`` option to
+actually download media and place the files in your library:
+
+.. code-block:: console
+
+   ytdl-sub --match="NOVA PBS" sub -o '--ytdl_options.max_downloads 3'
+
+Examine the output carefully again. Then examine how the resulting downloads work in
+your library. Repeat with a larger value for ``max_downloads`` and examine the output
+and downloads again.
+
+
+Next Steps
+----------
+
+Once you're `previewed <preview_>`_ and `reviewed <review_>`_ successful downloads of
+each of your subscriptions, you're ready to run a full download of all your
+subscriptions. Run the sub-command without the CLI options you used to limit what
+``ytdl-sub`` does while testing:
+
+.. code-block:: console
+
+   ytdl-sub sub
+
+If you're ready to let ``ytdl-sub`` run unattended, it's time to :doc:`automate
+downloads <./automating_downloads>`.

docs/source/guides/getting_started/first_config.rst

@@ -3,18 +3,39 @@ Basic Configuration
 
 A configuration file serves two purposes:
 
-1. Set advanced functionality that is not specifiable in a subscription file, such as working directory location. These
-   are set underneath ``configuration``.
-2. Create custom presets, which can drastically simplify your subscription file. These are defined underneath ``presets``.
-   Presets are intended to be applicable and reusable across multiple subscriptions.
+1. Set application-level functionality that is not specifiable in a subscription file.
 
-Below is a common configuration:
+  .. note::
+
+   ytdl-sub does not require a configuration file. However,
+   certain application settings may be desirable for tweak, such as setting
+   ``working_directory`` to make ytdl-sub perform the initial download
+   to an SSD drive.
+
+2. Create custom presets.
+
+  .. note::
+
+    In the prior Initial Subscription examples, we leveraged the prebuilt preset
+    ``Jellyfin TV Show by Date``. This preset is entirely built using the same
+    YAML configuration system offered to users by using a configuration file.
+
+The following section attempts to demystify and explain how to...
+
+- Set an application setting
+- Know whether or not custom presets are actually needed
+- How to create a custom preset
+- How to use a custom preset on subscriptions
+
+-------------
+
+how this works, and show-case how
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
   :linenos:
 
   configuration:
-    working_directory: '/mnt/ssd/.ytdl-sub-downloads'
+    working_directory: ".ytdl-sub-working-directory"
 
   presets:
     TV Show:
@@ -36,28 +57,36 @@ Below is a common configuration:
            max: 36
 
       overrides:
-        tv_show_directory: "/ytdl_sub_tv_shows"
+        tv_show_directory: "/tv_shows"
 
     TV Show Only Recent:
       preset:
         - "TV Show"
         - "Only Recent"
 
+
 Configuration Section
 ---------------------
 
-The :ref:`configuration <config_reference/config_yaml:Configuration File>` section sets options for ytdl-sub execution.
+The :ref:`configuration <config_reference/config_yaml:Configuration File>` section sets
+options for ytdl-sub execution. Most users should set the path where ``ytdl-sub``
+temporarily stores downloaded data before assembling it and moving it into your
+library. To avoid unnecessarily long large file renames, use a path on the same
+filesystem as your library in the ``overrides: / *_directory:`` paths:
+
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
   :lineno-start: 1
 
   configuration:
-    working_directory: '/mnt/ssd/.ytdl-sub-downloads'
+    working_directory: ".ytdl-sub-working-directory"
+
 
 Preset Section
 --------------
 
-Underneath ``presets``, we define two custom presets with the names ``TV Show`` and ``TV Show Only Recent``.
+Underneath ``presets``, we define two custom presets with the names ``TV Show`` and ``TV
+Show Only Recent``.
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -69,6 +98,7 @@ Underneath ``presets``, we define two custom presets with the names ``TV Show``
 
 The indentation example above shows how to define multiple presets.
 
+
 Custom Preset Definition
 ------------------------
 
@@ -88,12 +118,15 @@ Before we break down the above ``TV Show`` preset, lets first outline a preset l
 
 Presets can contain three important things:
 
-1. ``preset`` section, which can inherit :ref:`prebuilt presets <config_reference/prebuilt_presets/index:Prebuilt Preset Reference>`
-   or other presets defined in your config.
+1. ``preset`` section, which can inherit :ref:`prebuilt presets
+   <config_reference/prebuilt_presets/index:Prebuilt Preset Reference>` or other presets
+   defined in your config.
 2. :ref:`Plugin definitions <config_reference/plugins:Plugins>`
-3. :ref:`overrides <config_reference/plugins:overrides>`, which can override inherited preset variables
+3. :ref:`overrides <config_reference/plugins:overrides>`, which can override inherited
+   preset variables
 
-Presets do not have to define all of these, as we'll see in the ``TV Show Only Recent`` preset.
+Presets do not have to define all of these, as we'll see in the ``TV Show Only Recent``
+preset.
 
 Inheriting Presets
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@@ -106,14 +139,16 @@ Inheriting Presets
         - "Jellyfin TV Show by Date"
         - "Max 1080p"
 
-The following snippet shows that the ``TV Show`` preset will inherit all properties
-of the prebuilt presets ``Jellyfin TV Show by Date`` and ``Max 1080p`` in that order.
+The following snippet shows that the ``TV Show`` preset will inherit all properties of
+the prebuilt presets ``Jellyfin TV Show by Date`` and ``Max 1080p`` in that order.
 
 Order matters for preset inheritance. Bottom-most presets will override ones above them.
 
-It is highly advisable to use :ref:`prebuilt presets <config_reference/prebuilt_presets/index:Prebuilt Preset Reference>` as
-a starting point for custom preset building, as they do the work of preset building to ensure things show as expected
-in their respective media players. Read on to see how to override prebuilt preset specifics such as title.
+It is highly advisable to use :ref:`prebuilt presets
+<config_reference/prebuilt_presets/index:Prebuilt Preset Reference>` as a starting point
+for custom preset building, as they do the work of preset building to ensure things show
+as expected in their respective media players. Read on to see how to override prebuilt
+preset specifics such as title.
 
 Defining Plugins
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@@ -134,17 +169,18 @@ Defining Plugins
            min: 10
            max: 36
 
-Our ``TV Show`` sets two plugins, :ref:`throttle_protection <config_reference/plugins:throttle_protection>` and
-:ref:`embed_thumbnail <config_reference/plugins:embed_thumbnail>`. Each plugin's documentation shows the respective
-fields that they support.
+Our ``TV Show`` sets two plugins, :ref:`throttle_protection
+<config_reference/plugins:throttle_protection>` and :ref:`embed_thumbnail
+<config_reference/plugins:embed_thumbnail>`. Each plugin's documentation shows the
+respective fields that they support.
 
-If an inherited preset defines the same plugin, the custom preset will use 'merge-and-append' strategy to
-combine their definitions. What this means is:
-
-1. If the field is a map (i.e. has sub-params like ``sleep_per_download_s`` above) or array, it will try to merge them
-2. If both the inherited preset and custom preset set the same exact field and value (i.e. ``embed_thumbnail``)
-   the custom preset will overwrite it
+If an inherited preset defines the same plugin, the custom preset will use
+'merge-and-append' strategy to combine their definitions. What this means is:
 
+1. If the field is a map (i.e. has sub-params like ``sleep_per_download_s`` above) or
+   array, it will try to merge them
+2. If both the inherited preset and custom preset set the same exact field and value
+   (i.e. ``embed_thumbnail``) the custom preset will overwrite it
 
 Setting Override Variables
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@@ -155,27 +191,31 @@ Setting Override Variables
       overrides:
         tv_show_directory: "/ytdl_sub_tv_shows"
 
-All override variables reside underneath the :ref:`overrides <config_reference/plugins:overrides>` section.
+All override variables reside underneath the :ref:`overrides
+<config_reference/plugins:overrides>` section.
 
-It is important to remember that individual subscriptions can override specific override variables.
-When defining variables in a preset, it is best practice to define them with the intention that
+It is important to remember that individual subscriptions can override specific override
+variables.  When defining variables in a preset, it is best practice to define them with
+the intention that
 
 1. All subscriptions will use its value them
-2. Use them as placeholders to perform other logic, then have subscriptions or child presets
-   define their specific value
+2. Use them as placeholders to perform other logic, then have subscriptions or child
+   presets define their specific value
 
-For simplicity, we'll focus on (1) for now. The above snippet sets the ``tv_show_directory``
-variable to a file path. This variable name is specific to the prebuilt TV show presets.
+For simplicity, we'll focus on (1) for now. The above snippet sets the
+``tv_show_directory`` variable to a file path. This variable name is specific to the
+prebuilt TV show presets.
 
-See the :ref:`prebuilt preset reference <config_reference/prebuilt_presets/index:Prebuilt Preset Reference>`
-to see all available variables that are overridable.
+See the :ref:`prebuilt preset reference
+<config_reference/prebuilt_presets/index:Prebuilt Preset Reference>` to see all
+available variables that are overridable.
 
 
 Using Custom Presets in Subscriptions
 --------------------------------------
 
-Subscription files can use custom presets just like any other prebuilt preset.
-Below shows a complete subscription file using the above two custom presets.
+Subscription files can use custom presets just like any other prebuilt preset.  Below
+shows a complete subscription file using the above two custom presets.
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -193,11 +233,31 @@ Below shows a complete subscription file using the above two custom presets.
 Notice how we do not need to define ``tv_show_directory`` in the ``__preset__`` section
 like in prior examples. This is because our custom presets do the work of defining it.
 
+
 Reference Custom Config in the CLI
 ----------------------------------
 
-Be sure to tell ytdl-sub to use your config by using the argument
-``--config /path/to/config.yaml``.
+Be sure to tell ytdl-sub to use your config by using the argument ``--config
+/path/to/config.yaml``.
 
-If you run ytdl-sub in the same directory, and the config file is named ``config.yaml``, it will
-use it by default.
+If you run ytdl-sub in the same directory, and the config file is named ``config.yaml``,
+it will use it by default.
+
+Visualizing a subscription in Preset form
+-----------------------------------------
+
+Subscription file syntax is designed to minimize boiler-plate when authoring new subscriptions.
+You can unpack any subscription using the ``inspect`` sub-command to see its boiler-plate *preset format*.
+
+.. code-block:: bash
+
+   ytdl-sub inspect --match "BBC News" /path/to/subscriptions.yaml
+
+This can be utilized for numerous purposes including:
+
+* Ensuring your custom preset is getting applied correctly.
+* Figuring out which variables set things like file names, metadata, etc.
+* Understanding how subscription syntax translates to preset representation.
+
+The default ``--level`` of inspect will fill in defined variables. Using ``--level original`` will
+present the subscription's raw layout with no fill.

docs/source/guides/getting_started/first_download.rst

@@ -1,50 +0,0 @@
-Initial Download
-================
-
-Once you have a ``subscriptions.yaml`` file created, you can perform your first
-download. Access ``ytdl-sub``, navigate to the directory containing your ``subscriptions.yaml``
-file.
-
-Dry Run
--------
-Performing a dry run is important when applying any change to your subscriptions to
-ensure output looks as expected. Dry runs will pull metadata to *simulate* a download
-without actually downloading the media file.
-
-.. code-block:: shell
-
-  ytdl-sub --dry-run sub subscriptions.yaml
-
-Faster Iteration Cycle
-----------------------
-Testing subscriptions can take quite some time to perform a full download.
-This can be speed up by applying an override via command-line to set max number
-of downloads.
-
-.. code-block:: shell
-
-  ytdl-sub --dry-run sub subscriptions.yaml -o '--ytdl_options.max_downloads 3'
-
-Having many subscriptions could still make this dry run take a while. A subset of
-subscriptions can be dry ran using a match.
-
-.. code-block:: shell
-  :caption: Only run subscriptions that have PBS in their names
-
-  ytdl-sub --dry-run sub subscriptions.yaml -o '--ytdl_options.max_downloads 3' --match PBS
-
-Downloading
------------
-Once the subscriptions file is validated, a download can be performed by omitting the dry run argument.
-
-.. code-block:: shell
-
-  ytdl-sub sub subscriptions.yaml
-
-Multiple subscription file names can be provided to perform a download on all of them. A single file
-named ``subscriptions.yaml`` does not require a file name specification since it will
-look for that file name by default, making the following command valid.
-
-.. code-block:: shell
-
-  ytdl-sub sub

docs/source/guides/getting_started/first_sub.rst

@@ -1,141 +0,0 @@
-Initial Subscription
-====================
-
-Your first subscription file should look something like this:
-
-.. code-block:: yaml
-  :linenos:
-  
-  __preset__:
-    overrides:
-      tv_show_directory: "/tv_shows"
-      music_directory: "/music"
-
-  # Can choose between:
-  #  - Plex TV Show by Date:
-  #  - Jellyfin TV Show by Date:
-  #  - Kodi TV Show by Date:
-  #
-  Jellyfin TV Show by Date:
-    = Documentaries:
-      "NOVA PBS": "https://www.youtube.com/@novapbs"
-
-    = Kids | = TV-Y:
-      "Jake Trains": "https://www.youtube.com/@JakeTrains"
-
-  YouTube Releases:
-    = Jazz:  # Sets genre tag to "Jazz"
-      "Thelonious Monk": "https://www.youtube.com/@theloniousmonk3870/releases"
-
-  YouTube Full Albums:
-    = Lofi:
-      "Game Chops": "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBsm_SagFMmdWnCnrNtLjA9kzfrRkto4i"
-
-Let's break this down:
-
-.. code-block:: yaml
-  :lineno-start: 1
-
-  __preset__:
-    overrides:
-      tv_show_directory: "/tv_shows"
-      music_directory: "/music"
-
-
-The first :ref:`__preset__ <config_reference/subscription_yaml:File Preset>` section is where we
-can set modifications that apply to every subscription in this file.
-
-This snippet specifically adds two :ref:`override <config_reference/plugins:Overrides>` variables,
-which are used by the presets below.
-
-.. note::
-  It is tempting to put any override underneath ``overrides``. Keep in mind that this section
-  is solely for variable defining. Other :ref:`plugins <config_reference/plugins:Plugins>` need to be
-  set at the same indentation level as ``overrides``, not within it.
-
-
--------------------------------------
-
-.. code-block:: yaml
-  :lineno-start: 6
-
-  # Can choose between:
-  #  - Plex TV Show by Date:
-  #  - Jellyfin TV Show by Date:
-  #  - Kodi TV Show by Date:
-  #
-
-Lines 6-10 are comments that get ignored when parsing YAML since they are prefixed with ``#``.
-It is good practice to leave informative comments in your config or subscription files to remind
-yourself of various things.
-
--------------------------------------
-
-.. code-block:: yaml
-  :lineno-start: 11
-
-  Jellyfin TV Show by Date:
-
-On line 11, we set the key to ``Jellyfin TV Show by Date``. This is a
-:ref:`prebuilt preset <prebuilt_presets/index:prebuilt presets>` that configures
-subscriptions to look like TV shows in the Jellyfin media player (can be changed to
-one of the presets outlined in the comment above). Setting it as a YAML key implies that all
-subscriptions underneath it will *inherit* this preset.
-
-This preset expects the variable ``tv_show_directory`` to be set, which we do above.
-
--------------------------------------
-
-.. code-block:: yaml
-  :lineno-start: 11
-
-  Jellyfin TV Show by Date:
-    = Documentaries:
-
-Line 12 sets the key to ``= Documentaries``. When keys are prefixed with ``=``, it means we are
-setting the genre. This value will get written to the respective metadata tags for both TV show
-and music presets.
-
-Behind the scenes, this sets the override variable ``subscription_indent_1``. Further documentation
-can be found here for
-:ref:`subscription syntax <config_reference/subscription_yaml:Subscription File>` and
-:ref:`subscription variables <config_reference/scripting/static_variables:Subscription Variables>`.
-
--------------------------------------
-
-.. code-block:: yaml
-  :lineno-start: 11
-
-  Jellyfin TV Show by Date:
-    = Documentaries:
-      "NOVA PBS": "https://www.youtube.com/@novapbs"
-
-Line 13 is where we define our first subscription. We set the subscription name to ``NOVA PBS``,
-and the subscription value to ``https://www.youtube.com/@novapbs``.
-
-To see how presets ingest subscription definitions, refer to the
-:ref:`preset references <config_reference/prebuilt_presets/tv_show:TV Show>`,
-we can see that ``{subscription_name}`` is used to set the ``tv_show_name`` variable.
-
--------------------------------------
-
-.. code-block:: yaml
-  :lineno-start: 11
-
-  Jellyfin TV Show by Date:
-    = Documentaries:
-      "NOVA PBS": "https://www.youtube.com/@novapbs"
-
-    = Kids | = TV-Y:
-      "Jake Trains": "https://www.youtube.com/@JakeTrains"
-
-Line 15 underneath ``Jellyfin TV Show by Date``, but at the same level as ``= Documentaries``.
-This means we'll inherit the TV show preset, but not the documentaries indent variable. We instead
-set the indent variables to ``= Kids | = TV-Y``. This sets two indent variables. We can set
-multiple presets and/or indent variables on the same key by using ``|`` as a separator.
-
-Referring to the
-:ref:`TV show preset reference <config_reference/prebuilt_presets/tv_show:TV Show>`, the first
-two indent variables map to the TV show genre and TV show content rating.
-
-The above info should be enough to understand the rest of the subscription file.

docs/source/guides/getting_started/index.rst

@@ -1,57 +1,157 @@
 Getting Started
 ===============
 
+
 Prerequisite Knowledge
 ----------------------
 
-In order to use ``ytdl-sub`` in any of the forms listed in these docs, you will need some basic knowledge.
+Using ``ytdl-sub`` requires some technical knowledge. You must be able to:
 
-Be sure that you:
-  ☑ Can navigate directories in a command line interface (or CLI)
+- do `basic CLI shell navigation`_
+- read and write `YAML text files`_
 
-  ☑ Have a basic understanding of YAML syntax
+If you plan on using a :ref:`Docker headless image variant
+<guides/install/docker:headless image>` of ``ytdl-sub``, you can:
 
-If you plan on using the headless image of ``ytdl-sub``, you:
-  ☑ Can use ``nano`` or ``vim`` to edit OR
+- use ``$ nano /config/...`` to edit configuration files inside the container
+- or bind mount ``/config/`` as a Docker volume and use the editor of your choice from
+  the host
 
-  ☑ Can mount the config directory somewhere you can open it using gui text editors
+Soon, it's time to start configuring ``ytdl-sub``. We provide a :doc:`./quick_start`
+with rigid, rote instructions on how to get a minimal configuration up and running, but
+if that serves all your needs, then you're probably better off with :ref:`one of the
+more user-friendly yt-dlp wrappers available <introduction:motivation>`. As a lower
+level tool with no GUI, most ``ytdl-sub`` users will need to understand at least some of
+how ``ytdl-sub`` works, how it "thinks". So before you start configuring ``ytdl-sub``,
+`read on <architecture>`_ to learn how ``ytdl-sub`` works.
 
-Additional useful (but not required) knowledge:
-  ☑ Understanding how :yt-dlp:`\ ` works
+.. _`basic CLI shell navigation`:
+   https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Learn_web_development/Getting_started/Environment_setup/Command_line
+.. _`YAML text files`: http://thomasloven.com/blog/2018/08/YAML-For-Nonprogrammers/
 
-Terminology
------------
 
-Must-know terminology:
 
-- ``subscription``: URL(s) that you want to download with specific metadata requirements.
-- ``preset``: A media profile comprised of YAML configuration that can specify anything from metadata layout, media quality, or any feature of ytdl-sub, to apply to subscriptions. A preset can inherit other presets.
-- ``prebuilt preset``: Presets that are included in ytdl-sub. These do most of the work defining plugins, overrides, etc in order to make downloads ready for player consumption.
-- ``override``: Verb describing the act of overriding something in a preset. For example, the TV Show presets practically expect you to *override* the URL variable to tell ytdl-sub where to download from.
-- ``override variables``: User-defined variables that are intended to *override* something.
-- ``subscription file``: The file to specify all of your subscriptions and some override variables.
+Architecture
+------------
 
-Intermediate terminology:
+For most users, ``ytdl-sub`` works as follows:
 
-- ``plugin``: Modular logic to apply to a subscription. To use a plugin, it must be defined in a preset.
-- ``config file``: An optional file where you can define custom presets and other advanced configuration.
-- ``yt-dlp``: The underlying application that handles downloading for ytdl-sub.
+Subscriptions use presets
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
-Advanced terminology:
+Run ``$ ytdl-sub sub`` to read :doc:`a subscription file <./subscriptions>` that defines
+what subscriptions to download and place into your media library. Each subscription
+selects which :doc:`presets <../../prebuilt_presets/index>` to apply. Those presets
+configure how each subscription is downloaded and placed in the media library.
 
-- ``entry variables``: Variables that derive from a downloaded yt-dlp entry (media).
-- ``static variables``: Variables that do not have a dependency to entry variables.
-- ``scripting``: Syntax that allows the use of entry variables, static variables, and functions in override variables.
+Presets configure plugins
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+:doc:`A preset <../../prebuilt_presets/index>` is effectively a set of plugin
+configurations. Specifically, a preset consists of:
+
+- base presets that it inherits from and extends
+- plugin configurations
+
+When a preset has multiple base presets and more than one of those base presets
+configures the same keys for a plugin, the later/lower base preset overrides the plugin
+key configurations of earlier/higher base presets. Similarly, when the preset configures
+the same keys for a plugin that one of its base plugins configures, the preset
+configuration overrides the base presets.
+
+Plugins do the work
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+``ytdl-sub`` applies the plugins that the presets configure when it downloads a
+subscription. :doc:`The plugins <../../config_reference/plugins>` control how to run
+``yt-dlp``, which media in the subscription to download, how to collect and format
+metadata for those media, how to place the resulting files into your media library, and
+more.
+
+Presets and subscriptions accept overrides
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+Presets accept override keys and values and the preset uses those overrides to modify
+their plugin configurations. Similarly, individual subscriptions can supply overrides of
+their presets for just that subscription.
+
+Subscriptions are grouped by indentation
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+Most subscriptions have more in common with each other than not. Thus, defining the
+presets and overrides for each subscription would result in mostly repetition and would
+multiply the burden of management for the user. The more subscriptions the more work.
+
+To avoid this redundant work, and so that the subscription configurations describe the
+intent of the user, subscriptions are nested/indented under parent/ancestor keys that
+define their shared configuration. To support this, ``ytdl-sub`` uses special handling
+of the ancestor YAML keys above each subscription. A subscription is the most
+nested/indented/descendant key that specifies the URLs for that subscription. The
+ancestor keys above that subscription describe the shared presets of that subscription
+and all the other descendant subscriptions under them.
+
+Genres are also more often shared between subscriptions than not. To accommodate that
+reality, the ancestor keys of subscriptions may also use :ref:`the special '= ...'
+prefix to pass specific overrides
+<config_reference/scripting/static_variables:subscription_indent_i>` supported by the
+preset. By convention in the pre-built media type presets, the first ``= ...`` value
+specifies the genre for all descendant subscriptions.
+
+Finally, ancestor keys may use :ref:`the '... | ...' special character
+<config_reference/subscription_yaml:multi keys>` to combine multiple presets and/or
+genres for the descendant subscriptions beneath.
+
+The configuration file extends pre-defined presets
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+Users define additional presets in :doc:`their configuration file <./first_config>` that
+they then use in most of their subscriptions. Most user-defined presets extend the
+:doc:`../../prebuilt_presets/index` provided by ``ytdl-sub``.
+
+Minimize the work to only what's necessary
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+Throttling and bans are a core problem for any web scraping tool, perhaps even more so
+for ``yt-dlp``, and no good actor *wants* to be an onerous burden on a
+service. Similarly, many web scraping use cases involve very large sets of data that are
+too big to process as a whole for performance. It's important to narrow the amount of
+data considered and minimize requests.
+
+To these ends, most presets tell ``yt-dlp`` not to consider files before the most
+recently downloaded file using :ref:`the 'break_on_existing' option
+<config_reference/plugins:ytdl_options>`. Similarly, and particularly for huge channels
+or playlists, most users should use either :ref:`an 'Only Recent' preset
+<prebuilt_presets/helpers:only recent>` and/or :ref:`the 'Chunk Downloads' preset
+<prebuilt_presets/helpers:chunk downloads>` to restrict the number of downloads
+considered.
+
+
+Caveats
+~~~~~~~
+
+Some of these descriptions are not technically complete. For example, a subscription may
+use no preset at all and will just run ``yt-dlp`` without any customization or post
+processing. The subscriptions file has special support for :ref:`overriding the presets
+of all subscriptions in the file <config_reference/subscription_yaml:file preset>`. The
+configuration file supports :ref:`a few special options
+<config_reference/config_yaml:Configuration File>` that are not about defining presets. See
+:doc:`the reference documentation <../../config_reference/index>` for technically
+complete details, but for almost all of the use cases served by ``ytdl-sub``, the above
+is accurate and representative.
+
+
+Next Steps
+----------
+
+With ``ytdl-sub`` installed and the above understood, the next step is to :doc:`start
+adding subscriptions <./subscriptions>`.
 
-Ready to Start?
----------------
-Now that you've completed your install of ``ytdl-sub``, it's time to get started.
-It is recommended to go through the below sections in order to fully grasp ytdl-sub.
 
 .. toctree::
-  :maxdepth: 2
+  :hidden:
 
-  first_sub
-  first_download
+  subscriptions
+  downloading
   automating_downloads
   first_config
+  quick_start

docs/source/guides/getting_started/quick_start.rst

@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+Quick Start
+===========
+
+:ref:`Again <guides/getting_started/index:prerequisite knowledge>`, if the following
+serves all your needs, then you're probably better off with :ref:`one of the more
+user-friendly yt-dlp wrappers available <introduction:motivation>`. If you still want to
+get ``ytdl-sub`` up and running quickly and without understanding, then follow these
+instructions to the letter.
+
+#. Install using :ref:`the official Docker GUI image variant <guides/install/docker:gui
+   image>`.
+
+#. Update the paths for your media library:
+
+   Edit :ref:`the subscriptions file <guides/install/docker:configuration>`. Near the
+   top, under ``__preset__:`` and then ``overrides:``, update the values under the
+   ``*_directory:`` keys with the correct paths for your media library *as they appear
+   inside the container*.
+
+#. Select your media library software:
+
+   Change the ``Plex TV Show by Date:`` *key itself* to the preset for your media
+   library software. See the comment above for the available options.
+
+#. Select the genre:
+
+   Under the library software preset key from the previous step, change the ``=
+   Documentaries`` *key itself* to the genre for this subscription prefixed with ``=
+   ...``. When adding other subscriptions that have the same genre, place them under the
+   same key.
+
+#. Update the subscription name and URL:
+
+   Under the genre key from the previous step, update the ``"NOVA PBS":`` key to the
+   directory name the downloaded files should be placed beneath. This directory will be
+   created under the ``tv_show_directory:`` from step #2. Then update the
+   ``"https://www.youtube.com/@novapbs"`` value to the URL of the channel or playlist
+   for this subscription.
+
+#. :ref:`Preview <guides/getting_started/downloading:preview>` and :ref:`Review
+   <guides/getting_started/downloading:review>` the subscription.
+
+#. Add the rest of your subscriptions:
+
+   Repeat steps #3-6 for each of your subscriptions. Be sure to repeat the preview and
+   review steps for each subscription. In general, move slowly and carefully review
+   everything. It's best to catch issues early :ref:`to avoid repeating downloads and to
+   minimize requests <guides/getting_started/index:minimize the work to only what's
+   necessary>`.
+
+#. Automate downloads:
+
+   :ref:`Set up ytdl-sub to run periodically
+   <guides/getting_started/automating_downloads:docker and unraid>`.

docs/source/guides/getting_started/subscriptions.rst

@@ -0,0 +1,167 @@
+Subscriptions
+=============
+
+Once you understand :ref:`how ytdl-sub works
+<guides/getting_started/index:architecture>`, it's time to start writing your
+:doc:`../../config_reference/subscription_yaml`.
+
+
+Media library paths
+-------------------
+
+Everyone's media library may use different paths so ``ytdl-sub`` can't provide
+defaults. Tell ``ytdl-sub`` where to put your media using :ref:`overrides
+<guides/getting_started/index:presets and subscriptions accept overrides>`:
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+  :caption: subscriptions.yaml
+  :emphasize-lines: 3-
+
+  __preset__:
+    overrides:
+      tv_show_directory: "/tv_shows"
+      music_directory: "/music"
+      music_video_directory: "/music_videos"
+
+See the reference documentation for details about :ref:`the '__preset__:' special key
+<config_reference/subscription_yaml:file preset>`.
+
+
+Media library software and media types
+--------------------------------------
+
+Different media library software, such as `Jellyfin`_, `Kodi`_, Plex, or Emby, have
+different requirements for where media files are placed, how those files are named, how
+metadata is formatted, and more. Those software also have different requirements for
+different types of media, such as shows/series, music, music videos, etc.. Use
+:doc:`prebuilt presets <../../prebuilt_presets/index>` in :ref:`YAML keys
+<guides/getting_started/index:subscriptions are grouped by indentation>` to tell
+``ytdl-sub`` which media library software and media type to process downloaded files
+for.
+
+The actual subscription is defined in the lowest indentation level YAML keys. The
+example below defines a subscription named ``NOVA PBS`` to archive downloads from the
+entries in the ``https://www.youtube.com/@novapbs`` URL.
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+  :caption: subscriptions.yaml
+  :emphasize-lines: 1,4
+
+  Jellyfin TV Show by Date:
+    "NOVA PBS": "https://www.youtube.com/@novapbs"
+
+  Bandcamp:
+    "Emily Hopkins": "https://emilyharpist.bandcamp.com/"
+
+.. _`Jellyfin`:
+   https://jellyfin.org/
+.. _`Kodi`:
+   https://kodi.tv/
+
+
+Which entries
+-------------
+
+The :doc:`helper presets <../../prebuilt_presets/helpers>` also provide support for
+controlling which entries are downloaded and archived. These presets are intended to be
+combined with the library software and media type presets.
+
+Combine presets using :ref:`the '.. | ...' special character
+<guides/getting_started/index:subscriptions are grouped by indentation>` in the YAML
+keys:
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+  :caption: subscriptions.yaml
+  :emphasize-lines: 2,6
+
+  # Only download entries whose upload date is within the past 2 months:
+  Kodi TV Show by Date | Only Recent:
+    "NOVA PBS": "https://www.youtube.com/@novapbs"
+
+  # Only download 20 entries per run:
+  Soundcloud Discography | Chunk Downloads:
+    "UKNOWY": "https://soundcloud.com/uknowymunich"
+
+
+What format, quality, or resolution
+-----------------------------------
+
+The :doc:`media quality presets <../../prebuilt_presets/media_quality>` provide support
+for controlling which ``yt-dlp`` media "format" to download, such as ``1080p`` video
+resolution or ``320k`` audio bitrate.
+
+Users may also group and combine presets :ref:`using the YAML hierarchy
+<guides/getting_started/index:subscriptions are grouped by indentation>`. Subscriptions
+merge all the presets from their ancestor YAML keys. The hierarchy indentation depth may
+be as deep as needed to group your subscriptions for easy maintenance:
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+  :caption: subscriptions.yaml
+  :emphasize-lines: 3,7,12
+
+  Jellyfin TV Show by Date | Only Recent:
+    # Download the highest resolution available:
+    Max Video Quality:
+      "NOVA PBS": "https://www.youtube.com/@novapbs"
+      "National Geographic": "https://www.youtube.com/@NatGeo"
+    # Download the highest resolution available that is 720p or less:
+    Max 720p:
+      "Cosmos - What If": "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZdXRHYAVxTJno6oFF9nLGuwXNGYHmE8U"
+
+  Soundcloud Discography | Chunk Downloads:
+    # Only download audio using the Opus codec, not MP3 or other codecs:
+    Max Opus Quality:
+      "UKNOWY": "https://soundcloud.com/uknowymunich"
+
+
+Genre and rating metadata
+-------------------------
+
+Presets may also support using arbitrary values from :ref:`YAML keys prefixed with '=
+...' <guides/getting_started/index:subscriptions are grouped by indentation>`. The ``=
+...`` prefix may be used at any indentation depth and may also be combined with presets
+and other ``= ...`` values using the ``... | ...`` special character to best group your
+subscriptions.
+
+:ref:`By convention <config_reference/scripting/static_variables:subscription_indent_i>`
+in the built-in library software and media type presets, the first ``= ...`` value
+specifies the genre for all descendant subscriptions. For the ``TV Show ...`` presets,
+the second ``= ...`` value specifies the rating for all descendant subscriptions:
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+  :caption: subscriptions.yaml
+  :emphasize-lines: 1,3
+
+  = Kids:
+
+    Jellyfin TV Show by Date | = TV-Y:
+      "Jake Trains": "https://www.youtube.com/@JakeTrains"
+      "Kids Toys Play": "https://www.youtube.com/@KidsToysPlayChannel"
+
+    Soundcloud Discography:
+      "Foo Kids Band": "https://soundcloud.com/foo-kids-band"
+
+
+Override variables for one subscription
+---------------------------------------
+
+Most variable overrides aren't actually specific to just one subscription and should be
+set in :doc:`your own custom presets <./first_config>`. But use :ref:`the override mode
+'~...' prefix <config_reference/subscription_yaml:override mode>` when an override is
+specific to only one subscription and will never be shared with another:
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+  :caption: subscriptions.yaml
+  :emphasize-lines: 2-
+
+  Jellyfin TV Show by Date:
+    "~NOVA PBS":
+      url: "https://www.youtube.com/@novapbs"
+      tv_show_directory: "/media/Unique/Series/Path"
+
+
+Next Steps
+----------
+
+Once you've defined your subscriptions, it's time to :doc:`test your configuration and
+try your first download <./downloading>`.

docs/source/guides/install/agnostic.rst

@@ -2,13 +2,15 @@
 Environment Agnostic
 ====================
 
-The PIP install method is not recommended; use of this method may cause unintended requirement conflicts if you have other locally installed apps that depend on ffmpeg.
+The PIP install method is not recommended; use of this method may cause unintended
+requirement conflicts if you have other locally installed apps that depend on ffmpeg.
+
 
 PIP Install
 --------------
-You can install our
-`PyPI package <https://pypi.org/project/ytdl-sub/>`_.
-Both ffmpeg and Python 3.10 or greater are required.
+
+You can install our `PyPI package <https://pypi.org/project/ytdl-sub/>`_.  Both ffmpeg
+and Python 3.10 or greater are required.
 
 .. code-block:: bash
 
@@ -17,10 +19,13 @@ Both ffmpeg and Python 3.10 or greater are required.
 Install for Development
 =======================
 
-These environment-agnostic methods of installing ``ytdl-sub`` are meant for local development of ``ytdl-sub``. If you want to contribute your changes, please read :doc:`/guides/development/index`.
+These environment-agnostic methods of installing ``ytdl-sub`` are meant for local
+development of ``ytdl-sub``. If you want to contribute your changes, please read
+:doc:`/guides/development/index`.
 
 Local Install
 --------------
+
 With a Python 3.10 virtual environment, you can clone and install the repo.
 
 .. code-block:: bash
@@ -32,12 +37,13 @@ With a Python 3.10 virtual environment, you can clone and install the repo.
 
 Local Docker Build
 -------------------
-Run ``make docker`` in the root directory of this repo to build the image. This
-will build the python wheel and install it in the Dockerfile.
+
+Run ``make docker`` in the root directory of this repo to build the image. This will
+build the python wheel and install it in the Dockerfile.
 
 .. code-block:: bash
 
   git clone https://github.com/jmbannon/ytdl-sub.git
   cd ytdl-sub
 
-  make docker
+  make docker

docs/source/guides/install/docker.rst

@@ -2,141 +2,105 @@
 Docker
 ======
 
-For automating ``subscriptions.yaml`` downloads to pull new media, see :ref:`this page <guides/getting_started/automating_downloads:docker and unraid>` on how to set up a cron job in any of the docker containers.
+The ``ytdl-sub`` Docker images use :lsio:`LSIO-based images <\ >` and install ytdl-sub
+on top. There are two flavors or variants to choose from. For a more user-friendly
+experience editing the `configuration`_, we recommend the `GUI image`_
+variant. :ref:`Docker Compose <guides/install/docker:install with docker compose>` is
+the recommended way of managing a ``ytdl-sub`` docker container.  See :ref:`Automating
+Downloads <guides/getting_started/automating_downloads:docker and unraid>` for how to
+automate running ``ytdl-sub`` in a container running either variant.
 
-The ``ytdl-sub`` Docker images use :lsio:`LSIO-based images <\ >` and install ytdl-sub on top. There are two flavors to choose from.
-
-.. margin:: 
-
-  .. tip:: 
-
-    The recommended docker image is the GUI image.
-
-    :ref:`Docker Compose <guides/install/docker:install with docker compose>` is the recommended way of setting up a ``ytdl-sub`` docker container.
 
 GUI Image
 ---------
 
-The GUI image uses LSIO's :lsio-gh:`docker-code-server image <\ >` for its base image. More info on other code-server environment variables can be found within its documentation.
+The GUI image is based on LSIO's :lsio-gh:`docker-code-server` to provide you full
+management of ``ytdl-sub``, such as file editing and terminal access, all within your
+browser using the VS Code web UI. See its documentation regarding environment variables
+and other details. Once running, open `the web UI`_ to edit the `configuration`_ and run
+``ytdl-sub``.
+
+.. _`the web UI`: http://localhost:8443
 
-After starting, the code-server will be running at http://localhost:8443. Open this page in a browser to access and interact with ``ytdl-sub``.
 
 Headless Image
 --------------
 
-The headless image uses LSIO's :lsio-gh:`docker-baseimage-alpine image <\ >` for its base image. Execute the following command to access and interact with ``ytdl-sub``:
+The headless image is based on LSIO's :lsio-gh:`docker-baseimage-alpine`. Once running,
+the default command just starts services including cron for :ref:`Automating Downloads
+<guides/getting_started/automating_downloads:docker and unraid>` but otherwise doesn't
+run ``ytdl-sub``. You may run arbitrary ``ytdl-sub`` commands using the
+``--rm --user="${PUID}:${PGID}" --entrypoint="ytdl-sub"`` options to either ``$ docker
+run`` or ``$ docker compose run``. Overriding the image's ``ENTRYPOINT`` is important so
+that cron doesn't run ``ytdl-sub`` while you're running it manually.
 
-.. code-block:: bash
+For example::
+
+  $ docker compose run --rm --user="${PUID}:${PGID}" --entrypoint="ytdl-sub" ytdl-sub sub
+
+.. note::
+
+   In `the recommended GUI image <gui image_>`_, the ``DEFAULT_WORKSPACE`` directory is
+   ``/config/ytdl-sub-configs/`` which is used throughout the documentation and
+   examples. In the headless images, that directory is just ``/config/``, so substitute
+   that path if using a headless image.
 
-  docker exec -u abc -it ytdl-sub /bin/bash
 
 Install with Docker Compose
 ---------------------------
 
-Docker Compose is an easy "set it and forget it" install method. Follow the instructions below to create a ``compose.yaml`` file for your chosen ``ytdl-sub`` image.
-
-.. margin:: 
-
-  .. important:: 
-
-    Set the PUID and PGID to the UID and GID associated with the user you want to own the downloaded files. Setting these values to root UID and GID may create issues with your media managers.
-
-.. tab-set:: 
-
-  .. tab-item:: GUI Image
-
-    .. code-block:: yaml
-      :caption: compose.yaml
-
-      services:
-        ytdl-sub:
-          image: ghcr.io/jmbannon/ytdl-sub-gui:latest
-          container_name: ytdl-sub
-          environment:
-            - PUID=1000
-            - PGID=1000
-            - TZ=America/Los_Angeles
-          volumes:
-            - <path/to/ytdl-sub/config>:/config
-            - <path/to/tv_shows>:/tv_shows  # optional
-            - <path/to/movies>:/movies  # optional
-            - <path/to/music_videos>:/music_videos  # optional
-            - <path/to/music>:/music  # optional
-          ports:
-            - 8443:8443
-          restart: unless-stopped
-
-  .. tab-item:: Headless Image
-
-    .. code-block:: yaml
-      :caption: compose.yaml
-
-      services:
-        ytdl-sub:
-          image: ghcr.io/jmbannon/ytdl-sub:latest
-          container_name: ytdl-sub
-          environment:
-            - PUID=1000
-            - PGID=1000
-            - TZ=America/Los_Angeles
-          volumes:
-            - <path/to/ytdl-sub/config>:/config
-            - <path/to/tv_shows>:/tv_shows  # optional
-            - <path/to/movies>:/movies  # optional
-            - <path/to/music_videos>:/music_videos  # optional
-            - <path/to/music>:/music  # optional
-          restart: unless-stopped
-
-Device Passthrough
-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-For CPU or GPU passthrough, you must use either the GUI image or the headless Ubuntu image
-``ghcr.io/jmbannon/ytdl-sub:ubuntu-latest``.
-
-The docker-compose examples use the GUI image.
-
-CPU Passthrough
-^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+Docker Compose provides a declarative way to configure and orchestrate containers which
+makes them easier to manage and re-use. Create a ``compose.yaml`` file in your project
+directory such as:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
-  :emphasize-lines: 5-6
-  :caption: compose.yaml
+   :caption: compose.yaml
 
-  services:
-    ytdl-sub:
-      image: ghcr.io/jmbannon/ytdl-sub-gui:latest
-      container_name: ytdl-sub
-      devices:
-        - /dev/dri:/dev/dri  # CPU passthrough
-      restart: unless-stopped
+   services:
+     ytdl-sub:
+       # The GUI image variant:
+       image: ghcr.io/jmbannon/ytdl-sub-gui:latest
+       # Or use the headless image variant:
+       # image: ghcr.io/jmbannon/ytdl-sub:latest
+       # For CPU/GPU passthrough, use the GUI image above or the headless Ubuntu image:
+       # image: ghcr.io/jmbannon/ytdl-sub:ubuntu-latest
+       container_name: ytdl-sub
+       restart: unless-stopped
+       environment:
+         - TZ=America/Los_Angeles
+         # Set these as appropriate so your users can access the downloaded files in
+         # your library:
+         - PUID=1000
+         - PGID=1000
+         # Optionally passthrough your NVidia GPU:
+         # - NVIDIA_DRIVER_CAPABILITIES=all
+         # - NVIDIA_VISIBLE_DEVICES=all
+       volumes:
+         - <path/to/ytdl-sub/config>:/config
+         - <path/to/tv_shows>:/tv_shows  # optional
+         - <path/to/movies>:/movies  # optional
+         - <path/to/music_videos>:/music_videos  # optional
+         - <path/to/music>:/music  # optional
+       # Not necessary for the headless image variant:
+       ports:
+         - 8443:8443
+       # Optionally passthrough the CPU for hardware acceleration:
+       # devices:
+       #   - /dev/dri:/dev/dri
+       # Optionally passthrough the GPU:
+       # deploy:
+       #   resources:
+       #     reservations:
+       #       devices:
+       #         - capabilities: ["gpu"]
 
-GPU Passthrough
-^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
-
-.. Awe
-
-.. code-block:: yaml
-  :caption: compose.yaml
-  :emphasize-lines: 5-13
-
-  services:
-    ytdl-sub:
-      image: ghcr.io/jmbannon/ytdl-sub-gui:latest
-      container_name: ytdl-sub
-      environment:
-      - ..
-      - NVIDIA_DRIVER_CAPABILITIES=all  # Nvidia ENV args
-      - NVIDIA_VISIBLE_DEVICES=all
-      deploy:
-        resources:
-          reservations:
-            devices:
-              - capabilities: ["gpu"]  # GPU passthrough
-      restart: unless-stopped
 
 Docker CLI
 ----------
 
-If you prefer to only run the container once, you can use the CLI command instead. The following command is for the gui image, and will not restart if it comes down for any reason. See `the Docker reference <https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/run/>`_ for further information on the parameters and other options you can use.
+You can run the container on an ad-hoc basis without Docker Compose using the Docker CLI
+instead. It will not restart if stopped for any reason, including rebooting the
+host. The following command is for the gui image:
 
 .. code-block:: bash
 
@@ -151,4 +115,32 @@ If you prefer to only run the container once, you can use the CLI command instea
     -v <OPTIONAL/path/to/movies>:/movies \
     -v <OPTIONAL/path/to/music_videos>:/music_videos \
     -v <OPTIONAL/path/to/music>:/music \
-    ghcr.io/jmbannon/ytdl-sub-gui:latest
+    ghcr.io/jmbannon/ytdl-sub-gui:latest
+
+See `the Docker reference <https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/run/>`_ for further
+details.
+
+Environment Variables
+---------------------
+``ytdl-sub`` docker images support the following environment variables.
+
+.. csv-table:: Docker Environment Variables
+   :header: "Name", "Supported Values", "Description"
+   :widths: 15, 10, 60
+
+   "``PUID``", "integer", "User ID"
+   "``PGID``", "integer", "Group ID"
+   "``TZ``", "timezone", "Optional. Timezone to use in the logs. For supported values, see this `list <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tz_database_time_zones#List>`_. "
+   "``CRON_SCHEDULE``", "cron schedule `format <https://crontab.guru/#0_*/6_*_*_*>`_", "Optional. Schedule to run the ``cron`` file in ytdl-sub's container. More info :ref:`here <guides/getting_started/automating_downloads:docker and unraid>`."
+   "``CRON_RUN_ON_START``", "true/false", "Optional. Whether to run the cron script on container start."
+   "``UPDATE_YT_DLP_ON_START``", "stable/nightly/master", "Optional. Whether to update yt-dlp to the latest configured version on container start."
+
+For the GUI image, you can set LSIO's underlying code-server `env variables <https://docs.linuxserver.io/images/docker-code-server/#environment-variables-e>`_ as well."
+
+Configuration
+-------------
+
+In these examples, the configuration files will be at
+``<path/to/ytdl-sub/config>/config.yaml`` and
+``<path/to/ytdl-sub/config>/subscriptions.yaml``. Start the container the first time to
+populate those files with default examples.

docs/source/guides/install/index.rst

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 Install by Platform
 ===================
+
 ``ytdl-sub`` can be installed on the following platforms.
 
 All installations require a 64-bit CPU. 32-bit is not supported.
@@ -8,7 +9,8 @@ All installations require a 64-bit CPU. 32-bit is not supported.
 
   .. tip::
     
-    The recommended install method of ``ytdl-sub`` is one of our :doc:`docker containers </guides/install/docker>`. For install on Unraid, check out our :unraid:`unraid community apps <community/apps?q=ytdl-sub#r>`.
+    The recommended install method of ``ytdl-sub`` is one of our :doc:`docker containers
+    </guides/install/docker>`.
 
 :doc:`/guides/install/docker`
 
@@ -20,9 +22,8 @@ All installations require a 64-bit CPU. 32-bit is not supported.
 
 :doc:`/guides/install/agnostic`
 
-
-
-Once you've completed your installation, please refer to the :doc:`../getting_started/index` guide for next steps
+Once you've completed your installation, please refer to the
+:doc:`../getting_started/index` guide for next steps
 
 .. toctree::
   :hidden:

docs/source/guides/install/linux.rst

@@ -2,8 +2,8 @@
 Linux
 =====
 
-``ytdl-sub`` should be installable using any Linux package manager, and requires ffmpeg to be installed.
-
+``ytdl-sub`` should be installable using any Linux package manager, and requires ffmpeg
+to be installed.
 
 .. tab-set:: 
 
@@ -15,7 +15,8 @@ Linux
       chmod +x ytdl-sub
       ./ytdl-sub -h
 
-    You can also install using yt-dlp's ffmpeg builds. This ensures your ffmpeg is up to date:
+    You can also install using yt-dlp's ffmpeg builds. This ensures your ffmpeg is up to
+    date:
 
     .. code-block:: bash
 
@@ -36,7 +37,8 @@ Linux
       chmod +x ytdl-sub
       ./ytdl-sub -h
 
-    You can also install using yt-dlp's ffmpeg builds. This ensures your ffmpeg is up to date:
+    You can also install using yt-dlp's ffmpeg builds. This ensures your ffmpeg is up to
+    date:
 
     .. code-block:: bash
 

docs/source/guides/install/unraid.rst

@@ -1,16 +1,29 @@
+======
 Unraid
---------------
-You can install our :unraid:`unraid community apps <community/apps?q=ytdl-sub#r>` through the  `Unraid Community Apps plugin <https://unraid.net/community/apps>`_.
+======
 
+You can install our :unraid:`unraid community apps <community/apps?q=ytdl-sub#r>`
+through the `Unraid Community Apps plugin <https://unraid.net/community/apps>`_.
 
-If you installed the ``ytdl-sub-gui`` app, the code-server will be running at http://localhost:8443 (replace ``localhost`` with the IP of the computer running Unraid if you aren't trying to access ``ytdl-sub`` on that computer). Open this page in a browser to access and interact with ``ytdl-sub``. 
+If you installed the ``ytdl-sub-gui`` app, the code-server will be running at
+http://localhost:8443 (replace ``localhost`` with the IP of the computer running Unraid
+if you aren't trying to access ``ytdl-sub`` on that computer). Open this page in a
+browser to access and interact with ``ytdl-sub``.
 
-If you installed the ``ytdl-sub`` app (headless), open the normal app-specific console to access and interact with ``ytdl-sub``. Once open, you must first run ``su abc -s /bin/bash`` to change to the non-root user. You can confirm that this command worked by running ``whoami`` and verifying that the result is ``abc``.
+If you installed the ``ytdl-sub`` app (headless), open the normal app-specific console
+to access and interact with ``ytdl-sub``. Once open, you must first run ``su abc -s
+/bin/bash`` to change to the non-root user. You can confirm that this command worked by
+running ``whoami`` and verifying that the result is ``abc``.
 
+.. warning::
 
-.. warning:: 
+   If you use the below option to access the ``ytdl-sub`` console, be sure to run ``su
+   abc -s /bin/bash`` first thing. You can confirm that this command worked by running
+   ``whoami`` and verifying that the result is ``abc``. Do **NOT** run ``ytdl-sub`` as
+   the root user! Running as root will set the owner of all modified files to root,
+   which prevents most media managers and players from accessing the files.
 
-  If you use the below option to access the ``ytdl-sub`` console, be sure to run ``su abc -s /bin/bash`` first thing. You can confirm that this command worked by running ``whoami`` and verifying that the result is ``abc``. Do **NOT** run ``ytdl-sub`` as the root user! Running as root will set the owner of all modified files to root, which prevents most media managers and players from accessing the files.
-
-  .. figure:: ../../../images/unraid_badconsole.png
-    :alt: The Unraid community app plugin GUI, with an arrow pointing at the "Console" option in the dropdown after selecting ytdl-sub-gui
+   .. figure:: ../../../images/unraid_badconsole.png
+     :alt:
+	The Unraid community app plugin GUI, with an arrow pointing at the "Console"
+	option in the dropdown after selecting ytdl-sub-gui

docs/source/guides/install/windows.rst

@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
+=======
 Windows
---------------
+=======
+
 From powershell, run:
 
 .. code-block:: powershell
@@ -12,4 +14,4 @@ From powershell, run:
 
   # Download ytdl-sub
   curl.exe -L -o ytdl-sub.exe https://github.com/jmbannon/ytdl-sub/releases/latest/download/ytdl-sub.exe
-  ytdl-sub.exe -h
+  ytdl-sub.exe -h

docs/source/index.rst

@@ -10,7 +10,6 @@ ytdl-sub User Guide
   prebuilt_presets/index
   usage
   config_reference/index
+  debugging
   faq/index
   deprecation_notices
-
-.. note:: The docs are heavily work-in-progress. Please bear with us while we're under construction!

docs/source/introduction.rst

@@ -8,10 +8,23 @@ What is ytdl-sub?
 .. _plex: https://github.com/plexinc/pms-docker
 .. _emby: https://github.com/plexinc/pms-docker
 
-``ytdl-sub`` is a command-line tool that downloads media via `yt-dlp`_ and prepares it for your favorite media player (`Kodi`_, `Jellyfin`_, `Plex`_, `Emby`_, modern music players).
+``ytdl-sub`` is a command-line tool that builds on and orchestrates `yt-dlp`_ to
+download media from YouTube and/or other online services. It provides a declarative,
+expressive YAML configuration system that allows you to describe which media to download
+and how it should appear in your media library servers and applications such as
+`Jellyfin`_, `Plex`_, `Emby`_, `Kodi`_, modern music players, etc..
 
-Visual examples
-===============
+To these ends, ``ytdl-sub``:
+
+- wraps and runs `yt-dlp`_, per your configuration to:
+
+  - download the media, remux and/or optionally transcode it
+
+- prepares additional metadata both embedded and in external files
+
+- renames the resulting files
+
+- places them in your library
 
 .. figure:: https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/10107080/182677243-b4184e51-9780-4094-bd40-ea4ff58555d0.PNG
   :alt: The Jellyfin web interface, showing the thumbnails of various YouTube shows.
@@ -34,10 +47,52 @@ Visual examples
   SoundCloud albums and singles in MusicBee
 
 
-Why ytdl-sub?
--------------
-There is a lack of open-source tools to download media and generate metadata to play it in these players. Most solutions involve using multiple tools or bash scripts to achieve this. ``ytdl-sub`` aims to consolidate all of this logic into a single easy-to-use application that can run automatically once configured.
+Motivation
+----------
+
+`yt-dlp`_ has grown into a well maintained, central repository of the intricate,
+inscrutable, and extensive technical knowledge required to automate downloading media
+from online services. When those services change their APIs or otherwise change
+behavior, `yt-dlp`_ is the central, low-level tool to update. It does a best-in-class
+job at that task, and it does that job more effectively by narrowing focus to just that.
+As much knowledge as it encapsulates and as well as it does that, it still requires a
+great deal of additional knowledge to make its output accessible to end-users. Mostly
+this gap is about extracting and formatting metadata and correctly placing the resulting
+output files in a media library.
+
+A number of tools, applications, and other projects have grown up around that central
+`yt-dlp`_ pillar to fill in those gaps, and this project was one of the early
+entrants. Many are `full-featured services that provide web UIs`_ including some that
+`provide media player web UIs`_. Most of those other projects necessarily narrow their
+scope to provide a more polished and integrated user experience.
+
+Similarly, ``ytdl-sub`` can run automatically to accomplish the same goals, but aims to
+serve users that need lower-level control and/or have use cases not covered by the more
+narrow scope of those other projects. To some degree, this makes this project
+intrinsically less user friendly and requires more technical experience or learning.
+
+Want something that "Just Works", try one of the other projects; we recommend
+`Pinchflat`_ as the next step towards that end. Want to download from more than just
+YouTube? Don't like the other restrictions inherent in the goals of those other
+projects? Have unique use cases? Then dig in, learn, and we hope ``ytdl-sub`` gives you
+enough rope and `a foot-gun`_ to get you there.
+
+.. _`full-featured services that provide web UIs`:
+   https://github.com/kieraneglin/pinchflat
+.. _`provide media player web UIs`:
+   https://www.tubearchivist.com/
+.. _`Pinchflat`: `full-featured services that provide web UIs`_
+.. _`a foot-gun`: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/footgun
+
 
 Why download instead of stream?
 -------------------------------
-We believe it is important to download what you like because there is no guarantee it will stay online forever. We also believe it is important to download it in such a way that it is easy to consume. Most solutions today force you to watch/listen to your downloaded content via file system or web browser. ``ytdl-sub`` aims to format downloaded content for any media player.
+
+Most of the tools in this `yt-dlp`_ ecosystem serve a similar set of larger, more
+general use cases, and so does ``ytdl-sub``:
+
+- Don't rely on profit-driven corporate persons to keep more obscure content available.
+- Even if they do, don't depend on them to make it possible to use it in different ways.
+- Even when you pay, don't count on them not inserting ads later.
+- Regardless, don't depend on them to curate content for yourself and/or your family.
+- Free yourself and/or your family from what the algorithm would feed them next.

docs/source/prebuilt_presets/helpers.rst

@@ -1,3 +1,6 @@
+
+
+
 ==============
 Helper Presets
 ==============
@@ -6,11 +9,13 @@ Helper Presets
 
    See how to apply helper presets :doc:`here </prebuilt_presets/index>`
 
+
 Only Recent
 -----------
 
-To only download a recent number of videos, apply the ``Only Recent`` preset. Once a video's
-upload date is outside of the range, or you hit max files, older videos will be deleted automatically.
+To only download a recent number of videos, apply the ``Only Recent`` preset. Once a
+video's upload date is outside of the range, or you hit max files, older videos will be
+deleted automatically.
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -31,9 +36,12 @@ To prevent deletion of files, use the preset ``Only Recent Archive`` instead.
 Filter Keywords
 ---------------
 
-``Filter Keywords`` can include or exclude media with any of the listed keywords. Both keywords and title/description are lower-cased before filtering.
+``Filter Keywords`` can include or exclude media with any of the listed keywords. Both
+keywords and title/description are lower-cased before filtering.
 
-Default behavior for Keyword evaluation is ANY, meaning the filter will succeed if any of the keywords are present. This can be set to ANY or ALL using the respective ``_eval`` variable.
+Default behavior for Keyword evaluation is ANY, meaning the filter will succeed if any
+of the keywords are present. This can be set to ANY or ALL using the respective
+``_eval`` variable.
 
 Supports the following override variables:
 
@@ -71,17 +79,49 @@ Supports the following override variables:
               - "maple leafs"
               - "highlights"
 
+
+Filter Duration
+---------------
+
+``Filter Duration`` can include or exclude media based on its duration.
+
+Supports the following override variables:
+
+* ``filter_duration_min_s``
+* ``filter_duration_max_s``
+
+.. tip::
+
+   Use the `~` tilda subscription mode to set a subscription's list override variables.
+   Tilda mode allows override variables to be set directly underneath it.
+
+   .. code-block:: yaml
+
+      Plex TV Show by Date | Filter Duration:
+
+        = Documentaries:
+          "~NOVA PBS":
+            url: "https://www.youtube.com/@novapbs"
+            filter_duration_min_s: 120  # Only download videos at least 2m long
+
+        = Sports:
+          "~Maple Leafs Highlights":
+            url: "https://www.youtube.com/@NHL"
+            filter_duration_max_s: 180  # Only get highlight videos less than 3m long
+
+
 Chunk Downloads
 ---------------
 
-If you are archiving a large channel, ``ytdl-sub`` will try pulling each video's metadata from newest to oldest before
-starting any downloads. It is a long process and not ideal. A better method is to chunk the process by using the
-following preset:
+If you are archiving a large channel, ``ytdl-sub`` will try pulling each video's
+metadata from newest to oldest before starting any downloads. It is a long process and
+not ideal. A better method is to chunk the process by using the following preset:
 
 ``Chunk Downloads``
 
-It will download videos starting from the oldest one, and only download 20 at a time by default. You can
-change this number by setting the override variable ``chunk_max_downloads``.
+It will download videos starting from the oldest one, and only download 20 at a time by
+default. You can change this number by setting the override variable
+``chunk_max_downloads``.
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -100,5 +140,98 @@ change this number by setting the override variable ``chunk_max_downloads``.
      = Documentaries:
        "Cosmos - What If": "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZdXRHYAVxTJno6oFF9nLGuwXNGYHmE8U"
 
-Once the entire channel is downloaded, remove the usage of this preset. It will then pull metadata from newest to
-oldest again, and stop once it reaches a video that has already been downloaded.
+Once the entire channel is downloaded, remove the usage of this preset. It will then
+pull metadata from newest to oldest again, and stop once it reaches a video that has
+already been downloaded.
+
+
+_throttle_protection
+--------------------
+
+.. note::
+
+   This preset is already a base preset of those higher-level presets that require it,
+   so users seldom need to use it directly, for example, unless they're writing presets
+   from scratch.
+
+This preset is primarily a sensible default configuration of :ref:`the
+'throttle_protection' plugin <config_reference/plugins:throttle_protection>` along with
+an override to disable the plugin:
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+
+   overrides:
+     # Disable throttle protection:
+     enable_throttle_protection: false
+
+In addition to throttling by denying download requests, some services also throttle
+downloads by only allowing downloads of the lowest resolution quality. At the time of
+writing, only YouTube does this by allowing only 360p downloads when throttled. To work
+around this kind of throttling, this preset includes :ref:`an assertion
+<config_reference/scripting/scripting_functions:error functions>` that will stop
+downloading when ``ytdl-sub`` downloads a video at 360p or lower. It supports the
+following overrides:
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+
+   overrides:
+     # Disable resolution quality throttle protection:
+     enable_resolution_assert: false
+     # Change the resolution below which to assume downloading is throttled:
+     resolution_assert_height_gte: 720
+
+.. _resolution assert handling:
+
+Handling Low Quality Videos
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+A side effect from throttle protection's resolution assert is, if the only resolution available is 360p or lower, it will
+error. You can either disable resolution assert entirely (see above), or ignore specific titles in the subscription
+using the ``resolution_assert_ignore_titles`` variable. Add a subset of the title (case-sensitive) as a list entry
+to your subscription, like so:
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+
+   # use tilda mode to set override variables to the subscription
+   "~My Subscription":
+     url: "https://youtube.com/@channel"
+     resolution_assert_ignore_titles:
+       - "This 360p Video Title"
+
+_url
+----
+
+All prebuilt presets share the same internal ``_multi_url`` preset which comes equipped with
+a few available customizations.
+
+Sibling Metadata
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+*Sibling* refers to any entry within the same *playlist*. For channel downloads, this would
+imply **every** video that gets downloaded since yt-dlp treats the channel as the *playlist*.
+
+Setting the variable ``include_sibling_metadata`` will include all sibling metadata within
+each individual entry's metadata. This is used specifically for music presets. When downloading
+a playlist as an album for example, it will take the max year amongst all the other sibling's metadata
+to have a consistent album year that can be used in file or directory naming.
+
+Webpage URL
+~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+``ytdl-sub`` performs downloads in two stages.
+
+1. Metadata scrape from the original URL
+2. Individual entry downloads
+
+For step 2, ``ytdl-sub`` will use the ``webpage_url`` variable by default for the input URL to yt-dlp.
+This can be modified in case it's not working as expected by using the variable ``modified_webpage_url``.
+
+Example:
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+  :caption:
+     Removes yt-dlp smuggle data from the URL
+
+   overrides:
+     modified_webpage_url: >-
+       { %regex_sub("#__youtubedl_smuggle=.*", "", webpage_url) }

docs/source/prebuilt_presets/index.rst

@@ -7,11 +7,13 @@ media in various players.
 
 .. hint::
 
-   Apply multiple presets to your subscriptions using pipes. Pipes can define multiple presets and values
-   on the same line to apply to all subscriptions nested below them.
+   Apply multiple presets to your subscriptions using pipes. Pipes can define multiple
+   presets and values on the same line to apply to all subscriptions nested below them.
 
    .. code-block:: yaml
-     :caption: Applies Max Video Quality preset to all TV shows, and Chunk Downloads preset to some
+     :caption:
+	Applies Max Video Quality preset to all TV shows, and Chunk Downloads preset to
+	some
 
      Plex TV Show by Date | Max Video Quality:
 
@@ -22,9 +24,8 @@ media in various players.
        = Documentaries:
          "Cosmos - What If": "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZdXRHYAVxTJno6oFF9nLGuwXNGYHmE8U"
 
-
-For advanced users, you can review the prebuilt preset
-definitions :doc:`here </config_reference/prebuilt_presets/index>`.
+For advanced users, you can review the prebuilt preset definitions :doc:`here
+</config_reference/prebuilt_presets/index>`.
 
 .. toctree:: 
   :titlesonly:
@@ -33,4 +34,4 @@ definitions :doc:`here </config_reference/prebuilt_presets/index>`.
   music
   music_videos
   media_quality
-  helpers
+  helpers

docs/source/prebuilt_presets/media_quality.rst

@@ -6,8 +6,10 @@ Media Quality Presets
 
    See how to apply media quality presets :doc:`here </prebuilt_presets/index>`
 
+
 Video
 -----
+
 The following presets set video quality specifications to yt-dlp.
 
 - ``Max Video Quality``
@@ -17,10 +19,12 @@ The following presets set video quality specifications to yt-dlp.
 - ``Max 720p``
 - ``Max 480p``
 
+
 Audio
 -----
-The following presets set audio quality specifications to yt-dlp.
-These assume you are only extracting audio (no video).
+
+The following presets set audio quality specifications to yt-dlp.  These assume you are
+only extracting audio (no video).
 
 - ``Max Audio Quality``, format is determined by the source
 - ``Max MP3 Quality``

docs/source/prebuilt_presets/music.rst

@@ -2,21 +2,16 @@
 Music Presets
 =============
 
-Music downloadable by yt-dlp comes in many flavors. ``ytdl-sub`` offers a suite
-of various presets for handling some of the most popular forms of uploaded music
-content.
-
-.. hint::
-
-  The subscription *value* (denoted by =) will set the genre tag for all music scraped under its key
-  for all music presets.
+Music downloadable by yt-dlp comes in many flavors. ``ytdl-sub`` offers a suite of
+various presets for handling some of the most popular forms of uploaded music content.
 
 
 YouTube Releases
 ----------------
+
 Many artists, especially those auto-uploaded as ``Topics`` in YouTube have a section on
-their channel named "Releases", or "Albums and Singles". The ``YouTube Releases`` preset aims to
-scrape this *playlist of playlists*.
+their channel named "Releases", or "Albums and Singles". The ``YouTube Releases`` preset
+aims to scrape this *playlist of playlists*.
 
 Playlists are recognized as the album, and videos within it are tracks.
 
@@ -26,8 +21,8 @@ Playlists are recognized as the album, and videos within it are tracks.
      = Jazz:  # Sets genre tag to "Jazz"
        "Thelonious Monk": "https://www.youtube.com/@officialtheloniousmonk/releases"
 
-If you are only interested in a subset of albums, you can provide their playlists as separate values in the form
-of an array, like so:
+If you are only interested in a subset of albums, you can provide their playlists as
+separate values in the form of an array, like so:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -37,11 +32,13 @@ of an array, like so:
          - "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lcqINwfzkw73TPnAt6MlpB6V0gM9VzQu8"  # Monk on Monk
          - "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nhuvjuZOO3yLIWCbQzbiWfyzkGapSIuYw"  # Late Night Thelonious Monk
 
+
 YouTube Full Albums
 -------------------
-In many cases, albums are uploaded to YouTube as a single video, where each track as separated by either
-chapters or timestamps in a description. The ``YouTube Full Albums`` preset will take each video and split
-it by the chapters to form an album.
+
+In many cases, albums are uploaded to YouTube as a single video, where each track as
+separated by either chapters or timestamps in a description. The ``YouTube Full Albums``
+preset will take each video and split it by the chapters to form an album.
 
 Videos are recognized as the album, and chapters within it are tracks.
 
@@ -51,8 +48,8 @@ Videos are recognized as the album, and chapters within it are tracks.
      = Lofi:
        "Game Chops": "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBsm_SagFMmdWnCnrNtLjA9kzfrRkto4i"
 
-If you are only interested in a subset of albums, you can provide their video as separate values in the form
-of an array, like so:
+If you are only interested in a subset of albums, you can provide their video as
+separate values in the form of an array, like so:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -62,11 +59,14 @@ of an array, like so:
          - "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7vBrD7LMLI"  # Zelda & Sleep Ensemble Collection
          - "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0XebCwSpKI"  # Study Buddy ~ video game lofi mix
 
+
 Soundcloud Discography
 ----------------------
-SoundCloud tracks can be uploaded as either a single, part of an album, or a collaboration
-with another artist. At this time, ``SoundCloud Discography`` only scrapes singles and albums.
-It will attempt to group tracks into albums before falling back to single format.
+
+SoundCloud tracks can be uploaded as either a single, part of an album, or a
+collaboration with another artist. At this time, ``SoundCloud Discography`` only scrapes
+singles and albums.  It will attempt to group tracks into albums before falling back to
+single format.
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -77,8 +77,10 @@ It will attempt to group tracks into albums before falling back to single format
        "Lazerdiscs Records": "https://soundcloud.com/lazerdiscsrecords"
        "Earmake": "https://soundcloud.com/earmake"
 
+
 Bandcamp
 --------
+
 Bandcamp albums and singles can be scraped using the ``Bandcamp`` preset.
 
 .. code-block:: yaml

docs/source/prebuilt_presets/music_videos.rst

@@ -2,4 +2,4 @@
 Music Video Presets
 ===================
 
-WIP
+WIP

docs/source/prebuilt_presets/tv_shows.rst

@@ -2,45 +2,57 @@
 TV Show Presets
 ===============
 
-Player-Specific Presets
-=======================
 
-``ytdl-sub`` provides player-specific versions of certain presets, which apply settings to optimize the downloads for that player.
+Player-Specific Presets
+-----------------------
+
+``ytdl-sub`` provides player-specific versions of certain presets, which apply settings
+to optimize the downloads for that player.
 
 The following actions are taken based on the indicated player:
 
 Kodi
---------
+~~~~
+
 * Everything that the Jellyfin version does
-* Enables ``kodi_safe`` NFOs, replacing 4-byte unicode characters that break kodi with ``□``
+* Enables ``kodi_safe`` NFOs, replacing 4-byte unicode characters that break kodi with
+  ``□``
 
 Jellyfin
---------
+~~~~~~~~
+
 * Places any season-specific poster art in the main show folder
 * Generates NFO tags
 
 Emby
-----
+~~~~
+
 * Places any season-specific poster art in the main show folder
 * Generates NFO tags
 
   * For named seasons, creates a ``season.nfo`` file per season
 
 Plex
---------
-* :ref:`Special sanitization <config_reference/scripting/entry_variables:title_sanitized_plex>` of numbers so Plex doesn't recognize numbers that are part of the title as the episode number
+~~~~~~~~
+
+* :ref:`Special sanitization
+  <config_reference/scripting/entry_variables:title_sanitized_plex>` of numbers so Plex
+  doesn't recognize numbers that are part of the title as the episode number
 * Converts all downloaded videos to the mp4 format
 * Places any season-specific poster art into the season folder
 
 ----------------------------------------------
 
-TV Show by Date
-===============
 
-TV Show by Date will organize something like a YouTube channel or playlist into a tv show, where seasons and episodes are organized using upload date.
+TV Show by Date
+---------------
+
+TV Show by Date will organize something like a YouTube channel or playlist into a tv
+show, where seasons and episodes are organized using upload date.
 
 Example
--------
+~~~~~~~
+
 Must define ``tv_show_directory``. Available presets:
 
 * ``Kodi TV Show by Date``
@@ -74,9 +86,10 @@ Must define ``tv_show_directory``. Available presets:
          - "https://www.youtube.com/@rickbeato240"
 
 Advanced Usage
---------------
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
-If you prefer a different season/episode organization method, you can set the following override variables.
+If you prefer a different season/episode organization method, you can set the following
+override variables.
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -95,12 +108,11 @@ Or for a specific preset
           tv_show_by_date_season_ordering: "upload-year-month"
           tv_show_by_date_episode_ordering: "upload-day"
 
-The following are supported. Be sure the combined season + episode ordering
-include the year, month, day, i.e. upload-year + upload-month-day.
-
+The following are supported. Be sure the combined season + episode ordering include the
+year, month, day, i.e. upload-year + upload-month-day.
 
 Season Ordering
-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+"""""""""""""""
 
 ``tv_show_by_date_season_ordering`` supports one of the following:
 
@@ -109,23 +121,24 @@ Season Ordering
 * ``release-year``
 * ``release-year-month``
 
-
 Episode Ordering
-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+""""""""""""""""
 
 ``tv_show_by_date_episode_ordering`` supports one of the following:
 
 * ``upload-month-day`` (default)
 * ``upload-month-day-reversed``
 
-  * Reversed means more recent episodes appear at the top of a season by having a lower value.
+  * Reversed means more recent episodes appear at the top of a season by having a lower
+    value.
 * ``upload-day``
 * ``release-day``
 * ``release-month-day``
 * ``release-month-day-reversed``
 * ``download-index``
 
-  * Episodes are numbered by the download order. **NOTE**: this is fetched using the length of the download archive. Do not use if you intend to remove old videos.
+  * Episodes are numbered by the download order. **NOTE**: this is fetched using the
+    length of the download archive. Do not use if you intend to remove old videos.
 
 TV Show by Date presets use the following for defaults:
 
@@ -135,21 +148,23 @@ TV Show by Date presets use the following for defaults:
    tv_show_by_date_episode_ordering: "upload-month-day"
 
 TV Show Collection
-==================
+------------------
 
 TV Show Collections set each URL as its own season. If a video belongs to multiple URLs
-(i.e. a channel and a channel's playlist), the video will only download once and reside in
-the higher-numbered season.
+(i.e. a channel and a channel's playlist), the video will only download once and reside
+in the higher-numbered season.
 
 Two main use cases of a collection are:
-   1. Organize a YouTube channel TV show where Season 1 contains any video
-      not in a 'season playlist', Season 2 for 'Playlist A', Season 3 for
-      'Playlist B', etc.
-   2. Organize one or more YouTube channels/playlists, where each season
-      represents a separate channel/playlist.
+   1. Organize a YouTube channel TV show where Season 1 contains any video not in a
+      'season playlist', Season 2 for 'Playlist A', Season 3 for 'Playlist B', etc.
+   2. Organize one or more YouTube channels/playlists, where each season represents a
+      separate channel/playlist.
+
+Today, ytdl-supports up to 40 seasons with 11 URLs per season.
 
 Example
--------
+~~~~~~~
+
 Must define ``tv_show_directory``. Available presets:
 
 * ``Kodi TV Show Collection``
@@ -172,10 +187,34 @@ Must define ``tv_show_directory``. Available presets:
          s02_name: "Covers"
          s02_url: "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE62gWlWZk5NWVAVuf0Lm9jdv_-_KXs0W"
 
-Advanced Usage
---------------
+Other notable features include:
 
-If you prefer a different episode organization method, you can set the following override variables.
+* TV show poster info is pulled from the first URL in s01.
+* Duplicate videos in different URLs (channel /videos vs playlist) will not download twice.
+
+  * The video will attributed to the season with the highest number.
+* Individual seasons support both single and multi URL.
+* s00 is supported for specials.
+
+.. code-block:: yaml
+
+       "~Beyond the Guitar":
+         s00_name: "Specials"
+         s00_url:
+           - "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXzguOdulAI"
+           - "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGwYDvaGAz0"
+         s01_name: "Videos"
+         s01_url:
+           - "https://www.youtube.com/c/BeyondTheGuitar"
+           - "https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheGuitarAcademy"
+         s02_name: "Covers"
+         s02_url: "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE62gWlWZk5NWVAVuf0Lm9jdv_-_KXs0W"
+
+Advanced Usage
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+If you prefer a different episode organization method, you can set the following
+override variables.
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -198,9 +237,8 @@ Or for a specific preset
 
 The following are supported.
 
-
 Episode Ordering
-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+""""""""""""""""
 
 ``tv_show_collection_episode_ordering`` supports one of the following:
 
@@ -210,7 +248,8 @@ Episode Ordering
 * ``release-year-month-day-reversed``
 * ``playlist-index``
 
-  * Only use ``playlist-index`` episode formatting for playlists that will be fully downloaded once and never again. Otherwise, indices can change.
+  * Only use ``playlist-index`` episode formatting for playlists that will be fully
+    downloaded once and never again. Otherwise, indices can change.
 * ``playlist-index-reversed``
 
 TV Show Collection presets use upload-year-month-day as the default.

docs/source/usage.rst

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 Usage
-=======
+=====
 
 .. code-block::
 
@@ -7,10 +7,12 @@ Usage
 
 For Windows users, it would be ``ytdl-sub.exe``
 
+
 General Options
 ---------------
 
-General options must be specified before the command (i.e. ``sub``).
+CLI options common to all sub-commands. Must be specified before the sub-command, for
+example ``$ ytdl-sub --dry-run sub ...``:
 
 .. code-block:: text
 
@@ -20,24 +22,30 @@ General options must be specified before the command (i.e. ``sub``).
                         path to the config yaml, uses config.yaml if not provided
   -d, --dry-run         preview what a download would output, does not perform any video downloads or writes to output directories
   -l quiet|info|verbose|debug, --log-level quiet|info|verbose|debug
-                        level of logs to print to console, defaults to info
+                        level of logs to print to console, defaults to verbose
   -t TRANSACTIONPATH, --transaction-log TRANSACTIONPATH
                         path to store the transaction log output of all files added, modified, deleted
   -st, --suppress-transaction-log
                         do not output transaction logs to console or file
+  -nc, --suppress-colors
+                        do not use colors in ytdl-sub output
   -m MATCH [MATCH ...], --match MATCH [MATCH ...]
                         match subscription names to one or more substrings, and only run those subscriptions
 
-Sub Options
------------
-Download all subscriptions specified in each ``SUBPATH``.
+
+Subscriptions Options
+---------------------
+
+Download all subscriptions specified in each :doc:`subscriptions file
+<./guides/getting_started/subscriptions>`.
 
 .. code-block::
 
    ytdl-sub [GENERAL OPTIONS] sub [SUBPATH ...]
 
-``SUBPATH`` is one or more paths to subscription files, uses ``subscriptions.yaml`` if not provided.
-It will use the config specified by ``--config``, or ``config.yaml`` if not provided.
+``SUBPATH`` is one or more paths to subscription files and defaults to
+``./subscriptions.yaml`` if none are given.  It will use the config specified by
+``--config``, or ``./config.yaml``, if not provided.
 
 .. code-block:: text
   :caption: Additional Options
@@ -47,16 +55,19 @@ It will use the config specified by ``--config``, or ``config.yaml`` if not prov
   -o DL_OVERRIDE, --dl-override DL_OVERRIDE
                         override all subscription config values using `dl` syntax, i.e. --dl-override='--ytdl_options.max_downloads 3'
 
+
 Download Options
------------------
-Download a single subscription in the form of CLI arguments.
+----------------
+
+Download a single subscription in the form of CLI arguments instead of from :doc:`a
+subscriptions file <./guides/getting_started/subscriptions>`:
 
 .. code-block::
 
   ytdl-sub [GENERAL OPTIONS] dl [SUBSCRIPTION ARGUMENTS]
 
-``SUBSCRIPTION ARGUMENTS`` are exactly the same as YAML arguments, but use periods (``.``) instead
-of indents for specifying YAML from the CLI. For example, you can represent this subscription:
+``SUBSCRIPTION ARGUMENTS`` are the same as YAML arguments, but use periods (``.``)
+instead of indents. For example, you can represent this subscription:
 
 .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -76,11 +87,14 @@ Using the command:
       --overrides.tv_show_name "Rick A" \
       --overrides.url: "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuAXFkgsw1L7xaCfnd5JJOw"
 
-See how to shorten commands using
-`download aliases <https://ytdl-sub.readthedocs.io/en/latest/config_reference/config_yaml.html#ytdl_sub.config.config_validator.ConfigOptions.dl_aliases>`_.
+See how to shorten commands using :ref:`download aliases <config_reference/config_yaml:dl_aliases>`.
+
 
 View Options
------------------
+------------
+
+Preview the source variables for a given URL. Helpful to create new subscriptions:
+
 .. code-block::
 
    ytdl-sub view [-sc] [URL]
@@ -91,5 +105,42 @@ View Options
   -sc, --split-chapters
                         View source variables after splitting by chapters
 
+CLI to SUB Options
+------------------
+Convert yt-dlp cli arguments to ytdl-sub `ytdl_options` arguments.
 
-Preview the source variables for a given URL. Helps when creating new configs.
+.. code-block::
+
+   ytdl-sub cli-to-sub [YT-DLP ARGS]
+
+Inspect
+-------
+Inspect a single subscription's underlying preset representation.
+This can be utilized for numerous purposes including:
+
+* Ensuring your custom preset is getting applied correctly.
+* Figuring out which variables set things like file names, metadata, etc.
+* Understanding how subscription syntax translates to preset representation.
+
+Usage:
+
+.. code-block:: bash
+
+   ytdl-sub inspect --match "Game Chops" --mock 'title=Lets Play' examples/music_subscriptions.yaml
+
+.. code-block:: text
+  :caption: Additional Options
+
+     -l 0,1,2,3, --level 0,1,2,3
+                           level of inspection to perform:
+                               0 - original   present the subscription as-is
+                               1 - fill       fill in defined values
+                               2 - resolve    resolve all possible variables (default)
+                               3 - internal   resolve all variables to their internal representation
+
+     -m MATCH [MATCH ...], --match MATCH [MATCH ...]
+                           match subscription names to one or more substrings, and only run those subscriptions
+     -o DL_OVERRIDE, --dl-override DL_OVERRIDE
+                           override all subscription config values using `dl` syntax, i.e. --dl-override='--ytdl_options.max_downloads 3'
+     -k VAR=VALUE, --mock VAR=VALUE
+                           ability to mock one or more variable values, i.e. --mock 'title=Lets Play'

examples/advanced/tv_show_config.yaml

@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 ###############################################################################
-# Top-level configurations to apply umask and persist error logs
+# Top-level configurations to apply umask and write log files
 configuration:
   umask: "002"
   persist_logs:
-    logs_directory: './logs'
+    logs_directory: '/config/logs'
     keep_successful_logs: False
 
 presets:
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ presets:
     # ytdl_options lets you pass any arg into yt-dlp's Python API
     ytdl_options:
       # Set the cookie file
-      # cookiefile: "/config/youtube_cookies.txt"
+      # cookiefile: "/config/ytdl-sub-configs/youtube_cookies.txt"
 
       # For YouTube, get English metadata if multiple languages are present
       extractor_args:
@@ -98,4 +98,4 @@ presets:
 
     overrides:
       only_recent_date_range: "2months"
-      only_recent_max_files: 30
+      only_recent_max_files: 30

examples/advanced/tv_show_subscriptions.yaml

@@ -24,6 +24,6 @@ TV Show Only Recent:
     # to set only for that subscriptions
     "~BBC News":
       url: "https://www.youtube.com/@BBCNews"  # use url2, url3, ... for multi-url in this form
-      date_range: "2weeks"
+      only_recent_date_range: "2weeks"
     "Frontline PBS": "https://www.youtube.com/@frontline"
     "Whitehouse": "https://www.bitchute.com/channel/zWsYVmCOu4JA/"  # Supports non-YT sites

pyproject.toml

@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ classifiers = [
     "Programming Language :: Python :: 3.11",
 ]
 dependencies = [
-    "yt-dlp[default]==2025.5.22",
+    "yt-dlp[default]==2026.6.9",
     "colorama~=0.4",
     "mergedeep~=1.3",
     "mediafile~=0.12",
@@ -43,16 +43,15 @@ where = ["src"]
 [project.optional-dependencies]
 test = [
     "coverage[toml]>=6.3,<8.0",
-    "pytest>=7.2,<9.0",
-    "pytest-rerunfailures>=14,<16",
+    "pytest>=7.2,<10.0",
+    "pytest-rerunfailures>=14,<17",
 ]
 lint = [
-    "black==24.10.0",
-    "isort==6.0.1",
-    "pylint==3.3.7",
+    "pylint==4.0.5",
+    "ruff==0.15.16",
 ]
 docs = [
-    "sphinx>=7,<9",
+    "sphinx>=7,<10",
     "sphinx-rtd-theme>=2,<4",
     "sphinx-book-theme~=1.0",
     "sphinx-copybutton~=0.5",
@@ -66,15 +65,6 @@ build = [
 [project.scripts]
 ytdl-sub = "ytdl_sub.main:main"
 
-[tool.isort]
-profile = "black"
-line_length = 100
-force_single_line = true
-
-[tool.black]
-line_length = 100
-target-version = ["py310"]
-
 [tool.pylint.MASTER]
 disable = [
     "C0115", # Missing class docstring
@@ -100,3 +90,27 @@ include = [
 exclude_also = [
     "raise UNREACHABLE.*",
 ]
+
+# ruff
+[tool.ruff]
+line-length = 100
+indent-width = 4
+
+# Assume Python 3.10
+target-version = "py310"
+
+[tool.ruff.lint]
+extend-select = ["I"]
+
+[tool.ruff.format]
+# Like Black, use double quotes for strings.
+quote-style = "double"
+
+# Like Black, indent with spaces, rather than tabs.
+indent-style = "space"
+
+# Like Black, respect magic trailing commas.
+skip-magic-trailing-comma = false
+
+# Like Black, automatically detect the appropriate line ending.
+line-ending = "auto"

src/ytdl_sub/cli/entrypoint.py

@@ -1,28 +1,31 @@
 import gc
 import os
+import random
 import sys
 from datetime import datetime
 from pathlib import Path
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import List
-from typing import Optional
+from typing import Dict, List, Optional
 
 from yt_dlp.utils import sanitize_filename
 
 from ytdl_sub.cli.output_summary import output_summary
-from ytdl_sub.cli.output_transaction_log import _maybe_validate_transaction_log_file
-from ytdl_sub.cli.output_transaction_log import output_transaction_log
+from ytdl_sub.cli.output_transaction_log import (
+    _maybe_validate_transaction_log_file,
+    output_transaction_log,
+)
+from ytdl_sub.cli.parsers.cli_to_sub import print_cli_to_sub
 from ytdl_sub.cli.parsers.dl import DownloadArgsParser
-from ytdl_sub.cli.parsers.main import DEFAULT_CONFIG_FILE_NAME
-from ytdl_sub.cli.parsers.main import parser
+from ytdl_sub.cli.parsers.main import DEFAULT_CONFIG_FILE_NAME, parser
 from ytdl_sub.config.config_file import ConfigFile
+from ytdl_sub.config.validators.variable_validation import ResolutionLevel
 from ytdl_sub.subscriptions.subscription import Subscription
-from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import ExperimentalFeatureNotEnabled
-from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import ValidationException
+from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import ExperimentalFeatureNotEnabled, ValidationException
 from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import FileHandler
 from ytdl_sub.utils.file_lock import working_directory_lock
 from ytdl_sub.utils.logger import Logger
 
+# pylint: disable=too-many-branches
+
 logger = Logger.get()
 
 # View is a command to run a simple dry-run on a URL using the `_view` preset.
@@ -74,6 +77,7 @@ def _download_subscriptions_from_yaml_files(
     subscription_override_dict: Dict,
     update_with_info_json: bool,
     dry_run: bool,
+    shuffle: bool,
 ) -> List[Subscription]:
     """
     Downloads all subscriptions from one or many subscription yaml files.
@@ -90,6 +94,8 @@ def _download_subscriptions_from_yaml_files(
         Whether to actually download or update using existing info json
     dry_run
         Whether to dry run or not
+    shuffle
+        Whether to shuffle the subscription download order
 
     Returns
     -------
@@ -111,6 +117,10 @@ def _download_subscriptions_from_yaml_files(
             subscription_override_dict=subscription_override_dict,
         )
 
+    if shuffle:
+        logger.info("Shuffling subscriptions")
+        random.shuffle(subscriptions)
+
     for subscription in subscriptions:
         with subscription.exception_handling():
             logger.info(
@@ -195,6 +205,44 @@ def _view_url_from_cli(config: ConfigFile, url: str, split_chapters: bool) -> Su
     return subscription
 
 
+def _parse_inspect_mocks(mocks: Optional[List[str]]) -> Dict[str, str]:
+    out: Dict[str, str] = {}
+    for mock in mocks or []:
+        spl = mock.split("=", 1)
+        if len(spl) == 1:
+            raise ValidationException("inspect mock must be in the form of VAR=VALUE")
+        out[spl[0].strip()] = spl[1]
+
+    return out
+
+
+def _inspect(
+    config: ConfigFile,
+    subscription_paths: List[str],
+    subscription_matches: List[str],
+    subscription_override_dict: Dict,
+    inspection_level: int,
+    mocks: Dict[str, str],
+) -> None:
+
+    subscriptions: List[Subscription] = []
+    for path in subscription_paths:
+        subscriptions += Subscription.from_file_path(
+            config=config,
+            subscription_path=path,
+            subscription_matches=subscription_matches,
+            subscription_override_dict=subscription_override_dict,
+        )
+
+    if len(subscriptions) > 1:
+        print(
+            "inspect can only inspect a single subscription. Use --match to filter for a single one"
+        )
+        return
+
+    print(subscriptions[0].resolved_yaml(resolution_level=inspection_level, mocks=mocks))
+
+
 def main() -> List[Subscription]:
     """
     Entrypoint for ytdl-sub, without the error handling
@@ -206,6 +254,10 @@ def main() -> List[Subscription]:
 
     args, extra_args = parser.parse_known_args()
 
+    if args.subparser == "cli-to-sub":
+        print_cli_to_sub(args=extra_args)
+        return []
+
     # Load the config
     if args.config:
         config = ConfigFile.from_file_path(args.config)
@@ -217,6 +269,23 @@ def main() -> List[Subscription]:
 
     subscriptions: List[Subscription] = []
 
+    if args.subparser == "inspect":
+        subscription_override_dict = {}
+        if args.dl_override:
+            subscription_override_dict = DownloadArgsParser.from_dl_override(
+                override=args.dl_override, config=config
+            ).to_subscription_dict()
+
+        _inspect(
+            config=config,
+            subscription_paths=args.subscription_paths,
+            subscription_matches=args.match,
+            subscription_override_dict=subscription_override_dict,
+            inspection_level=ResolutionLevel.level_number(args.inspection_level),
+            mocks=_parse_inspect_mocks(args.mock),
+        )
+        return []
+
     # If transaction log file is specified, make sure we can open it
     _maybe_validate_transaction_log_file(transaction_log_file_path=args.transaction_log)
 
@@ -248,6 +317,7 @@ def main() -> List[Subscription]:
                 subscription_override_dict=subscription_override_dict,
                 update_with_info_json=args.update_with_info_json,
                 dry_run=args.dry_run,
+                shuffle=args.shuffle,
             )
 
         # One-off download
@@ -263,7 +333,7 @@ def main() -> List[Subscription]:
                 _view_url_from_cli(config=config, url=args.url, split_chapters=args.split_chapters)
             )
         else:
-            raise ValidationException("Must provide one of the commands: sub, dl, view")
+            raise ValidationException("Must provide one of the commands: sub, dl, view, cli-to-sub")
 
     if not args.suppress_transaction_log:
         output_transaction_log(

src/ytdl_sub/cli/output_transaction_log.py

@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
-from typing import List
-from typing import Optional
+from typing import List, Optional
 
 from ytdl_sub.subscriptions.subscription import Subscription
 from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import ValidationException

src/ytdl_sub/cli/parsers/cli_to_sub.py

@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+from typing import List
+
+import yt_dlp
+import yt_dlp.options
+
+from ytdl_sub.utils.logger import Logger
+from ytdl_sub.utils.yaml import dump_yaml
+
+logger = Logger.get()
+
+# pylint: disable=missing-function-docstring
+
+##############################################################
+# --- BEGIN ----
+# Copy of https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/blob/master/devscripts/cli_to_api.py
+
+create_parser = yt_dlp.options.create_parser
+
+
+def parse_patched_options(opts):
+    patched_parser = create_parser()
+    patched_parser.defaults.update(
+        {
+            "ignoreerrors": False,
+            "retries": 0,
+            "fragment_retries": 0,
+            "extract_flat": False,
+            "concat_playlist": "never",
+            "update_self": False,
+        }
+    )
+    yt_dlp.options.create_parser = lambda: patched_parser
+    try:
+        return yt_dlp.parse_options(opts)
+    finally:
+        yt_dlp.options.create_parser = create_parser
+
+
+default_opts = parse_patched_options([]).ydl_opts
+
+
+def cli_to_api(opts, cli_defaults=False):
+    opts = (yt_dlp.parse_options if cli_defaults else parse_patched_options)(opts).ydl_opts
+
+    diff = {k: v for k, v in opts.items() if default_opts[k] != v}
+    if "postprocessors" in diff:
+        diff["postprocessors"] = [
+            pp for pp in diff["postprocessors"] if pp not in default_opts["postprocessors"]
+        ]
+    return diff
+
+
+# --- END ----
+##############################################################
+
+
+def print_cli_to_sub(args: List[str]) -> None:
+    api_args = cli_to_api(args)
+    if not api_args:
+        logger.info("Does not resolve to any yt-dlp args")
+        return
+
+    print(dump_yaml({"ytdl_options": api_args}))

src/ytdl_sub/cli/parsers/dl.py

@@ -1,10 +1,7 @@
 import hashlib
 import re
 import shlex
-from typing import Any
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import List
-from typing import Tuple
+from typing import Any, Dict, List, Tuple
 
 from mergedeep import mergedeep
 

src/ytdl_sub/cli/parsers/main.py

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import argparse
 import dataclasses
-from typing import List
+from typing import Dict, List
 
 from ytdl_sub import __local_version__
 from ytdl_sub.utils.logger import LoggerLevels
@@ -111,8 +111,8 @@ def _add_shared_arguments(arg_parser: argparse.ArgumentParser, suppress_defaults
         MainArguments.LOG_LEVEL.long,
         metavar="|".join(LoggerLevels.names()),
         type=str,
-        help="level of logs to print to console, defaults to info",
-        default=argparse.SUPPRESS if suppress_defaults else LoggerLevels.INFO.name,
+        help="level of logs to print to console, defaults to verbose",
+        default=argparse.SUPPRESS if suppress_defaults else LoggerLevels.VERBOSE.name,
         choices=LoggerLevels.names(),
         dest="ytdl_sub_log_level",
     )
@@ -172,6 +172,10 @@ class SubArguments:
         short="-o",
         long="--dl-override",
     )
+    SHUFFLE = CLIArgument(
+        short="-sh",
+        long="--shuffle",
+    )
 
 
 subscription_parser = subparsers.add_parser("sub")
@@ -197,6 +201,13 @@ subscription_parser.add_argument(
     help="override all subscription config values using `dl` syntax, "
     "i.e. --dl-override='--ytdl_options.max_downloads 3'",
 )
+subscription_parser.add_argument(
+    SubArguments.SHUFFLE.short,
+    SubArguments.SHUFFLE.long,
+    action="store_true",
+    help="shuffle subscription order when downloading",
+    default=False,
+)
 
 ###################################################################################################
 # DOWNLOAD PARSER
@@ -221,3 +232,81 @@ view_parser.add_argument(
     help="View source variables after splitting by chapters",
 )
 view_parser.add_argument("url", help="URL to view source variables for")
+
+###################################################################################################
+# CLI-TO-SUB PARSER
+cli_to_sub_parser = subparsers.add_parser("cli-to-sub")
+
+###################################################################################################
+# INSPECT PARSER
+
+
+class InspectArguments:
+    LEVEL = CLIArgument(
+        short="-l",
+        long="--level",
+    )
+    LevelChoices: Dict[str, str] = {
+        "0": "original",
+        "1": "fill",
+        "2": "resolve",
+        "3": "internal",
+    }
+
+    MOCK = CLIArgument(
+        short="-k",
+        long="--mock",
+    )
+
+
+inspect_parser = subparsers.add_parser("inspect", formatter_class=argparse.RawTextHelpFormatter)
+inspect_parser.add_argument(
+    InspectArguments.LEVEL.short,
+    InspectArguments.LEVEL.long,
+    metavar=",".join(str(i) for i in range(4)),
+    type=str,
+    help="""level of inspection to perform:
+    0 - original   present the subscription as-is
+    1 - fill       fill in defined values
+    2 - resolve    resolve all possible variables (default)
+    3 - internal   resolve all variables to their internal representation
+    """,
+    default="resolve",
+    choices=list(InspectArguments.LevelChoices.keys())
+    + list(InspectArguments.LevelChoices.values()),
+    dest="inspection_level",
+)
+inspect_parser.add_argument(
+    MainArguments.MATCH.short,
+    MainArguments.MATCH.long,
+    dest="match",
+    nargs="+",
+    action="extend",
+    type=str,
+    help="match subscription names to one or more substrings, and only run those subscriptions",
+    default=[],
+)
+
+inspect_parser.add_argument(
+    "subscription_paths",
+    metavar="SUBPATH",
+    nargs="*",
+    help="path to subscription files, uses subscriptions.yaml if not provided",
+    default=["subscriptions.yaml"],
+)
+
+inspect_parser.add_argument(
+    SubArguments.OVERRIDE.short,
+    SubArguments.OVERRIDE.long,
+    type=str,
+    help="override all subscription config values using `dl` syntax, "
+    "i.e. --dl-override='--ytdl_options.max_downloads 3'",
+)
+
+inspect_parser.add_argument(
+    InspectArguments.MOCK.short,
+    InspectArguments.MOCK.long,
+    metavar="VAR=VALUE",
+    action="append",
+    help="ability to mock one or more variable values, i.e. --mock 'title=Lets Play'",
+)

src/ytdl_sub/config/config_file.py

@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 import os
-from typing import Any
-from typing import Dict
+from typing import Any, Dict
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.config_validator import ConfigValidator
 from ytdl_sub.config.preset import Preset

src/ytdl_sub/config/config_validator.py

@@ -1,27 +1,34 @@
 import os
 import posixpath
-from typing import Any
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Optional
+from typing import Any, Dict, Optional
 
 from mergedeep import mergedeep
 from yt_dlp.utils import datetime_from_str
 
-from ytdl_sub.config.defaults import DEFAULT_FFMPEG_PATH
-from ytdl_sub.config.defaults import DEFAULT_FFPROBE_PATH
-from ytdl_sub.config.defaults import DEFAULT_LOCK_DIRECTORY
-from ytdl_sub.config.defaults import MAX_FILE_NAME_BYTES
+from ytdl_sub.config.defaults import (
+    DEFAULT_FFMPEG_PATH,
+    DEFAULT_FFPROBE_PATH,
+    DEFAULT_LOCK_DIRECTORY,
+    MAX_FILE_NAME_BYTES,
+)
 from ytdl_sub.prebuilt_presets import PREBUILT_PRESETS
-from ytdl_sub.validators.file_path_validators import FFmpegFileValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.file_path_validators import FFprobeFileValidator
+from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import SubscriptionPermissionError
+from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import FileHandler
+from ytdl_sub.validators.file_path_validators import FFmpegFileValidator, FFprobeFileValidator
 from ytdl_sub.validators.strict_dict_validator import StrictDictValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import BoolValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import IntValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import LiteralDictValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import StringValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import (
+    BoolValidator,
+    IntValidator,
+    LiteralDictValidator,
+    StringValidator,
+)
 
 
 class ExperimentalValidator(StrictDictValidator):
+    """
+    Experimental flags reside under the ``experimental`` key.
+    """
+
     _optional_keys = {"enable_update_with_info_json"}
     _allow_extra_keys = True
 
@@ -43,6 +50,11 @@ class ExperimentalValidator(StrictDictValidator):
 
 
 class PersistLogsValidator(StrictDictValidator):
+    """
+    By default, no logs are persisted. Specifying this key will enable persisted logs. The following
+    options are available.
+    """
+
     _required_keys = {"logs_directory"}
     _optional_keys = {"keep_logs_after", "keep_successful_logs"}
 
@@ -67,7 +79,8 @@ class PersistLogsValidator(StrictDictValidator):
     @property
     def logs_directory(self) -> str:
         """
-        Required. The directory to store the logs in.
+        Required field. Write log files to this directory with names like
+        ``YYYY-mm-dd-HHMMSS.subscription_name.(success|error).log``.
         """
         return self._logs_directory.value
 
@@ -92,12 +105,54 @@ class PersistLogsValidator(StrictDictValidator):
     @property
     def keep_successful_logs(self) -> bool:
         """
-        Optional. Whether to store logs when downloading is successful. Defaults to True.
+        Defaults to ``True``. When this key is ``False``, only write log files for failed
+        subscriptions.
         """
         return self._keep_successful_logs.value
 
 
 class ConfigOptions(StrictDictValidator):
+    """
+    ytdl-sub is configured using a ``config.yaml`` file.
+
+    The ``config.yaml`` is made up of two sections:
+
+    .. code-block:: yaml
+
+      configuration:
+      presets:
+
+
+    Note for Windows users, paths can be represented with ``C:/forward/slashes/like/linux``.
+    If you prefer to use a Windows backslash, note that it must have
+    ``C:\\\\double\\\\bashslash\\\\paths`` in order to escape the backslash character. This is due
+    to it being a YAML escape character.
+
+    .. code-block:: yaml
+
+      configuration:
+        dl_aliases:
+          mv: "--preset music_video"
+          u: "--download.url"
+
+        experimental:
+          enable_update_with_info_json: True
+
+        ffmpeg_path: "/usr/bin/ffmpeg"
+        ffprobe_path: "/usr/bin/ffprobe"
+
+        file_name_max_bytes: 255
+        lock_directory: "/tmp"
+
+        persist_logs:
+          keep_successful_logs: True
+          logs_directory: "/var/log/ytdl-sub-logs"
+
+        umask: "022"
+        working_directory: ".ytdl-sub-working-directory"
+
+    """
+
     _optional_keys = {
         "working_directory",
         "umask",
@@ -143,11 +198,18 @@ class ConfigOptions(StrictDictValidator):
             key="file_name_max_bytes", validator=IntValidator, default=MAX_FILE_NAME_BYTES
         )
 
+        if not FileHandler.is_path_writable(self.working_directory):
+            raise SubscriptionPermissionError(
+                "ytdl-sub does not have permissions to the working directory: "
+                f"{self.working_directory}"
+            )
+
     @property
     def working_directory(self) -> str:
         """
         The directory to temporarily store downloaded files before moving them into their final
-        directory. Defaults to .ytdl-sub-working-directory
+        directory. Defaults to ``.ytdl-sub-working-directory``, created in the same directory
+        that ytdl-sub is invoked from.
         """
         # Expands tildas to actual paths, use native os sep
         return os.path.expanduser(self._working_directory.value.replace(posixpath.sep, os.sep))
@@ -155,7 +217,7 @@ class ConfigOptions(StrictDictValidator):
     @property
     def umask(self) -> Optional[str]:
         """
-        Umask (octal format) to apply to every created file. Defaults to "022".
+        Umask in octal format to apply to every created file. Defaults to ``022``.
         """
         return self._umask.value
 
@@ -164,7 +226,7 @@ class ConfigOptions(StrictDictValidator):
         """
         .. _dl_aliases:
 
-        Alias definitions to shorten ``ytdl-sub dl`` arguments. For example,
+        Alias definitions to shorten :ref:`dl arguments <usage:Download Options>`. For example,
 
         .. code-block:: yaml
 
@@ -214,24 +276,25 @@ class ConfigOptions(StrictDictValidator):
     def lock_directory(self) -> str:
         """
         The directory to temporarily store file locks, which prevents multiple instances
-        of ``ytdl-sub`` from running. Note that file locks do not work on network-mounted
-        directories. Ensure that this directory resides on the host machine. Defaults to ``/tmp``.
+        of ``ytdl-sub`` from running. Note that file locks do not work on
+        network-mounted directories. Ensure that this directory resides on the host
+        machine. Defaults to ``/tmp``.
         """
         return self._lock_directory.value
 
     @property
     def ffmpeg_path(self) -> str:
         """
-        Path to ffmpeg executable. Defaults to ``/usr/bin/ffmpeg`` for Linux, and
-        ``ffmpeg.exe`` for Windows (in the same directory as ytdl-sub).
+        Path to ffmpeg executable. Defaults to ``/usr/bin/ffmpeg`` for Linux,
+        ``./ffmpeg.exe`` in the same directory as ytdl-sub for Windows.
         """
         return self._ffmpeg_path.value
 
     @property
     def ffprobe_path(self) -> str:
         """
-        Path to ffprobe executable. Defaults to ``/usr/bin/ffprobe`` for Linux, and
-        ``ffprobe.exe`` for Windows (in the same directory as ytdl-sub).
+        Path to ffprobe executable. Defaults to ``/usr/bin/ffprobe`` for Linux,
+        ``./ffprobe.exe`` in the same directory as ytdl-sub for Windows.
         """
         return self._ffprobe_path.value
 

src/ytdl_sub/config/defaults.py

@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@ import os
 
 from ytdl_sub.utils.system import IS_WINDOWS
 
+# pylint: disable=invalid-name
+
 
 def _existing_path(*paths: str) -> str:
     """
@@ -22,7 +24,7 @@ if IS_WINDOWS:
 
     MAX_FILE_NAME_BYTES = 255
 else:
-    DEFAULT_LOCK_DIRECTORY = "/tmp"
+    DEFAULT_LOCK_DIRECTORY = ".ytdl-sub-lock"
     DEFAULT_FFMPEG_PATH = os.getenv(
         "YTDL_SUB_FFMPEG_PATH", _existing_path("/usr/bin/ffmpeg", "/usr/local/bin/ffmpeg")
     )

src/ytdl_sub/config/overrides.py

@@ -1,26 +1,30 @@
-from typing import Any
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Set
-
-import mergedeep
+from typing import Any, Dict, Iterable, Optional, Set, Type, TypeVar
 
 from ytdl_sub.entries.entry import Entry
 from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES
-from ytdl_sub.entries.variables.override_variables import REQUIRED_OVERRIDE_VARIABLE_NAMES
-from ytdl_sub.entries.variables.override_variables import OverrideHelpers
+from ytdl_sub.entries.variables.override_variables import (
+    REQUIRED_OVERRIDE_VARIABLE_NAMES,
+    OverrideHelpers,
+)
 from ytdl_sub.script.parser import parse
 from ytdl_sub.script.script import Script
-from ytdl_sub.script.types.resolvable import Resolvable
+from ytdl_sub.script.types.function import BuiltInFunction
+from ytdl_sub.script.types.resolvable import Resolvable, String
+from ytdl_sub.script.types.syntax_tree import SyntaxTree
 from ytdl_sub.script.utils.exceptions import ScriptVariableNotResolved
-from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import InvalidVariableNameException
-from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import StringFormattingException
-from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import ValidationException
+from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import (
+    InvalidVariableNameException,
+    StringFormattingException,
+    ValidationException,
+)
 from ytdl_sub.utils.script import ScriptUtils
 from ytdl_sub.utils.scriptable import Scriptable
-from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import OverridesStringFormatterValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import StringFormatterValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import UnstructuredDictFormatterValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import (
+    StringFormatterValidator,
+    UnstructuredDictFormatterValidator,
+)
+
+ExpectedT = TypeVar("ExpectedT")
 
 
 class Overrides(UnstructuredDictFormatterValidator, Scriptable):
@@ -88,6 +92,24 @@ class Overrides(UnstructuredDictFormatterValidator, Scriptable):
 
         return True
 
+    def ensure_variable_names_not_a_plugin(self, plugin_names: Iterable[str]) -> None:
+        """
+        Throws an error if an override variable or function has the same name as a
+        preset key. This is to avoid confusion when accidentally defining things in
+        overrides that are meant to be in the preset.
+        """
+        for name in self.keys:
+            if name.startswith("%"):
+                name = name[1:]
+
+            if name in plugin_names:
+                raise self._validation_exception(
+                    f"Override variable with name {name} cannot be used since it is"
+                    " the name of a plugin. Perhaps you meant to define it as a plugin? If so,"
+                    " indent it left to make it at the same level as overrides.",
+                    exception_class=InvalidVariableNameException,
+                )
+
     def ensure_variable_name_valid(self, name: str) -> None:
         """
         Ensures the variable name does not collide with any entry variables or built-in functions.
@@ -115,29 +137,35 @@ class Overrides(UnstructuredDictFormatterValidator, Scriptable):
             )
 
     def initial_variables(
-        self, unresolved_variables: Optional[Dict[str, str]] = None
-    ) -> Dict[str, str]:
+        self, unresolved_variables: Optional[Dict[str, SyntaxTree]] = None
+    ) -> Dict[str, SyntaxTree]:
         """
         Returns
         -------
         Variables and format strings for all Override variables + additional variables (Optional)
         """
-        initial_variables: Dict[str, str] = {}
-        mergedeep.merge(
-            initial_variables,
-            self.dict_with_format_strings,
-            unresolved_variables if unresolved_variables else {},
-        )
-        return ScriptUtils.add_sanitized_variables(initial_variables)
+        initial_variables: Dict[str, SyntaxTree] = self.dict_with_parsed_format_strings
+        if unresolved_variables:
+            initial_variables |= unresolved_variables
+        return ScriptUtils.add_sanitized_parsed_variables(initial_variables)
 
     def initialize_script(self, unresolved_variables: Set[str]) -> "Overrides":
         """
         Initialize the override script with any unresolved variables
         """
-        self.script.add(
+        self.script.add_parsed(
             self.initial_variables(
                 unresolved_variables={
-                    var_name: f"{{%throw('Plugin variable {var_name} has not been created yet')}}"
+                    var_name: SyntaxTree(
+                        ast=[
+                            BuiltInFunction(
+                                name="throw",
+                                args=[
+                                    String(f"Plugin variable {var_name} has not been created yet")
+                                ],
+                            )
+                        ]
+                    )
                     for var_name in unresolved_variables
                 }
             )
@@ -158,10 +186,15 @@ class Overrides(UnstructuredDictFormatterValidator, Scriptable):
             script = entry.script
             unresolvable = entry.unresolvable
 
+        # Update the script internally so long as we are not supplying overrides
+        # that could alter the script with one-off state
+        update = function_overrides is None
+
         try:
             return script.resolve_once(
                 dict({"tmp_var": formatter.format_string}, **(function_overrides or {})),
                 unresolvable=unresolvable,
+                update=update,
             )["tmp_var"]
         except ScriptVariableNotResolved as exc:
             raise StringFormattingException(
@@ -176,7 +209,8 @@ class Overrides(UnstructuredDictFormatterValidator, Scriptable):
         formatter: StringFormatterValidator,
         entry: Optional[Entry] = None,
         function_overrides: Optional[Dict[str, str]] = None,
-    ) -> str:
+        expected_type: Type[ExpectedT] = str,
+    ) -> ExpectedT:
         """
         Parameters
         ----------
@@ -186,6 +220,8 @@ class Overrides(UnstructuredDictFormatterValidator, Scriptable):
             Optional. Entry to add source variables to the formatter
         function_overrides
             Optional. Explicit values to override the overrides themselves and source variables
+        expected_type
+            The expected type that should return. Defaults to string.
 
         Returns
         -------
@@ -196,37 +232,15 @@ class Overrides(UnstructuredDictFormatterValidator, Scriptable):
         StringFormattingException
             If the formatter that is trying to be resolved cannot
         """
-        return formatter.post_process(
-            str(
-                self._apply_to_resolvable(
-                    formatter=formatter, entry=entry, function_overrides=function_overrides
-                )
-            )
+        out = formatter.post_process(
+            self._apply_to_resolvable(
+                formatter=formatter, entry=entry, function_overrides=function_overrides
+            ).native
         )
 
-    def apply_overrides_formatter_to_native(
-        self,
-        formatter: OverridesStringFormatterValidator,
-    ) -> Any:
-        """
-        Parameters
-        ----------
-        formatter
-            Overrides formatter to apply
+        if not isinstance(out, expected_type):
+            raise StringFormattingException(
+                f"Expected type {expected_type.__name__}, but received '{out.__class__.__name__}'"
+            )
 
-        Returns
-        -------
-        The native python form of the resolved variable
-        """
-        return self._apply_to_resolvable(
-            formatter=formatter, entry=None, function_overrides=None
-        ).native
-
-    def evaluate_boolean(
-        self, formatter: StringFormatterValidator, entry: Optional[Entry] = None
-    ) -> bool:
-        """
-        Apply a formatter, and evaluate it to a boolean
-        """
-        output = self.apply_formatter(formatter=formatter, entry=entry)
-        return ScriptUtils.bool_formatter_output(output)
+        return out

src/ytdl_sub/config/plugin/plugin.py

@@ -1,20 +1,15 @@
-from abc import ABC
-from abc import abstractmethod
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
 from functools import cached_property
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Generic
-from typing import List
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Tuple
-from typing import Type
+from typing import Dict, Generic, List, Optional, Tuple, Type
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.overrides import Overrides
-from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import OptionsValidatorT
-from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import ToggleableOptionsDictValidator
+from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import OptionsValidatorT, ToggleableOptionsDictValidator
 from ytdl_sub.entries.entry import Entry
 from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import FileMetadata
-from ytdl_sub.ytdl_additions.enhanced_download_archive import DownloadArchiver
-from ytdl_sub.ytdl_additions.enhanced_download_archive import EnhancedDownloadArchive
+from ytdl_sub.ytdl_additions.enhanced_download_archive import (
+    DownloadArchiver,
+    EnhancedDownloadArchive,
+)
 
 # pylint: disable=unused-argument
 
@@ -48,7 +43,7 @@ class Plugin(BasePlugin[OptionsValidatorT], Generic[OptionsValidatorT], ABC):
         Returns True if enabled, False if disabled.
         """
         if isinstance(self.plugin_options, ToggleableOptionsDictValidator):
-            return self.overrides.evaluate_boolean(self.plugin_options.enable)
+            return self.overrides.apply_formatter(self.plugin_options.enable, expected_type=bool)
         return True
 
     def ytdl_options_match_filters(self) -> Tuple[List[str], List[str]]:
@@ -119,6 +114,17 @@ class Plugin(BasePlugin[OptionsValidatorT], Generic[OptionsValidatorT], ABC):
         """
         return None
 
+    def post_completion_entry(self, file_metadata: FileMetadata) -> None:
+        """
+        After the entry file is moved to its final location, run this hook.
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        file_metadata
+            Metadata about the completed entry's file download
+        """
+        return None
+
     def post_process_subscription(self):
         """
         After all downloaded files have been post-processed, apply a subscription-wide post process

src/ytdl_sub/config/plugin/plugin_mapping.py

@@ -1,15 +1,12 @@
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import List
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Tuple
-from typing import Type
+from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Tuple, Type
 
-from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin import Plugin
-from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin import SplitPlugin
+from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin import Plugin, SplitPlugin
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin_operation import PluginOperation
 from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import OptionsValidator
-from ytdl_sub.downloaders.url.downloader import UrlDownloaderCollectionVariablePlugin
-from ytdl_sub.downloaders.url.downloader import UrlDownloaderThumbnailPlugin
+from ytdl_sub.downloaders.url.downloader import (
+    UrlDownloaderCollectionVariablePlugin,
+    UrlDownloaderThumbnailPlugin,
+)
 from ytdl_sub.plugins.audio_extract import AudioExtractPlugin
 from ytdl_sub.plugins.chapters import ChaptersPlugin
 from ytdl_sub.plugins.date_range import DateRangePlugin
@@ -24,6 +21,7 @@ from ytdl_sub.plugins.music_tags import MusicTagsPlugin
 from ytdl_sub.plugins.nfo_tags import NfoTagsPlugin
 from ytdl_sub.plugins.output_directory_nfo_tags import OutputDirectoryNfoTagsPlugin
 from ytdl_sub.plugins.split_by_chapters import SplitByChaptersPlugin
+from ytdl_sub.plugins.square_thumbnail import SquareThumbnailPlugin
 from ytdl_sub.plugins.static_nfo_tags import StaticNfoTagsPlugin
 from ytdl_sub.plugins.subtitles import SubtitlesPlugin
 from ytdl_sub.plugins.throttle_protection import ThrottleProtectionPlugin
@@ -40,6 +38,7 @@ class PluginMapping:
         "audio_extract": AudioExtractPlugin,
         "date_range": DateRangePlugin,
         "embed_thumbnail": EmbedThumbnailPlugin,
+        "square_thumbnail": SquareThumbnailPlugin,
         "file_convert": FileConvertPlugin,
         "format": FormatPlugin,
         "match_filters": MatchFiltersPlugin,
@@ -86,9 +85,16 @@ class PluginMapping:
         VideoTagsPlugin,
         NfoTagsPlugin,
         StaticNfoTagsPlugin,
+        SquareThumbnailPlugin,
         EmbedThumbnailPlugin,
     ]
 
+    _ORDER_POST_COMPLETION: List[Type[Plugin]] = [
+        # Throttle protection should always be last
+        # to not sleep over other logic
+        ThrottleProtectionPlugin
+    ]
+
     @classmethod
     def _order_by(
         cls, plugin_types: List[Type[Plugin]], operation: PluginOperation
@@ -99,6 +105,8 @@ class PluginMapping:
             ordering = cls._ORDER_MODIFY_ENTRY
         elif operation == PluginOperation.POST_PROCESS:
             ordering = cls._ORDER_POST_PROCESS
+        elif operation == PluginOperation.POST_COMPLETION:
+            ordering = cls._ORDER_POST_COMPLETION
         else:
             raise ValueError("PluginOperation does not support ordering")
 

src/ytdl_sub/config/plugin/plugin_operation.py

@@ -6,3 +6,4 @@ class PluginOperation(Enum):
     MODIFY_ENTRY_METADATA = 0
     MODIFY_ENTRY = 1
     POST_PROCESS = 2
+    POST_COMPLETION = 3

src/ytdl_sub/config/plugin/preset_plugins.py

@@ -1,11 +1,7 @@
-from typing import List
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Tuple
-from typing import Type
+from typing import Iterable, List, Optional, Set, Tuple, Type
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin import Plugin
-from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import OptionsValidator
-from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import OptionsValidatorT
+from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import OptionsValidator, OptionsValidatorT
 
 
 class PresetPlugins:
@@ -44,3 +40,34 @@ class PresetPlugins:
         if plugin_type in plugin_option_types:
             return self.plugin_options[plugin_option_types.index(plugin_type)]
         return None
+
+    def get_added_and_modified_variables(
+        self, additional_options: List[OptionsValidator]
+    ) -> Iterable[Tuple[OptionsValidator, Set[str], Set[str]]]:
+        """
+        Iterates and returns the plugin options, added variables, modified variables
+        """
+        for plugin_options in self.plugin_options + additional_options:
+            added_variables: Set[str] = set()
+            modified_variables: Set[str] = set()
+
+            for plugin_added_variables in plugin_options.added_variables(
+                unresolved_variables=set(),
+            ).values():
+                added_variables |= set(plugin_added_variables)
+
+            for plugin_modified_variables in plugin_options.modified_variables().values():
+                modified_variables = plugin_modified_variables
+
+            yield plugin_options, added_variables, modified_variables
+
+    def get_all_variables(self, additional_options: List[OptionsValidator]) -> Set[str]:
+        """
+        Returns set of all added and modified variables' names.
+        """
+        all_variables: Set[str] = set()
+        for _, added, modified in self.get_added_and_modified_variables(additional_options):
+            all_variables.update(added)
+            all_variables.update(modified)
+
+        return all_variables

src/ytdl_sub/config/preset.py

@@ -1,7 +1,5 @@
 import copy
-from typing import Any
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import List
+from typing import Any, Dict, List, Set
 
 from mergedeep import mergedeep
 
@@ -9,18 +7,14 @@ from ytdl_sub.config.config_validator import ConfigValidator
 from ytdl_sub.config.overrides import Overrides
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin_mapping import PluginMapping
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.preset_plugins import PresetPlugins
-from ytdl_sub.config.preset_options import OutputOptions
-from ytdl_sub.config.preset_options import YTDLOptions
-from ytdl_sub.config.validators.variable_validation import VariableValidation
+from ytdl_sub.config.preset_options import OutputOptions, YTDLOptions
 from ytdl_sub.downloaders.url.validators import MultiUrlValidator
-from ytdl_sub.prebuilt_presets import PREBUILT_PRESET_NAMES
-from ytdl_sub.prebuilt_presets import PUBLISHED_PRESET_NAMES
+from ytdl_sub.prebuilt_presets import PREBUILT_PRESET_NAMES, PUBLISHED_PRESET_NAMES
 from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import ValidationException
 from ytdl_sub.utils.logger import Logger
 from ytdl_sub.utils.yaml import dump_yaml
 from ytdl_sub.validators.strict_dict_validator import StrictDictValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import StringListValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import validation_exception
+from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import StringListValidator, validation_exception
 
 PRESET_KEYS = {
     "preset",
@@ -55,6 +49,12 @@ class _PresetShell(StrictDictValidator):
 
 
 class Preset(_PresetShell):
+    """
+    Custom presets are defined in this section. Refer to the
+    :ref:`Getting Started Guide<guides/getting_started/first_config:Basic Configuration>`
+    on how to configure.
+    """
+
     @classmethod
     def preset_partial_validate(cls, config: ConfigValidator, name: str, value: Any) -> None:
         """
@@ -172,6 +172,37 @@ class Preset(_PresetShell):
             mergedeep.merge({}, *reversed(presets_to_merge), strategy=mergedeep.Strategy.ADDITIVE)
         )
 
+    def _initialize_overrides_script(self, overrides: Overrides) -> Overrides:
+        """
+        Do some gymnastics to initialize the Overrides script.
+        """
+        unresolved_variables: Set[str] = set()
+
+        for (
+            plugin_options,
+            added_variables,
+            modified_variables,
+        ) in self.plugins.get_added_and_modified_variables(
+            additional_options=[self.downloader_options, self.output_options]
+        ):
+            for added_variable in added_variables:
+                if not overrides.ensure_added_plugin_variable_valid(added_variable=added_variable):
+                    # pylint: disable=protected-access
+                    raise plugin_options._validation_exception(
+                        f"Cannot use the variable name {added_variable} because it exists as a"
+                        " built-in ytdl-sub variable name."
+                    )
+                    # pylint: enable=protected-access
+
+            # Set unresolved as variables that are added but do not exist as
+            # entry/override variables since they are created at run-time
+            unresolved_variables |= added_variables | modified_variables
+
+        # Initialize overrides with unresolved variables + modified variables to throw an error.
+        # For modified variables, this is to prevent a resolve(update=True) to setting any
+        # dependencies until it has been explicitly added
+        return overrides.initialize_script(unresolved_variables=unresolved_variables)
+
     def __init__(self, config: ConfigValidator, name: str, value: Any):
         super().__init__(name=name, value=value)
 
@@ -192,13 +223,10 @@ class Preset(_PresetShell):
         )
 
         self.plugins: PresetPlugins = self._validate_and_get_plugins()
-        self.overrides = self._validate_key(key="overrides", validator=Overrides, default={})
-
-        VariableValidation(
-            downloader_options=self.downloader_options,
-            output_options=self.output_options,
-            plugins=self.plugins,
-        ).initialize_preset_overrides(overrides=self.overrides).ensure_proper_usage()
+        self.overrides = self._initialize_overrides_script(
+            overrides=self._validate_key(key="overrides", validator=Overrides, default={})
+        )
+        self.overrides.ensure_variable_names_not_a_plugin(plugin_names=PRESET_KEYS)
 
     @property
     def name(self) -> str:
@@ -227,11 +255,18 @@ class Preset(_PresetShell):
         """
         return cls(config=config, name=preset_name, value=preset_dict)
 
-    @property
-    def yaml(self) -> str:
+    def yaml(self, subscription_only: bool) -> str:
         """
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+        subscription_only:
+            Only include the subscription contents, not the surrounding boiler-plate.
+
         Returns
         -------
         Preset in YAML format
         """
+        if subscription_only:
+            return dump_yaml(self._value)
+
         return dump_yaml({"presets": {self._name: self._value}})

src/ytdl_sub/config/preset_options.py

@@ -1,21 +1,22 @@
-from typing import Any
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Set
+from typing import Any, Dict, Optional, Set
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.defaults import DEFAULT_DOWNLOAD_ARCHIVE_NAME
 from ytdl_sub.config.overrides import Overrides
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin_operation import PluginOperation
 from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import OptionsDictValidator
 from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES as v
-from ytdl_sub.validators.file_path_validators import OverridesStringFormatterFilePathValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.file_path_validators import StringFormatterFileNameValidator
+from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import SubscriptionPermissionError, ValidationException
+from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import FileHandler
+from ytdl_sub.validators.file_path_validators import (
+    OverridesStringFormatterFilePathValidator,
+    StringFormatterFileNameValidator,
+)
 from ytdl_sub.validators.string_datetime import StringDatetimeValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import OverridesIntegerFormatterValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import OverridesStringFormatterValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import StandardizedDateValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import StringFormatterValidator
 from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import (
+    OverridesIntegerFormatterValidator,
+    OverridesStringFormatterValidator,
+    StandardizedDateValidator,
+    StringFormatterValidator,
     UnstructuredOverridesDictFormatterValidator,
 )
 from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import BoolValidator
@@ -57,12 +58,24 @@ class YTDLOptions(UnstructuredOverridesDictFormatterValidator):
     def to_native_dict(self, overrides: Overrides) -> Dict:
         """
         Materializes the entire ytdl-options dict from OverrideStringFormatters into
-        native python
+        native python.
         """
-        return {
-            key: overrides.apply_overrides_formatter_to_native(val)
+        out = {
+            key: overrides.apply_formatter(val, expected_type=object)
             for key, val in self.dict.items()
         }
+        if "cookiefile" in out:
+            if not FileHandler.is_file_existent(out["cookiefile"]):
+                raise ValidationException(
+                    f"Specified cookiefile {out['cookiefile']} but it does not exist as a file."
+                )
+
+            if not FileHandler.is_file_readable(out["cookiefile"]):
+                raise SubscriptionPermissionError(
+                    f"Cannot read cookiefile {out['cookiefile']} due to permissions issue."
+                )
+
+        return out
 
 
 # Disable for proper docstring formatting
@@ -107,6 +120,7 @@ class OutputOptions(OptionsDictValidator):
         "keep_max_files",
         "download_archive_standardized_date",
         "keep_files_date_eval",
+        "preserve_mtime",
     }
 
     @classmethod
@@ -170,6 +184,10 @@ class OutputOptions(OptionsDictValidator):
             default=f"{{{v.upload_date_standardized.variable_name}}}",
         )
 
+        self._preserve_mtime = self._validate_key_if_present(
+            key="preserve_mtime", validator=BoolValidator, default=False
+        )
+
         if (
             self._keep_files_before or self._keep_files_after or self._keep_max_files
         ) and not self.maintain_download_archive:
@@ -309,6 +327,17 @@ class OutputOptions(OptionsDictValidator):
         """
         return self._keep_max_files
 
+    @property
+    def preserve_mtime(self) -> bool:
+        """
+        :expected type: Optional[Boolean]
+        :description:
+          Preserve the video's original upload time as the file modification time.
+          When True, sets the file's mtime to match the video's upload_date from
+          yt-dlp metadata. Defaults to False.
+        """
+        return self._preserve_mtime.value
+
     def added_variables(self, unresolved_variables: Set[str]) -> Dict[PluginOperation, Set[str]]:
         return {
             # PluginOperation.MODIFY_ENTRY_METADATA: {

src/ytdl_sub/config/validators/options.py

@@ -1,7 +1,5 @@
 from abc import ABC
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Set
-from typing import TypeVar
+from typing import Dict, Set, TypeVar
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin_operation import PluginOperation
 from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import ValidationException
@@ -61,9 +59,9 @@ class ToggleableOptionsDictValidator(OptionsDictValidator):
     _optional_keys = {"enable"}
 
     def __init__(self, name, value):
-        assert (
-            "enable" in self._optional_keys
-        ), f"{self.__class__.__name__} does not have enable as an optional field"
+        assert "enable" in self._optional_keys, (
+            f"{self.__class__.__name__} does not have enable as an optional field"
+        )
         super().__init__(name, value)
 
         self._enable = self._validate_key(

src/ytdl_sub/config/validators/variable_validation.py

@@ -1,10 +1,4 @@
-import copy
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Iterable
-from typing import List
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Set
-from typing import Tuple
+from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Set
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.overrides import Overrides
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin_mapping import PluginMapping
@@ -13,203 +7,212 @@ from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.preset_plugins import PresetPlugins
 from ytdl_sub.config.preset_options import OutputOptions
 from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import OptionsValidator
 from ytdl_sub.downloaders.url.validators import MultiUrlValidator
-from ytdl_sub.entries.variables.override_variables import REQUIRED_OVERRIDE_VARIABLE_NAMES
+from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import UNRESOLVED_VARIABLES, VARIABLES
 from ytdl_sub.script.script import Script
-from ytdl_sub.script.script import _is_function
-from ytdl_sub.utils.scriptable import BASE_SCRIPT
-from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import to_variable_dependency_format_string
+from ytdl_sub.script.utils.name_validation import is_function
+from ytdl_sub.utils.script import ScriptUtils
 from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import validate_formatters
 
-# Entry variables to mock during validation
-_DUMMY_ENTRY_VARIABLES: Dict[str, str] = {
-    name: to_variable_dependency_format_string(
-        # pylint: disable=protected-access
-        script=BASE_SCRIPT,
-        parsed_format_string=BASE_SCRIPT._variables[name],
-        # pylint: enable=protected-access
-    )
-    for name in BASE_SCRIPT.variable_names
-}
 
+class ResolutionLevel:
+    ORIGINAL = 0
+    FILL = 1
+    RESOLVE = 2
+    INTERNAL = 3
 
-def _add_dummy_variables(variables: Iterable[str]) -> Dict[str, str]:
-    dummy_variables: Dict[str, str] = {}
-    for var in variables:
-        dummy_variables[var] = ""
-        dummy_variables[f"{var}_sanitized"] = ""
+    @classmethod
+    def name_of(cls, resolution_level: int) -> str:
+        """
+        Name of the resolution level.
+        """
+        if resolution_level == cls.ORIGINAL:
+            return "original"
+        if resolution_level == cls.FILL:
+            return "fill"
+        if resolution_level == cls.RESOLVE:
+            return "resolve"
+        if resolution_level == cls.INTERNAL:
+            return "internal"
+        raise ValueError("Invalid resolution level")
 
-    return dummy_variables
+    @classmethod
+    def level_number(cls, resolution_arg: str) -> int:
+        """
+        Numeric resolution level
+        """
+        if resolution_arg in ("0", "original"):
+            return 0
+        if resolution_arg in ("1", "fill"):
+            return 1
+        if resolution_arg in ("2", "resolve"):
+            return 2
+        if resolution_arg in ("3", "internal"):
+            return 3
+        raise ValueError("Invalid resolution level")
 
-
-def _add_dummy_overrides(overrides: Overrides) -> Dict[str, str]:
-    # Have the dummy override variable contain all variable deps that it uses in the string
-    dummy_overrides: Dict[str, str] = {}
-    for override_name in _override_variables(overrides):
-        if _is_function(override_name):
-            continue
-
-        # pylint: disable=protected-access
-        dummy_overrides[override_name] = to_variable_dependency_format_string(
-            script=overrides.script, parsed_format_string=overrides.script._variables[override_name]
-        )
-        # pylint: enable=protected-access
-    return dummy_overrides
-
-
-def _get_added_and_modified_variables(
-    plugins: PresetPlugins, downloader_options: MultiUrlValidator, output_options: OutputOptions
-) -> Iterable[Tuple[OptionsValidator, Set[str], Set[str]]]:
-    """
-    Iterates and returns the plugin options, added variables, modified variables
-    """
-    options: List[OptionsValidator] = plugins.plugin_options
-    options.append(downloader_options)
-    options.append(output_options)
-
-    for plugin_options in options:
-        added_variables: Set[str] = set()
-        modified_variables: Set[str] = set()
-
-        for plugin_added_variables in plugin_options.added_variables(
-            unresolved_variables=set(),
-        ).values():
-            added_variables |= set(plugin_added_variables)
-
-        for plugin_modified_variables in plugin_options.modified_variables().values():
-            modified_variables = plugin_modified_variables
-
-        yield plugin_options, added_variables, modified_variables
-
-
-def _override_variables(overrides: Overrides) -> Set[str]:
-    return set(list(overrides.initial_variables().keys()))
+    @classmethod
+    def all(cls) -> List[int]:
+        """
+        All possible resolution levels.
+        """
+        return [cls.ORIGINAL, cls.FILL, cls.RESOLVE, cls.INTERNAL]
 
 
 class VariableValidation:
+    def _get_resolve_partial_filter(self) -> Set[str]:
+        # Exclude sanitized variables from partial validation. This lessens the work
+        # and prevents double-evaluation, which can lead to bad behavior like double-prints.
+        return {
+            name
+            for name in self.script.variable_names
+            if name not in self.unresolved_variables and not name.endswith("_sanitized")
+        }
+
+    def _apply_resolution_level(self, mocks: Optional[Dict[str, str]]) -> None:
+        if self._resolution_level == ResolutionLevel.FILL:
+            self.unresolved_variables |= VARIABLES.variable_names(include_sanitized=True)
+            # Only partial resolve definitions that are already resolved
+            self.unresolved_variables |= {
+                name
+                for name in self.overrides.keys
+                if not is_function(name) and not self.script.definition_of(name).maybe_resolvable
+            }
+        elif self._resolution_level == ResolutionLevel.RESOLVE:
+            # Partial resolve everything, but not including internal variables
+            self.unresolved_variables |= VARIABLES.variable_names(include_sanitized=True)
+        elif self._resolution_level == ResolutionLevel.INTERNAL:
+            # Partial resolve everything including internal variables
+            pass
+        else:
+            raise ValueError("Invalid resolution level for validation")
+
+        if mocks is not None:
+            for mock_name in mocks.keys():
+                if mock_name in self.unresolved_variables:
+                    self.unresolved_variables.remove(mock_name)
+
+            self.script.add(
+                variables=mocks,
+                unresolvable=self.unresolved_variables,
+            )
+
+        self.script = self.script.resolve_partial(
+            unresolvable=self.unresolved_variables,
+            output_filter=self._get_resolve_partial_filter(),
+        )
+
     def __init__(
         self,
+        overrides: Overrides,
         downloader_options: MultiUrlValidator,
         output_options: OutputOptions,
         plugins: PresetPlugins,
+        resolution_level: int = ResolutionLevel.RESOLVE,
+        mocks: Optional[Dict[str, str]] = None,
     ):
+        self.overrides = overrides
         self.downloader_options = downloader_options
         self.output_options = output_options
         self.plugins = plugins
 
-        self.script: Optional[Script] = None
-        self.resolved_variables: Set[str] = set()
-        self.unresolved_variables: Set[str] = set()
-
-    def initialize_preset_overrides(self, overrides: Overrides) -> "VariableValidation":
-        """
-        Do some gymnastics to initialize the Overrides script.
-        """
-        override_variables = set(list(overrides.initial_variables().keys()))
-
-        # Set resolved variables as all entry + override variables
-        # at this point to generate every possible added/modified variable
-        self.resolved_variables = set(_DUMMY_ENTRY_VARIABLES.keys()) | override_variables
-        plugin_variables: Set[str] = set()
-
-        for (
-            plugin_options,
-            added_variables,
-            modified_variables,
-        ) in _get_added_and_modified_variables(
-            plugins=self.plugins,
-            downloader_options=self.downloader_options,
-            output_options=self.output_options,
-        ):
-
-            for added_variable in added_variables:
-                if not overrides.ensure_added_plugin_variable_valid(added_variable=added_variable):
-                    # pylint: disable=protected-access
-                    raise plugin_options._validation_exception(
-                        f"Cannot use the variable name {added_variable} because it exists as a"
-                        " built-in ytdl-sub variable name."
-                    )
-                    # pylint: enable=protected-access
-
-            # Set unresolved as variables that are added but do not exist as
-            # entry/override variables since they are created at run-time
-            self.unresolved_variables |= added_variables | modified_variables
-            plugin_variables |= added_variables | modified_variables
-
-        # Then update resolved variables to reflect that
-        self.resolved_variables -= self.unresolved_variables
-
-        # Initialize overrides with unresolved variables + modified variables to throw an error.
-        # For modified variables, this is to prevent a resolve(update=True) to setting any
-        # dependencies until it has been explicitly added
-        overrides = overrides.initialize_script(unresolved_variables=self.unresolved_variables)
-
-        # copy the script and mock entry variables
-        self.script = copy.deepcopy(overrides.script)
-        self.script.add(
-            variables=_add_dummy_overrides(overrides=overrides)
-            | _add_dummy_variables(variables=plugin_variables)
-            | _DUMMY_ENTRY_VARIABLES
+        self.script: Script = self.overrides.script
+        self.unresolved_variables = (
+            self.plugins.get_all_variables(
+                additional_options=[self.output_options, self.downloader_options]
+            )
+            | UNRESOLVED_VARIABLES
         )
+        self.unresolved_runtime_variables = self.plugins.get_all_variables(
+            additional_options=[self.output_options, self.downloader_options]
+        )
+        self._resolution_level = resolution_level
+        self._apply_resolution_level(mocks=mocks)
 
-        return self
-
-    def _update_script(self) -> None:
-        _ = self.script.resolve(unresolvable=self.unresolved_variables, update=True)
-
-    def _add_subscription_override_variables(self) -> None:
-        """
-        Add dummy subscription variables for script validation
-        """
-        self.resolved_variables |= REQUIRED_OVERRIDE_VARIABLE_NAMES
-
-    def _add_variables(self, plugin_op: PluginOperation, options: OptionsValidator) -> None:
+    def _add_runtime_variables(self, plugin_op: PluginOperation, options: OptionsValidator) -> None:
         """
         Add dummy variables for script validation
         """
         added_variables = options.added_variables(
-            unresolved_variables=self.unresolved_variables,
+            unresolved_variables=self.unresolved_runtime_variables,
         ).get(plugin_op, set())
         modified_variables = options.modified_variables().get(plugin_op, set())
 
-        resolved_variables = added_variables | modified_variables
+        self.unresolved_runtime_variables -= added_variables | modified_variables
 
-        self.resolved_variables |= resolved_variables
-        self.unresolved_variables -= resolved_variables
+    def _output_override_variables(self) -> Dict:
+        output = {}
+        for name in self.overrides.keys:
+            value = self.script.definition_of(name)
+            if name in self.script.function_names:
+                # Keep custom functions as-is
+                output[name] = self.overrides.dict_with_format_strings[name]
+            elif resolved := value.maybe_resolvable:
+                output[name] = resolved.native
+            else:
+                output[name] = ScriptUtils.to_native_script(value)
 
-    def ensure_proper_usage(self) -> None:
+        return output
+
+    def ensure_proper_usage(self, partial_resolve_formatters: bool = False) -> Dict:
         """
         Validate variables resolve as plugins are executed, and return
         a mock script which contains actualized added variables from the plugins
         """
+        resolved_subscription: Dict = {}
 
-        self._add_variables(PluginOperation.DOWNLOADER, options=self.downloader_options)
-        self._add_subscription_override_variables()
+        self._add_runtime_variables(PluginOperation.DOWNLOADER, options=self.downloader_options)
 
         # Always add output options first
-        self._add_variables(PluginOperation.MODIFY_ENTRY_METADATA, options=self.output_options)
+        self._add_runtime_variables(
+            PluginOperation.MODIFY_ENTRY_METADATA, options=self.output_options
+        )
 
         # Metadata variables to be added
         for plugin_options in PluginMapping.order_options_by(
             self.plugins.zipped(), PluginOperation.MODIFY_ENTRY_METADATA
         ):
-            self._add_variables(PluginOperation.MODIFY_ENTRY_METADATA, options=plugin_options)
+            self._add_runtime_variables(
+                PluginOperation.MODIFY_ENTRY_METADATA, options=plugin_options
+            )
 
         for plugin_options in PluginMapping.order_options_by(
             self.plugins.zipped(), PluginOperation.MODIFY_ENTRY
         ):
-            self._add_variables(PluginOperation.MODIFY_ENTRY, options=plugin_options)
+            self._add_runtime_variables(PluginOperation.MODIFY_ENTRY, options=plugin_options)
 
             # Validate that any formatter in the plugin options can resolve
-            validate_formatters(
+            resolved_subscription |= validate_formatters(
                 script=self.script,
                 unresolved_variables=self.unresolved_variables,
+                unresolved_runtime_variables=self.unresolved_runtime_variables,
                 validator=plugin_options,
+                partial_resolve_formatters=partial_resolve_formatters,
             )
 
-        validate_formatters(
+        resolved_subscription |= validate_formatters(
             script=self.script,
             unresolved_variables=self.unresolved_variables,
+            unresolved_runtime_variables=self.unresolved_runtime_variables,
             validator=self.output_options,
+            partial_resolve_formatters=partial_resolve_formatters,
         )
 
-        assert not self.unresolved_variables
+        # TODO: make this a function
+        raw_download_output = validate_formatters(
+            script=self.script,
+            unresolved_variables=self.unresolved_variables,
+            unresolved_runtime_variables=self.unresolved_runtime_variables,
+            validator=self.downloader_options.urls,
+            partial_resolve_formatters=partial_resolve_formatters,
+        )
+        resolved_subscription["download"] = []
+        for url_output in raw_download_output["download"]:
+            if isinstance(url_output["url"], list):
+                url_output["url"] = [url for url in url_output["url"] if bool(url)]
+
+            if url_output["url"]:
+                resolved_subscription["download"].append(url_output)
+
+        resolved_subscription["overrides"] = self._output_override_variables()
+
+        return resolved_subscription

src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/info_json/info_json_downloader.py

@@ -1,24 +1,24 @@
 import copy
 import json
 from pathlib import Path
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Iterable
-from typing import List
-from typing import Optional
+from typing import Dict, Iterable, List, Optional
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.overrides import Overrides
 from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import OptionsDictValidator
 from ytdl_sub.downloaders.source_plugin import SourcePlugin
 from ytdl_sub.downloaders.ytdl_options_builder import YTDLOptionsBuilder
 from ytdl_sub.entries.entry import Entry
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLE_SCRIPTS
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VariableDefinitions
+from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import (
+    VARIABLE_SCRIPTS,
+    VARIABLES,
+    VariableDefinitions,
+)
 from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import ValidationException
-from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import FileHandler
-from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import get_file_extension
-from ytdl_sub.ytdl_additions.enhanced_download_archive import DownloadMapping
-from ytdl_sub.ytdl_additions.enhanced_download_archive import EnhancedDownloadArchive
+from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import FileHandler, get_file_extension
+from ytdl_sub.ytdl_additions.enhanced_download_archive import (
+    DownloadMapping,
+    EnhancedDownloadArchive,
+)
 
 v: VariableDefinitions = VARIABLES
 

src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/source_plugin.py

@@ -1,16 +1,9 @@
 import abc
 from abc import ABC
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Generic
-from typing import Iterable
-from typing import List
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Type
-from typing import final
+from typing import Dict, Generic, Iterable, List, Optional, Type, final
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.overrides import Overrides
-from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin import BasePlugin
-from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin import Plugin
+from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin import BasePlugin, Plugin
 from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import OptionsValidatorT
 from ytdl_sub.downloaders.ytdl_options_builder import YTDLOptionsBuilder
 from ytdl_sub.entries.entry import Entry

src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/url/downloader.py

@@ -1,33 +1,29 @@
 import contextlib
 import os
 from pathlib import Path
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Iterable
-from typing import Iterator
-from typing import List
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Set
-from typing import Tuple
+from typing import Dict, Iterable, Iterator, List, Optional, Set, Tuple
 
 from yt_dlp.utils import RejectedVideoReached
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.overrides import Overrides
-from ytdl_sub.downloaders.source_plugin import SourcePlugin
-from ytdl_sub.downloaders.source_plugin import SourcePluginExtension
-from ytdl_sub.downloaders.url.validators import MultiUrlValidator
-from ytdl_sub.downloaders.url.validators import UrlThumbnailListValidator
-from ytdl_sub.downloaders.url.validators import UrlValidator
+from ytdl_sub.downloaders.source_plugin import SourcePlugin, SourcePluginExtension
+from ytdl_sub.downloaders.url.validators import (
+    MultiUrlValidator,
+    UrlThumbnailListValidator,
+    UrlValidator,
+)
 from ytdl_sub.downloaders.ytdl_options_builder import YTDLOptionsBuilder
 from ytdl_sub.downloaders.ytdlp import YTDLP
 from ytdl_sub.entries.entry import Entry
 from ytdl_sub.entries.entry_parent import EntryParent
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VariableDefinitions
+from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES, VariableDefinitions
 from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import FileHandler
 from ytdl_sub.utils.logger import Logger
-from ytdl_sub.utils.thumbnail import ThumbnailTypes
-from ytdl_sub.utils.thumbnail import download_and_convert_url_thumbnail
-from ytdl_sub.utils.thumbnail import try_convert_download_thumbnail
+from ytdl_sub.utils.thumbnail import (
+    ThumbnailTypes,
+    download_and_convert_url_thumbnail,
+    try_convert_download_thumbnail,
+)
 from ytdl_sub.ytdl_additions.enhanced_download_archive import EnhancedDownloadArchive
 
 v: VariableDefinitions = VARIABLES
@@ -52,12 +48,12 @@ class UrlDownloaderBasePluginExtension(SourcePluginExtension[MultiUrlValidator])
 
         if 0 <= input_url_idx < len(self.plugin_options.urls.list):
             validator = self.plugin_options.urls.list[input_url_idx]
-            if self.overrides.apply_formatter(validator.url) == entry_input_url:
+            if entry_input_url in self.overrides.apply_formatter(validator.url, expected_type=list):
                 return validator
 
         # Match the first validator based on the URL, if one exists
         for validator in self.plugin_options.urls.list:
-            if self.overrides.apply_formatter(validator.url) == entry_input_url:
+            if entry_input_url in self.overrides.apply_formatter(validator.url, expected_type=list):
                 return validator
 
         # Return the first validator if none exist
@@ -97,7 +93,6 @@ class UrlDownloaderThumbnailPlugin(UrlDownloaderBasePluginExtension):
 
             # If latest entry, always update the thumbnail on each entry
             if thumbnail_id == ThumbnailTypes.LATEST_ENTRY:
-
                 # always save in dry-run even if it doesn't exist...
                 if self.is_dry_run or entry.is_thumbnail_downloaded():
                     self.save_file(
@@ -257,6 +252,16 @@ class MultiUrlDownloader(SourcePlugin[MultiUrlValidator]):
             .to_dict()
         )
 
+    def webpage_url(self, entry: Entry) -> str:
+        """
+        Returns
+        -------
+        The webpage_url to use for the actual download
+        """
+        url_idx = entry.get(v.ytdl_sub_input_url_index, int)
+        webpage_url_formatter = self.plugin_options.urls.list[url_idx].webpage_url
+        return self.overrides.apply_formatter(webpage_url_formatter, entry=entry)
+
     def metadata_ytdl_options(self, ytdl_option_overrides: Dict) -> Dict:
         """
         Returns
@@ -358,7 +363,7 @@ class MultiUrlDownloader(SourcePlugin[MultiUrlValidator]):
                 if (self.is_dry_run or not self.is_entry_thumbnails_enabled)
                 else entry.is_thumbnail_downloaded_via_ytdlp
             ),
-            url=entry.webpage_url,
+            url=self.webpage_url(entry=entry),
         )
         return Entry(
             download_entry_dict,
@@ -366,13 +371,13 @@ class MultiUrlDownloader(SourcePlugin[MultiUrlValidator]):
         )
 
     def _iterate_child_entries(
-        self, entries: List[Entry], download_reversed: bool
+        self, entries: List[Entry], validator: UrlValidator
     ) -> Iterator[Entry]:
         # Iterate a list of entries, and delete the entries after yielding
         entries_to_iter: List[Optional[Entry]] = entries
 
         indices = list(range(len(entries_to_iter)))
-        if download_reversed:
+        if self.overrides.apply_formatter(validator.download_reverse, expected_type=bool):
             indices = reversed(indices)
 
         for idx in indices:
@@ -394,17 +399,13 @@ class MultiUrlDownloader(SourcePlugin[MultiUrlValidator]):
             entries_to_iter[idx] = None
 
     def _iterate_parent_entry(
-        self, parent: EntryParent, download_reversed: bool
+        self, parent: EntryParent, validator: UrlValidator
     ) -> Iterator[Entry]:
-        yield from self._iterate_child_entries(
-            entries=parent.entry_children(), download_reversed=download_reversed
-        )
+        yield from self._iterate_child_entries(entries=parent.entry_children(), validator=validator)
 
         # Recursion the parent's parent entries
         for parent_child in reversed(parent.parent_children()):
-            yield from self._iterate_parent_entry(
-                parent=parent_child, download_reversed=download_reversed
-            )
+            yield from self._iterate_parent_entry(parent=parent_child, validator=validator)
 
     def _download_url_metadata(
         self, url: str, include_sibling_metadata: bool, ytdl_options_overrides: Dict
@@ -438,7 +439,7 @@ class MultiUrlDownloader(SourcePlugin[MultiUrlValidator]):
         self,
         parents: List[EntryParent],
         orphans: List[Entry],
-        download_reversed: bool,
+        validator: UrlValidator,
     ) -> Iterator[Entry]:
         """
         Downloads the leaf entries from EntryParent trees
@@ -446,21 +447,17 @@ class MultiUrlDownloader(SourcePlugin[MultiUrlValidator]):
         # Delete info json files afterwards so other collection URLs do not use them
         with self._separate_download_archives(clear_info_json_files=True):
             for parent in parents:
-                yield from self._iterate_parent_entry(
-                    parent=parent, download_reversed=download_reversed
-                )
+                yield from self._iterate_parent_entry(parent=parent, validator=validator)
 
-            yield from self._iterate_child_entries(
-                entries=orphans, download_reversed=download_reversed
-            )
+            yield from self._iterate_child_entries(entries=orphans, validator=validator)
 
     def _download_metadata(self, url: str, validator: UrlValidator) -> Iterable[Entry]:
         metadata_ytdl_options = self.metadata_ytdl_options(
             ytdl_option_overrides=validator.ytdl_options.to_native_dict(self.overrides)
         )
-        download_reversed = self.overrides.evaluate_boolean(validator.download_reverse)
-        include_sibling_metadata = self.overrides.evaluate_boolean(
-            validator.include_sibling_metadata
+
+        include_sibling_metadata = self.overrides.apply_formatter(
+            validator.include_sibling_metadata, expected_type=bool
         )
 
         parents, orphan_entries = self._download_url_metadata(
@@ -469,16 +466,15 @@ class MultiUrlDownloader(SourcePlugin[MultiUrlValidator]):
             ytdl_options_overrides=metadata_ytdl_options,
         )
 
-        # TODO: Encapsulate this logic into its own class
         self._url_state = URLDownloadState(
-            entries_total=sum(parent.num_children() for parent in parents) + len(orphan_entries)
+            entries_total=sum(parent.num_children() for parent in parents) + len(orphan_entries),
         )
 
         download_logger.info("Beginning downloads for %s", url)
         yield from self._iterate_entries(
             parents=parents,
             orphans=orphan_entries,
-            download_reversed=download_reversed,
+            validator=validator,
         )
 
     def download_metadata(self) -> Iterable[Entry]:
@@ -486,19 +482,25 @@ class MultiUrlDownloader(SourcePlugin[MultiUrlValidator]):
         # download the bottom-most urls first since they are top-priority
         for idx, url_validator in reversed(list(enumerate(self.collection.urls.list))):
             # URLs can be empty. If they are, then skip
-            if not (url := self.overrides.apply_formatter(url_validator.url)):
+            if not (urls := self.overrides.apply_formatter(url_validator.url, expected_type=list)):
                 continue
 
-            for entry in self._download_metadata(url=url, validator=url_validator):
-                entry.initialize_script(self.overrides).add(
-                    {
-                        v.ytdl_sub_input_url: url,
-                        v.ytdl_sub_input_url_index: idx,
-                        v.ytdl_sub_input_url_count: len(self.collection.urls.list),
-                    }
-                )
+            for url in reversed(urls):
+                assert isinstance(url, str)
 
-                yield entry
+                if not url:
+                    continue
+
+                for entry in self._download_metadata(url=url, validator=url_validator):
+                    entry.initialize_script(self.overrides).add(
+                        {
+                            v.ytdl_sub_input_url: url,
+                            v.ytdl_sub_input_url_index: idx,
+                            v.ytdl_sub_input_url_count: len(self.collection.urls.list),
+                        }
+                    )
+
+                    yield entry
 
     def download(self, entry: Entry) -> Optional[Entry]:
         """

src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/url/validators.py

@@ -1,17 +1,16 @@
-from typing import Any
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Set
+from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional, Set
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin_operation import PluginOperation
 from ytdl_sub.config.preset_options import YTDLOptions
 from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import OptionsValidator
 from ytdl_sub.script.parser import parse
 from ytdl_sub.validators.strict_dict_validator import StrictDictValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import DictFormatterValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import OverridesBooleanFormatterValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import OverridesStringFormatterValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import StringFormatterValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import (
+    DictFormatterValidator,
+    OverridesBooleanFormatterValidator,
+    OverridesStringFormatterValidator,
+    StringFormatterValidator,
+)
 from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import ListValidator
 
 
@@ -21,7 +20,7 @@ class UrlThumbnailValidator(StrictDictValidator):
     def __init__(self, name, value):
         super().__init__(name, value)
 
-        self._name = self._validate_key(key="name", validator=StringFormatterValidator)
+        self._thumb_name = self._validate_key(key="name", validator=StringFormatterValidator)
         self._uid = self._validate_key(key="uid", validator=OverridesStringFormatterValidator)
 
     @property
@@ -29,7 +28,7 @@ class UrlThumbnailValidator(StrictDictValidator):
         """
         File name for the thumbnail
         """
-        return self._name
+        return self._thumb_name
 
     @property
     def uid(self) -> OverridesStringFormatterValidator:
@@ -43,6 +42,19 @@ class UrlThumbnailListValidator(ListValidator[UrlThumbnailValidator]):
     _inner_list_type = UrlThumbnailValidator
 
 
+class OverridesOneOrManyUrlValidator(OverridesStringFormatterValidator):
+    def post_process(self, resolved: Any) -> List[str]:
+        if isinstance(resolved, str):
+            return [resolved]
+        if isinstance(resolved, list):
+            for value in resolved:
+                if not isinstance(value, str):
+                    raise self._validation_exception("Must be a string or an array of strings.")
+            return resolved
+
+        raise self._validation_exception("Must be a string or an array of strings.")
+
+
 class UrlValidator(StrictDictValidator):
     _required_keys = {"url"}
     _optional_keys = {
@@ -52,6 +64,7 @@ class UrlValidator(StrictDictValidator):
         "download_reverse",
         "ytdl_options",
         "include_sibling_metadata",
+        "webpage_url",
     }
 
     @classmethod
@@ -67,7 +80,7 @@ class UrlValidator(StrictDictValidator):
         super().__init__(name, value)
 
         # TODO: url validate using yt-dlp IE
-        self._url = self._validate_key(key="url", validator=OverridesStringFormatterValidator)
+        self._url = self._validate_key(key="url", validator=OverridesOneOrManyUrlValidator)
         self._variables = self._validate_key_if_present(
             key="variables", validator=DictFormatterValidator, default={}
         )
@@ -89,6 +102,9 @@ class UrlValidator(StrictDictValidator):
             validator=OverridesBooleanFormatterValidator,
             default="False",
         )
+        self._webpage_url = self._validate_key(
+            key="webpage_url", validator=StringFormatterValidator, default="{webpage_url}"
+        )
 
     @property
     def url(self) -> OverridesStringFormatterValidator:
@@ -180,6 +196,19 @@ class UrlValidator(StrictDictValidator):
         """
         return self._include_sibling_metadata
 
+    @property
+    def webpage_url(self) -> StringFormatterValidator:
+        """
+        Optional. After ytdl-sub performs the metadata download, it will inspect each
+        entry's .info.json file and perform the actual download from yt-dlp using
+        `webpage_url <config_reference/scripting/entry_variables:webpage_url>`. This
+        can be overwritten by supplying parameter with a modification to ``webpage_url`` in the
+        form of an override variable.
+
+        Defaults to ``{webpage_url}``.
+        """
+        return self._webpage_url
+
 
 class UrlStringOrDictValidator(UrlValidator):
     """

src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/ytdl_options_builder.py

@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 import copy
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Optional
+from typing import Dict, Optional
 
 import mergedeep
 

src/ytdl_sub/downloaders/ytdlp.py

@@ -5,19 +5,14 @@ import os
 import time
 from contextlib import contextmanager
 from pathlib import Path
-from typing import Callable
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import List
-from typing import Optional
+from typing import Callable, Dict, List, Optional
 
 import yt_dlp as ytdl
-from yt_dlp.utils import ExistingVideoReached
-from yt_dlp.utils import MaxDownloadsReached
-from yt_dlp.utils import RejectedVideoReached
+from yt_dlp.utils import ExistingVideoReached, MaxDownloadsReached, RejectedVideoReached
 
 from ytdl_sub.thread.log_entries_downloaded_listener import LogEntriesDownloadedListener
 from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import FileNotDownloadedException
-from ytdl_sub.utils.logger import Logger, LoggerLevels
+from ytdl_sub.utils.logger import Logger
 
 
 class YTDLP:
@@ -123,17 +118,10 @@ class YTDLP:
                 del copied_ytdl_options_overrides["download_archive"]
 
             if num_tries < cls._EXTRACT_ENTRY_NUM_RETRIES:
-                maybe_inform_verbose = ""
-                if Logger.get_log_level().level < LoggerLevels.VERBOSE.level:
-                    maybe_inform_verbose = (
-                        ". Consider inspecting the yt-dlp logs using `--log-level verbose` to "
-                        "see the issue."
-                    )
-                cls.logger.info(
-                    "Failed to download entry. Retrying %d / %d%s",
+                cls.logger.debug(
+                    "Failed to download entry. Retrying %d / %d",
                     num_tries,
                     cls._EXTRACT_ENTRY_NUM_RETRIES,
-                    maybe_inform_verbose
                 )
 
         # Still return if the media file downloaded (thumbnail could be missing)
@@ -229,14 +217,14 @@ class YTDLP:
             ):
                 cls.extract_info(ytdl_options_overrides=ytdl_options_overrides, **kwargs)
         except RejectedVideoReached:
-            cls.logger.info(
-                "RejectedVideoReached, stopping additional downloads. "
-                "Can be disable by setting `date_range.breaks` to False."
+            cls.logger.debug(
+                "RejectedVideoReached, stopping additional downloads "
+                "(Can be disable by setting `date_range.breaks` to False)."
             )
         except ExistingVideoReached:
-            cls.logger.info(
+            cls.logger.debug(
                 "ExistingVideoReached, stopping additional downloads. "
-                "Can be disable by setting `ytdl_options.break_on_existing` to False."
+                "(Can be disable by setting `ytdl_options.break_on_existing` to False)."
             )
         except MaxDownloadsReached:
             cls.logger.info("MaxDownloadsReached, stopping additional downloads.")
@@ -254,7 +242,7 @@ class YTDLP:
             if uploader_id in entry_ids or not (uploader_url := entry_dict.get("uploader_url")):
                 continue
 
-            cls.logger.info("Attempting to get parent metadata from URL %s", uploader_url)
+            cls.logger.debug("Attempting to get parent metadata from URL %s", uploader_url)
             parent_dict: Optional[Dict] = None
             try:
                 parent_dict = cls.extract_info(

src/ytdl_sub/entries/base_entry.py

@@ -1,18 +1,11 @@
 # pylint: disable=protected-access
 from abc import ABC
 from pathlib import Path
-from typing import Any
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Type
-from typing import TypeVar
-from typing import final
+from typing import Any, Dict, Optional, Type, TypeVar, final
 
-from yt_dlp.utils import LazyList
-from yt_dlp.utils import sanitize_filename
+from yt_dlp.utils import LazyList, sanitize_filename
 
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VariableDefinitions
+from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES, VariableDefinitions
 
 v: VariableDefinitions = VARIABLES
 

src/ytdl_sub/entries/entry.py

@@ -3,24 +3,15 @@ import copy
 import json
 import os
 from pathlib import Path
-from typing import Any
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Type
-from typing import TypeVar
-from typing import final
+from typing import Any, Dict, Optional, Type, TypeVar, final
 
 from ytdl_sub.entries.base_entry import BaseEntry
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VariableDefinitions
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import ArrayVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import StringVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import Variable
+from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES, VariableDefinitions
+from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import ArrayVariable, StringVariable, Variable
 from ytdl_sub.script.utils.exceptions import ScriptVariableNotResolved
 from ytdl_sub.utils.script import ScriptUtils
 from ytdl_sub.utils.scriptable import Scriptable
-from ytdl_sub.validators.audo_codec_validator import AUDIO_CODEC_EXTS
-from ytdl_sub.validators.audo_codec_validator import VIDEO_CODEC_EXTS
+from ytdl_sub.validators.audo_codec_validator import AUDIO_CODEC_EXTS, VIDEO_CODEC_EXTS
 
 v: VariableDefinitions = VARIABLES
 
@@ -102,6 +93,9 @@ class Entry(BaseEntry, Scriptable):
                     v.sponsorblock_chapters.metadata_key, []
                 ),
                 v.comments: download_entry._kwargs_get(v.comments.metadata_key, []),
+                # Updates with more accurate value, which may differ from the metadata value
+                v.height: download_entry._kwargs_get(v.height.metadata_key, 0),
+                v.width: download_entry._kwargs_get(v.width.metadata_key, 0),
             }
         )
         return self

src/ytdl_sub/entries/entry_parent.py

@@ -1,16 +1,10 @@
 import math
-from typing import Any
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import List
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Set
+from typing import Any, Dict, List, Optional, Set
 from urllib.parse import urlparse
 
-from ytdl_sub.entries.base_entry import BaseEntry
-from ytdl_sub.entries.base_entry import BaseEntryT
+from ytdl_sub.entries.base_entry import BaseEntry, BaseEntryT
 from ytdl_sub.entries.entry import Entry
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VariableDefinitions
+from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES, VariableDefinitions
 from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import MetadataVariable
 
 v: VariableDefinitions = VARIABLES

src/ytdl_sub/entries/script/custom_functions.py

@@ -5,10 +5,7 @@ from yt_dlp.utils import sanitize_filename
 
 from ytdl_sub.script.functions import Functions
 from ytdl_sub.script.types.map import Map
-from ytdl_sub.script.types.resolvable import AnyArgument
-from ytdl_sub.script.types.resolvable import Integer
-from ytdl_sub.script.types.resolvable import ReturnableArgument
-from ytdl_sub.script.types.resolvable import String
+from ytdl_sub.script.types.resolvable import AnyArgument, Integer, ReturnableArgument, String
 from ytdl_sub.script.utils.exceptions import RuntimeException
 from ytdl_sub.utils.file_path import FilePathTruncater
 
@@ -49,12 +46,12 @@ class CustomFunctions:
         return String(FilePathTruncater.maybe_truncate_file_path(filepath.value))
 
     @staticmethod
-    def sanitize(value: AnyArgument) -> String:
+    def sanitize(*value: AnyArgument) -> String:
         """
         Sanitize a string using yt-dlp's ``sanitize_filename`` method to ensure it's safe to use
         for file/directory names on any OS.
         """
-        return String(sanitize_filename(str(value)))
+        return String("".join(sanitize_filename(str(val)) for val in value))
 
     @staticmethod
     def sanitize_plex_episode(string: String) -> String:

src/ytdl_sub/entries/script/function_scripts.py

@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 from typing import Dict
 
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VariableDefinitions
+from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES, VariableDefinitions
 
 v: VariableDefinitions = VARIABLES
 

src/ytdl_sub/entries/script/variable_definitions.py

@@ -1,21 +1,21 @@
 from abc import ABC
-from functools import cache
-from functools import cached_property
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Set
+from functools import cache, cached_property
+from typing import Dict, Optional, Set
 
 from ytdl_sub.entries.script.custom_functions import CustomFunctions
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import ArrayMetadataVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import IntegerMetadataVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import IntegerVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import MapMetadataVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import MapVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import MetadataVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import StringDateMetadataVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import StringDateVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import StringMetadataVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import StringVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import Variable
+from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import (
+    ArrayMetadataVariable,
+    IntegerMetadataVariable,
+    IntegerVariable,
+    MapMetadataVariable,
+    MapVariable,
+    MetadataVariable,
+    StringDateMetadataVariable,
+    StringDateVariable,
+    StringMetadataVariable,
+    StringVariable,
+    Variable,
+)
 
 # This file contains mixins to a BaseEntry subclass. Ignore pylint's "no kwargs member" suggestion
 # pylint: disable=no-member
@@ -1093,6 +1093,24 @@ class EntryVariableDefinitions(ABC):
             definition="{ {} }",
         )
 
+    @cached_property
+    def height(self: "VariableDefinitions") -> IntegerMetadataVariable:
+        """
+        :description:
+          Height in pixels of the video. If this value is unavailable (i.e. audio download), it
+          will default to 0.
+        """
+        return IntegerMetadataVariable.from_entry(metadata_key="height", default=0)
+
+    @cached_property
+    def width(self: "VariableDefinitions") -> IntegerMetadataVariable:
+        """
+        :description:
+          Width in pixels of the video. If this value is unavailable (i.e. audio download), it
+          will default to 0.
+        """
+        return IntegerMetadataVariable.from_entry(metadata_key="width", default=0)
+
 
 class VariableDefinitions(
     EntryVariableDefinitions,
@@ -1117,6 +1135,16 @@ class VariableDefinitions(
             ]
         }
 
+    @cache
+    def variable_names(self, include_sanitized: bool):
+        """
+        Returns all variable names, and can include sanitized.
+        """
+        var_names: Set[str] = self.scripts().keys()
+        if include_sanitized:
+            var_names |= {f"{name}_sanitized" for name in var_names}
+        return var_names
+
     @cache
     def injected_variables(self) -> Set[MetadataVariable]:
         """
@@ -1133,6 +1161,8 @@ class VariableDefinitions(
             self.ytdl_sub_input_url_index,
             self.ytdl_sub_input_url_count,
             self.ytdl_sub_keep_files_date_eval,
+            self.width,
+            self.height,
         }
 
     @cache
@@ -1142,6 +1172,7 @@ class VariableDefinitions(
         """
         return {
             self.uid,
+            self.extractor,
             self.extractor_key,
             self.epoch,
             self.webpage_url,
@@ -1184,6 +1215,14 @@ class VariableDefinitions(
             VARIABLES.entry_metadata,
         } | self.injected_variables()
 
+    def get(self, name: str) -> Optional[Variable]:
+        """
+        Returns the variable attribute if it exists. None otherwise.
+        """
+        if not hasattr(self, name):
+            return None
+        return getattr(self, name)
+
 
 # Singletons to use externally
 VARIABLES: VariableDefinitions = VariableDefinitions()

src/ytdl_sub/entries/script/variable_types.py

@@ -1,17 +1,10 @@
-from abc import ABC
-from abc import abstractmethod
+from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
 from dataclasses import dataclass
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import List
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Type
-from typing import TypeVar
+from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Type, TypeVar
 
 from ytdl_sub.script.types.array import Array
 from ytdl_sub.script.types.map import Map
-from ytdl_sub.script.types.resolvable import Boolean
-from ytdl_sub.script.types.resolvable import Integer
-from ytdl_sub.script.types.resolvable import String
+from ytdl_sub.script.types.resolvable import Boolean, Integer, String
 
 ENTRY_METADATA_VARIABLE_NAME = "entry_metadata"
 PLAYLIST_METADATA_VARIABLE_NAME = "playlist_metadata"
@@ -22,7 +15,6 @@ VariableT = TypeVar("VariableT", bound="Variable")
 
 
 def _get(
-    cast: str,
     metadata_variable_name: str,
     metadata_key: str,
     variable_name: Optional[str],
@@ -47,7 +39,7 @@ def _get(
     return as_type(
         variable_name=variable_name or metadata_key,
         metadata_key=metadata_key,
-        definition=f"{{ %legacy_bracket_safety(%{cast}({out})) }}",
+        definition=f"{{ {out} }}",
     )
 
 
@@ -182,7 +174,6 @@ class MapMetadataVariable(MetadataVariable, MapVariable):
         Creates a map variable from entry metadata
         """
         return _get(
-            "map",
             metadata_variable_name=ENTRY_METADATA_VARIABLE_NAME,
             metadata_key=metadata_key,
             variable_name=variable_name,
@@ -204,7 +195,6 @@ class ArrayMetadataVariable(MetadataVariable, ArrayVariable):
         Creates an array variable from entry metadata
         """
         return _get(
-            "array",
             metadata_variable_name=ENTRY_METADATA_VARIABLE_NAME,
             metadata_key=metadata_key,
             variable_name=variable_name,
@@ -226,7 +216,6 @@ class StringMetadataVariable(MetadataVariable, StringVariable):
         Creates a string variable from entry metadata
         """
         return _get(
-            "string",
             metadata_variable_name=ENTRY_METADATA_VARIABLE_NAME,
             metadata_key=metadata_key,
             variable_name=variable_name,
@@ -245,7 +234,6 @@ class StringMetadataVariable(MetadataVariable, StringVariable):
         Creates a string variable from playlist metadata
         """
         return _get(
-            "string",
             metadata_variable_name=PLAYLIST_METADATA_VARIABLE_NAME,
             metadata_key=metadata_key,
             variable_name=variable_name,
@@ -264,7 +252,6 @@ class StringMetadataVariable(MetadataVariable, StringVariable):
         Creates a string variable from source metadata
         """
         return _get(
-            "string",
             metadata_variable_name=SOURCE_METADATA_VARIABLE_NAME,
             metadata_key=metadata_key,
             variable_name=variable_name,
@@ -301,7 +288,6 @@ class IntegerMetadataVariable(MetadataVariable, IntegerVariable):
         Creates an int variable from entry metadata
         """
         return _get(
-            "int",
             metadata_variable_name=ENTRY_METADATA_VARIABLE_NAME,
             metadata_key=metadata_key,
             variable_name=variable_name,
@@ -320,7 +306,6 @@ class IntegerMetadataVariable(MetadataVariable, IntegerVariable):
         Creates an int variable from playlist metadata
         """
         return _get(
-            "int",
             metadata_variable_name=PLAYLIST_METADATA_VARIABLE_NAME,
             metadata_key=metadata_key,
             variable_name=variable_name,

src/ytdl_sub/entries/variables/override_variables.py

@@ -1,19 +1,17 @@
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Set
+from typing import Dict, Set
 
 from ytdl_sub.entries.script.function_scripts import CUSTOM_FUNCTION_SCRIPTS
 from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLE_SCRIPTS
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import ArrayVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import BooleanVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import MapVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import StringVariable
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import Variable
+from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_types import (
+    ArrayVariable,
+    BooleanVariable,
+    MapVariable,
+    StringVariable,
+    Variable,
+)
 from ytdl_sub.script.functions import Functions
 from ytdl_sub.script.utils.name_validation import is_valid_name
 
-# TODO: use this
-SUBSCRIPTION_ARRAY = "subscription_array"
-
 
 class SubscriptionVariables:
     @staticmethod
@@ -55,16 +53,21 @@ class SubscriptionVariables:
     @staticmethod
     def subscription_indent_i(index: int) -> StringVariable:
         """
-        For subscriptions in the form of
+        For subscriptions where the ancestor keys contain the ``= ...`` prefix, the
+        variables ``subscription_indent_1``, ``subscription_indent_2``, and so on get
+        set to each subsequent value. For example, given the following subscriptions
+        file snippet:
 
         .. code-block:: yaml
 
-           Preset | = Indent Value 1:
-             = Indent Value 2:
+           Preset 1 | = Indent Value 1 | Preset 2:
+             Preset 3 | = Indent Value 2 | Preset 4:
                "Subscription Name": "https://..."
 
-        ``subscription_indent_1`` and ``subscription_indent_2`` get set to
-        ``Indent Value 1`` and ``Indent Value 2``.
+        The ``{subscription_indent_1}`` variable will be ``Indent Value 1`` and
+        ``{subscription_indent_2}`` will be ``Indent Value 2``. The most common use of
+        these variables is to :doc:`set the genre and rating for subscriptions from the
+        YAML keys <../prebuilt_presets/tv_show>`.
         """
         return StringVariable(
             variable_name=f"subscription_indent_{index + 1}", definition="{ %string('') }"
@@ -158,7 +161,7 @@ class OverrideHelpers:
         True if the override name itself is valid. False otherwise.
         """
         if name.startswith("%"):
-            return is_valid_name(name=name[1:])
+            name = name[1:]
 
         return is_valid_name(name=name)
 

src/ytdl_sub/main.py

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import sys
 
 from ytdl_sub.cli.parsers.main import parser
-from ytdl_sub.utils.logger import Logger
+from ytdl_sub.utils.logger import Logger, LoggerLevels
 
 
 def _main() -> int:
@@ -10,6 +10,11 @@ def _main() -> int:
     args, _ = parser.parse_known_args()
     Logger.set_log_level(log_level_name=args.ytdl_sub_log_level)
 
+    # Suppress all logs during inspection since the output of the subcommand itself
+    # is all that is necessary
+    if args.subparser == "inspect":
+        Logger.set_log_level(log_level_name=LoggerLevels.QUIET.name)
+
     # pylint: disable=import-outside-toplevel
     import ytdl_sub.cli.entrypoint
 

src/ytdl_sub/plugins/audio_extract.py

@@ -1,21 +1,19 @@
 import os.path
-from typing import Any
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Set
+from typing import Any, Dict, Optional, Set
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin import Plugin
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin_operation import PluginOperation
 from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import ToggleableOptionsDictValidator
 from ytdl_sub.downloaders.ytdl_options_builder import YTDLOptionsBuilder
 from ytdl_sub.entries.entry import Entry
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VariableDefinitions
+from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES, VariableDefinitions
 from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import FileNotDownloadedException
 from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import FileMetadata
-from ytdl_sub.validators.audo_codec_validator import AUDIO_CODEC_EXTS
-from ytdl_sub.validators.audo_codec_validator import AUDIO_CODEC_TYPES_EXTENSION_MAPPING
-from ytdl_sub.validators.audo_codec_validator import AudioTypeValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.audo_codec_validator import (
+    AUDIO_CODEC_EXTS,
+    AUDIO_CODEC_TYPES_EXTENSION_MAPPING,
+    AudioTypeValidator,
+)
 from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import FloatValidator
 
 v: VariableDefinitions = VARIABLES

src/ytdl_sub/plugins/chapters.py

@@ -1,26 +1,23 @@
 import collections
 import re
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import List
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Set
+from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Set
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin import Plugin
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin_operation import PluginOperation
 from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import ToggleableOptionsDictValidator
 from ytdl_sub.downloaders.ytdl_options_builder import YTDLOptionsBuilder
-from ytdl_sub.entries.entry import Entry
-from ytdl_sub.entries.entry import ytdl_sub_chapters_from_comments
-from ytdl_sub.entries.entry import ytdl_sub_split_by_chapters_parent_uid
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VariableDefinitions
+from ytdl_sub.entries.entry import (
+    Entry,
+    ytdl_sub_chapters_from_comments,
+    ytdl_sub_split_by_chapters_parent_uid,
+)
+from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES, VariableDefinitions
 from ytdl_sub.utils.chapters import Chapters
 from ytdl_sub.utils.ffmpeg import set_ffmpeg_metadata_chapters
 from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import FileMetadata
 from ytdl_sub.validators.regex_validator import RegexListValidator
 from ytdl_sub.validators.string_select_validator import StringSelectValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import BoolValidator
-from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import ListValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import BoolValidator, ListValidator
 
 v: VariableDefinitions = VARIABLES
 

src/ytdl_sub/plugins/date_range.py

@@ -1,7 +1,4 @@
-from typing import List
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Set
-from typing import Tuple
+from typing import List, Optional, Set, Tuple
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin import Plugin
 from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import ToggleableOptionsDictValidator
@@ -25,9 +22,11 @@ class DateRangeOptions(ToggleableOptionsDictValidator):
        A string in the format YYYYMMDD or
        (now|today|yesterday|date)[+-][0-9](microsecond|second|minute|hour|day|week|month|year)(s)
 
-    Valid examples are ``now-2weeks`` or ``20200101``. Can use override variables in this.
-    Note that yt-dlp will round times to the closest day, meaning that `day` is the lowest
-    granularity possible.
+    Valid examples are ``now-2weeks`` or ``20200101``. Can use override variables in
+    this. Note that yt-dlp will round times to the closest day, meaning that `day` is
+    the lowest granularity possible. Also note that, considering time zones, it's best
+    to include a margin of an extra day on either side to be sure it includes the
+    intended download files.
 
     :Usage:
 
@@ -56,7 +55,7 @@ class DateRangeOptions(ToggleableOptionsDictValidator):
         """
         :expected type: Optional[OverridesFormatter]
         :description:
-          Only download videos before this datetime.
+          Only download videos only before this datetime, not inclusive.
         """
         return self._before
 
@@ -65,7 +64,7 @@ class DateRangeOptions(ToggleableOptionsDictValidator):
         """
         :expected type: Optional[OverridesFormatter]
         :description:
-          Only download videos after this datetime.
+          Only download videos after or on this datetime, inclusive.
         """
         return self._after
 
@@ -114,7 +113,7 @@ class DateRangePlugin(Plugin[DateRangeOptions]):
                 date_validator=self.plugin_options.after, overrides=self.overrides
             )
             after_filter = f"{date_type} >= {after_str}"
-            if self.overrides.evaluate_boolean(self.plugin_options.breaks):
+            if self.overrides.apply_formatter(self.plugin_options.breaks, expected_type=bool):
                 breaking_match_filters.append(after_filter)
             else:
                 match_filters.append(after_filter)

src/ytdl_sub/plugins/embed_thumbnail.py

@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
-from typing import List
-from typing import Optional
+from typing import List, Optional
 
 import mediafile
 
@@ -7,16 +6,15 @@ from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin import Plugin
 from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import OptionsValidator
 from ytdl_sub.entries.entry import Entry
 from ytdl_sub.utils.ffmpeg import FFMPEG
-from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import FileHandler
-from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import FileMetadata
+from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import FileHandler, FileMetadata
 from ytdl_sub.utils.logger import Logger
 from ytdl_sub.validators.audo_codec_validator import AUDIO_CODEC_EXTS
-from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import BoolValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import OverridesBooleanFormatterValidator
 
 logger = Logger.get("embed-thumbnail")
 
 
-class EmbedThumbnailOptions(BoolValidator, OptionsValidator):
+class EmbedThumbnailOptions(OverridesBooleanFormatterValidator, OptionsValidator):
     """
     Whether to embed thumbnails to the audio/video file or not.
 
@@ -33,7 +31,7 @@ class EmbedThumbnailPlugin(Plugin[EmbedThumbnailOptions]):
 
     @property
     def _embed_thumbnail(self) -> bool:
-        return self.plugin_options.value
+        return self.overrides.apply_formatter(self.plugin_options, expected_type=bool)
 
     @classmethod
     def _embed_video_thumbnail(cls, entry: Entry) -> None:

src/ytdl_sub/plugins/file_convert.py

@@ -1,22 +1,16 @@
 import os
 from subprocess import CalledProcessError
-from typing import Any
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Optional
-from typing import Set
+from typing import Any, Dict, Optional, Set
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.overrides import Overrides
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin import Plugin
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin_operation import PluginOperation
 from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import ToggleableOptionsDictValidator
 from ytdl_sub.entries.entry import Entry
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES
-from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VariableDefinitions
-from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import FileNotDownloadedException
-from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import ValidationException
+from ytdl_sub.entries.script.variable_definitions import VARIABLES, VariableDefinitions
+from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import FileNotDownloadedException, ValidationException
 from ytdl_sub.utils.ffmpeg import FFMPEG
-from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import FileHandler
-from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import FileMetadata
+from ytdl_sub.utils.file_handler import FileHandler, FileMetadata
 from ytdl_sub.validators.audo_codec_validator import FileTypeValidator
 from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import OverridesStringFormatterValidator
 from ytdl_sub.validators.string_select_validator import StringSelectValidator

src/ytdl_sub/plugins/filter_exclude.py

@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Optional
+from typing import Dict, Optional
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.overrides import Overrides
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin import Plugin
@@ -7,13 +6,14 @@ from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import OptionsValidator
 from ytdl_sub.entries.entry import Entry
 from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import StringFormattingException
 from ytdl_sub.utils.logger import Logger
-from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import ListFormatterValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import BooleanFormatterValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import ListValidator
 from ytdl_sub.ytdl_additions.enhanced_download_archive import EnhancedDownloadArchive
 
 logger = Logger.get("filter-exclude")
 
 
-class FilterExcludeOptions(ListFormatterValidator, OptionsValidator):
+class FilterExcludeOptions(ListValidator[BooleanFormatterValidator], OptionsValidator):
     """
     Applies a conditional OR on any number of filters comprised of either variables or scripts.
     If any filter evaluates to True, the entry will be excluded.
@@ -29,6 +29,8 @@ class FilterExcludeOptions(ListFormatterValidator, OptionsValidator):
            { %contains( %lower(description), '#short' ) }
     """
 
+    _inner_list_type = BooleanFormatterValidator
+
 
 class FilterExcludePlugin(Plugin[FilterExcludeOptions]):
     plugin_options_type = FilterExcludeOptions
@@ -52,7 +54,9 @@ class FilterExcludePlugin(Plugin[FilterExcludeOptions]):
             return entry
 
         for formatter in self.plugin_options.list:
-            should_exclude = self.overrides.evaluate_boolean(formatter=formatter, entry=entry)
+            should_exclude = self.overrides.apply_formatter(
+                formatter=formatter, entry=entry, expected_type=bool
+            )
 
             if should_exclude:
                 logger.info(

src/ytdl_sub/plugins/filter_include.py

@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Optional
+from typing import Dict, Optional
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.overrides import Overrides
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin import Plugin
@@ -7,14 +6,14 @@ from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import OptionsValidator
 from ytdl_sub.entries.entry import Entry
 from ytdl_sub.utils.exceptions import StringFormattingException
 from ytdl_sub.utils.logger import Logger
-from ytdl_sub.utils.script import ScriptUtils
-from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import ListFormatterValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.string_formatter_validators import BooleanFormatterValidator
+from ytdl_sub.validators.validators import ListValidator
 from ytdl_sub.ytdl_additions.enhanced_download_archive import EnhancedDownloadArchive
 
 logger = Logger.get("filter-include")
 
 
-class FilterIncludeOptions(ListFormatterValidator, OptionsValidator):
+class FilterIncludeOptions(ListValidator[BooleanFormatterValidator], OptionsValidator):
     """
     Applies a conditional AND on any number of filters comprised of either variables or scripts.
     If all filters evaluate to True, the entry will be included.
@@ -38,6 +37,8 @@ class FilterIncludeOptions(ListFormatterValidator, OptionsValidator):
            }
     """
 
+    _inner_list_type = BooleanFormatterValidator
+
 
 class FilterIncludePlugin(Plugin[FilterIncludeOptions]):
     plugin_options_type = FilterIncludeOptions
@@ -61,8 +62,8 @@ class FilterIncludePlugin(Plugin[FilterIncludeOptions]):
             return entry
 
         for formatter in self.plugin_options.list:
-            should_exclude = ScriptUtils.bool_formatter_output(
-                self.overrides.apply_formatter(formatter=formatter, entry=entry)
+            should_exclude = self.overrides.apply_formatter(
+                formatter=formatter, entry=entry, expected_type=bool
             )
             if not should_exclude:
                 logger.info(

src/ytdl_sub/plugins/format.py

@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
-from typing import Dict
-from typing import Optional
+from typing import Dict, Optional
 
 from ytdl_sub.config.plugin.plugin import Plugin
 from ytdl_sub.config.validators.options import OptionsValidator