software that will randomly play MP3s from a folder?

[lordsmurf]

What exists out there, something that can randomly play MP3s from a folder (and optionally its sub-folder), maybe even multiple folders?

[thecoalman]

PHP based?

<?php
$list = array(); // Reinitiallize array for cleanliness
$handle = fopen("list/playlist.txt","r"); // open the source file full of urls
$i = 0;
while (!feof($handle)) // As long as lines are coming in we do this
{
$temp=fgets($handle);
$list[$i]=$temp;
$i++;
}
shuffle($list);
$z=0;
fclose($handle);
$handle=fopen("list/randomlist.m3u","w");
while ($z < $i)
{
$temp=$list[$z];
fputs($handle,$temp);
$z++;
}

fclose($handle);
?>

Can't take credit for it I grabbed it off the net somewhere, playlist.txt is a static list of URL's. It writes a temporary file called randomlist.m3u that is generated from that each time the page is loaded. Embed a player in some html code below the script and point it at randomlist.m3u

I've haven't had the chance to get to it but have been meaning to just have it grab the directory contents instead of using a static list. [/code]

[TJohns]

Most "decent" player software (WinAmp, QMP, etc) has an "add folder tree to playlist" feature, as well as a simple "shuffle play" option.

Trev

[lordsmurf]

Does QMP mean Quicktime?

[thecoalman]

I was assuming you were aware of the shuffle option in most players....

Very light option is Foobar : http://www.foobar2000.org/

File>add directory

Playback>shuufle tracks

hit the play button.

[lordsmurf]

Some have it coalman, some don't. It may come as a surprise to you, but I've never had jukebox/player type software installed. I didn't want to start installing random stuff, I figured somebody here would know of something decent. And I was right!

I never really had an environment where I'd want to use my computer as a music player until recently. I just listened in WMP, when I listened to music. Generally I listen to audio (usually not music) in an editor or NLE.

That foobar was perfect. Thanks very much.

[thecoalman]

WMP has a shuffle option too... :P

[TooLFooL]

well when you say 'randomly play files', do you need the ability to play any and all files that may be in a particular location, or is it feasable to create a playlist and use shuffle play?

y'know, WMP actually has the ability to create 'auto playlists' where you set certain file properties, and it will play all the matching files it finds. if all you use is WMP anyway, try messing around with the auto playlists.. the only downside to this is the files always need to be added to WMP's library, but if you set it automatically monitor certain folders, it works pretty damn good!..

[lordsmurf]

WMP has a shuffle option too... :P

I couldn't find it. I also don't like WMP that much, I don't trust it. Your Foobar software did precisely what I wanted, it was like it was made just for me.

[TJohns]

Does QMP mean Quicktime?

Sorry, Quintessential Media Player - sort of a WinAmp clone. I switched when WinAmp started to "bloat" with extra features
It's available HERE

Trev