How to Use the Command 'flexget' (with Examples)

Flexget is a powerful automation tool designed for managing and downloading content such as torrents, NZBs, podcasts, comics, series, and movies. Its flexibility and extensibility make it an excellent choice for users looking to streamline their content acquisition workflows. Flexget operates by configuring tasks, which dictate how and what content is processed. This article will explore various use cases of the Flexget command to help users understand how to incorporate it into their automation routines.

Use Case 1: Running All Flexget Tasks Now

Code:

flexget execute --now

Motivation:

This command is crucial for users who wish to immediately execute all the tasks defined in their Flexget configuration file. By running this command, users can quickly process incoming content and ensure their automation tasks are fulfilled without waiting for the scheduler or daemon to trigger. This use case is especially valuable when making changes to the task configuration and wanting to test the new setup instantly without further delay.

Explanation:

• flexget: Invokes the Flexget command-line interface.
• execute: This subcommand tells Flexget to run specified tasks.
• --now: Using this flag, Flexget overrides any internal schedules and executes all configured tasks immediately.

Example Output:

INFO     execute     Flexget    Executing all tasks now
INFO     task        series_name  Downloaded: episode_name
INFO     task        movie_name   Downloaded: movie_title

Use Case 2: Starting the Flexget Daemon and Daemonizing Its Process

Code:

flexget daemon start --daemonize

Motivation:

Running Flexget as a daemon is advantageous for continuous monitoring and execution of tasks without manual intervention. The daemon mode consumes minimal resources and operates in the background, enabling users to have their Flexget configurations run automatically based on predefined schedules. This setup is perfect for users who want to automate content downloads without constantly overseeing the process.

Explanation:

• flexget: Starts the command-line tool for Flexget.
• daemon: Specifies that Flexget should run as a background process.
• start: Initiates the daemon mode. This tells the tool to begin operating in the background.
• --daemonize: This option moves the daemon into the background, detaching it from the terminal for persistent operation.

Example Output:

INFO     daemon      Running command `start`
INFO     daemon      Flexget daemon started in the background (PID 1234)

Use Case 3: Listing All Series Recorded in Flexget

Code:

flexget series list

Motivation:

This command is essential for users who want to review and verify the list of TV series that Flexget is configured to track and manage. It acts as an excellent audit tool for users to ensure that all desired series are included in their configuration. Reviewing this list can be particularly useful if there are discrepancies in download or tracking patterns, allowing users to make necessary adjustments promptly.

Explanation:

• flexget: Launches the Flexget command-line utility.
• series: Denotes that the action is related to TV series management.
• list: This action fetches and displays all the series being tracked by Flexget.

Example Output:

INFO     series      Flexget    3 series recorded
series_name_1
series_name_2
series_name_3

Use Case 4: Running a Task from a Config File

Code:

flexget -c path/to/config.yml execute --task task_name

Motivation:

For users looking to execute specific tasks defined in a configuration file, this command offers precise control. It is particularly useful for those managing complex automation routines segmented into multiple tasks. By targeting one task, users can test specific functionalities without executing the entire suite of tasks, saving time and resources.

Explanation:

• flexget: Executes the Flexget command-line interface.
• -c path/to/config.yml: This argument allows users to specify the path to a custom configuration file. This is useful when you have different configurations for different environments or purposes.
• execute: Indicates that the defined tasks should be run.
• --task task_name: Directs Flexget to execute only a specific task named task_name within the given configuration file. This targeted execution helps in testing or when dealing with large configurations.

Example Output:

INFO     config      Reading config from path/to/config.yml
INFO     task        task_name  Task "task_name" executed successfully

Conclusion

The Flexget command offers a powerful and flexible tool for automating content management across various media types. Through the examples provided, users should feel empowered to manage and automate their media digest process effectively. By using these command-line operations, handling tasks from immediate executions to on-demand task testing, Flexget can significantly streamline content acquisition strategies.