Squidge is a simple script which takes a number of files with the same extension and in the same folder, and packs them together into one file, seperated by XML tags. I've added an optional XML header too. The squidged output file appears adjacent to the original files, and is called "squidged", with the same extension as the original files.

The module can also take a squidged file and unpack it into a new folder called "unsquidged", maintaining the names of the original files.

Anyone who might need to apply a process to many files but would prefer to only have to do it once.

Squidge 1.1.0 (posted 22 December 2000) is now available.

Save as "squidge.py" into a suitable folder, ideally your Python/Lib folder, created when you install Python.

Please note that you use Squidge at your own risk. I can't be held responsible for anything, ever. The good news is that you can read the source (Luke), so you can see how it works and what it does. The script leaves your original files untouched, so they are still there if you need them.

Mail me if you would like to be notified of any new versions of the script. I won't use your mail address for anything else.

Even if you don't want to go on the mailing list, please do mail me if you try Squidge. It's useful to know that the script is working OK on different platforms. If you have problems, please let me know so I can fix any bugs. (Please mention version and OS information.)

Getting it to work
Squidge is run on demand from the command line or from within Idle, or whatever IDE you are using. You will be prompted for the information Squidge needs to find the relevant files. Some of the variable values can be edited. Have a look at the script to see these.

Note: If you do change the XML wrapping, remember that Squidge will look for its current wrapper tags set to identify the star/end of the component files. If you use different tags for different jobs, check the squidged file and set the variables to match the tag used. This won't be relevant to you if you never change the tags.

I hope people find this useful. Please do let me know if you use it and if you have any comments or suggestions.

Wish List
I think I sould make the whole XML thing optional at some point.

It would be nice if Squidge could recognise arbitrary file wrappers, or allow users to enter an arbitrary tag to use. It could then be used as a general purpose XML unwrapper.

New in Squidge 1.1.0 : The original files now appear in the squidged file ASCIIbetical order, as opposed to randomly. This doesn't affect the squidge/unsquidge process, but it does make the content of the squidge order as you might expect.