FlexGet

FlexGet Software Review

FlexGet presents itself as a robust and highly flexible automation tool specifically designed for media management and acquisition. At its core, FlexGet is a command-line application driven by a comprehensive YAML configuration file. This approach, while requiring some technical familiarity for setup, provides an unparalleled level of control and customization over how the software identifies, filters, and downloads media. Installation generally involves using Python's pip package manager, and setup requires creating and editing the configuration file. This initial barrier to entry might deter users looking for a simple graphical interface, but for those comfortable with configuration files, the possibilities are vast.

Core Functionality: Tasks and Inputs

The fundamental unit in FlexGet is the 'task'. Each task defines a specific workflow for acquiring content. A task typically includes:

• Inputs: Specifies where FlexGet should look for new content. This can range from RSS feeds, direct URLs, and torrent trackers to Usenet indexers and even local folders. The sheer variety of input sources supported is a major strength.
• Filters: Essential for narrowing down results from the input sources. Filters can be applied based on a multitude of criteria, such as keywords, file size, quality (e.g., 720p, 1080p), release group, and even regular expressions for advanced pattern matching. This granular filtering ensures that users only download the content that meets their specific requirements.
• Outputs: Determines what happens to the identified and filtered content. Common outputs include sending the content to a torrent client for download, adding it to a Usenet downloader, notifying other applications, or even moving files after they are downloaded.

This task-based structure, combined with the flexibility of YAML, allows users to create highly specific and automated workflows. For instance, one task might focus on downloading new episodes of a particular TV series from a specific RSS feed, filtering for 1080p quality, and sending it to a torrent client. Another task could be configured to monitor a different source for movies with specific keywords and send them to a Usenet downloader.

Media Specific Features: TV and Movies

FlexGet includes dedicated features for managing TV shows and movies. The TV show functionality is particularly strong, allowing users to track series, seasons, and episodes. It can automatically identify new episodes based on established naming conventions and prevent duplicate downloads. The movie features enable searching for movies by title, year, and other attributes, often integrating with databases like TMDB or Trakt for more accurate identification.

Extensibility through Plugins

A significant advantage of FlexGet is its extensive plugin ecosystem. Plugins extend the core functionality by adding support for new input sources, output methods, and filtering options. There are plugins for integrating with popular media management software like Plex and Emby, notification services, and a wide range of download clients and services. This plugin system ensures that FlexGet can adapt to evolving media consumption habits and technologies.

Usability and Configuration

As a command-line tool, FlexGet is best suited for users comfortable with terminal interfaces and text-based configuration. The YAML configuration can initially seem daunting, but the official documentation is generally comprehensive and provides numerous examples to help users get started. While there's no official graphical user interface, third-party tools and web interfaces exist to provide a more user-friendly experience for managing FlexGet.

Performance and Reliability

FlexGet is written in Python and is generally lightweight, making it suitable for running on various devices, including low-power servers like a Raspberry Pi. Its reliability is largely dependent on the stability of the input sources and download clients it interacts with, but the core application is generally stable and well-maintained.

Conclusion

Overall, FlexGet is a powerful and highly customizable automation tool for media enthusiasts. Its strengths lie in its flexible configuration, broad source compatibility, and extensible plugin architecture. While the command-line interface and YAML configuration require a certain level of technical comfort, the power and control it offers over media acquisition are unmatched. It's an excellent choice for users who want to automate their media downloads from various sources with fine-grained control and are comfortable with a more technical setup. For users seeking a simple, click-and-go solution with a graphical interface, FlexGet might not be the best fit. However, for those willing to invest time in configuration, FlexGet provides a robust and reliable solution for automating their media library growth.