Project_Entry | Grant Bradshaw

Language

Python

Libraries

yt-dlp, FFmpeg

Architecture

CLI (Command Line Interface)

Core Skills

Automation, Error Handling, Metadata Parsing

// Source Implementation


        import yt_dlp


        ydl_opts = {

          'format': 'bestvideo[height<=1080]+bestaudio/best[height<=1080]',

          'outtmpl': './videos/%(title)s.%(ext)s',

          'merge_output_format': 'mp4',

          'quiet': True

        }


        while True:

          link = input("Paste YouTube link here (q to quit): ")


          if link.lower() == 'q':

            print("Canceled")

            break


          try:

            with yt_dlp.YoutubeDL(ydl_opts) as ydl:

              info = ydl.extract_info(link, download=False)


              print(f"Title: {info.get('title')}")

              print(f"Channel: {info.get('uploader')}")

              print(f"Views: {info.get('view_count')}")


              confirm = input("Download this video? (y/n): ").lower()


              if confirm == 'y':

                print("Downloading...")

                ydl.download([link])

                print(">>> Download Complete! <<<")

              else:

                print("Canceled. Let's try another link.")


          except Exception as e:

            print(f"Error: Could not find that video. ({e})")

Design Logic

The script utilizes yt-dlp for its robust handling of dynamic YouTube headers. I implemented a try/except block to ensure the program remains active even when encountering corrupted strings or bad URLs. Metadata is fetched prior to the download request to provide a user-confirmation gate, preventing unnecessary bandwidth consumption.

// The Learning Pipeline

Enabling Offline Autodidacticism

This project was born out of a specific need: Offline Education. As a self-taught builder in circuit design and CAD, I often find myself in environments without stable high-speed internet (specifically during my summers guiding in Wyoming).

I use this tool to build a local library of technical lectures, engineering walkthroughs, and coding tutorials. By automating the download of 1080p reference material, I ensure that my learning and technical development continue uninterrupted, regardless of my location or connectivity.