Create mix CDs from MP3 files

How would you write a script (preferably for the Windows commandline) that:

Examines thousands of MP3 files stored on a single drive (e.g., G:\)
Randomizes the collection
Populates a series of directories up to 650MB worth of songs (without exceeding 650MB)
Every song is shucked exactly once
(Optional) The directory size comes as close as possible to 650MB

The DIR, COPY, and XCOPY commands have no explicit file size switches.

A few Google searches have come up with:

It would be ideal if UNIX-like environments can be avoided.

My question, then: How do you compare file (or directory) sizes using the Windows commandline?

Dave Jarvis

Posted 2010-02-09T17:43:08.800

Reputation: 2 126

4Why do you need it to leverage DOS? – None – 2010-02-09T17:45:48.600

Windows XP Pro is the environment. DOS is not necessary if there is a Windows tool that can do the same task. Also, would this be a better question for serverfault? – Dave Jarvis – 2010-02-09T18:02:59.943

2WinXP Pro does not even have DOS on it – Joe Phillips – 2010-02-09T18:33:53.327

1I guess by saying DOS Dave means Windows command interpreter (cmd). – Helen – 2010-02-09T18:46:33.857

@d03boy: when people say "DOS" these days, they're normally referring to the Windows non-graphical command shell. It's just easier. – Michael Petrotta – 2010-02-09T18:47:30.043

I'm old school. ;-) – Dave Jarvis – 2010-02-09T18:55:35.157

I am told iTunes will do this. – Dave Jarvis – 2010-02-09T19:00:46.443

1I know what he meant but I figured I'd bring that up anyway since this is a learning site and there should be correct information here – Joe Phillips – 2010-02-09T20:23:09.523

Answers

iTunes has such a feature.

Dave Jarvis

Posted 2010-02-09T17:43:08.800

Reputation: 2 126

You could use JavaScript WSH script. See FileSystemObject.

var WShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell");
var fso = WScript.CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject");

VB is evil.

Fozi

Posted 2010-02-09T17:43:08.800

Reputation: 68

How could this be integrated into a working shell script? – Dave Jarvis – 2010-02-09T18:29:12.433

You can use GetFolder and GetFile to iterate through folders and get the file information. The GetFolder page has a great example, and the File object returned by GetFile has a size attribute. after you selected your files you can use the fso.CopyFile method to copy the selected files. – None – 2010-02-09T19:29:46.587

What is your definition of a "unix-like environment"? Does a language like Tcl or Python fall into that category? Such programming languages are perfect for tasks like this, with built-in features for scanning directories, getting file sizes, moving files, etc.

Don't hamstring yourself by using a limited language like the windows batch language. Pick a real programming language that has a native port to windows and you're job will likely be much easier.

Bryan Oakley

Posted 2010-02-09T17:43:08.800

Reputation: 131

Was just looking to create a simple script. I could do it in bash in about 30 minutes. The problem is I want to hand off the program to a friend (a one-time project). Python is a great idea. – Dave Jarvis – 2010-02-09T18:49:34.093