ChdWarrden 🗃️

A graphical interface for managing CHD files (Compressed Hunks of Data) using chdman from the MAME tools suite. Designed for retro gaming enthusiasts, archivists, and developers working with disc-based systems.

Version Note
This was last tested with mame0276 so not all features from future versions are implemented.

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Features ✨

• CHD Creation
  Convert raw images to CHD format for:

  • Hard Drives (createhd)
  • CDs (createcd)
  • DVDs (createdvd)
  • LaserDiscs (createld)
  • Raw sectors (createraw)

• CHD Extraction
  Convert CHD files back to:

  • BIN/CUE, ISO, IMG, and raw formats

• Verification & Metadata

  • Validate CHD integrity (verify)
  • Add/remove metadata tags (addmeta/delmeta)
  • Dump metadata to XML (dumpmeta)

• Bulk Processing
  Batch convert entire directories of files with progress tracking

• Template Support
  Predefined HD templates for common retro systems (CPS3, PS1, etc.)

• Cross-Platform
  Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux

• Automatic Tool Installation
  Platform-specific download prompts when chdman is missing

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Installation 📦

Prerequisites

• Python 3.8+
• MAME Tools (for chdman in your PATH)

Quick Start

# Clone repo
https://codeberg.org/Melon-Bread/ChdWarrden

# Enter repo
cd ChdWarrden

# Install briefcase (can also use pipx here)
pip install briefcase

# Launch the program
briefcase run

You can also find what binary builds I am able to build in the releases.

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Usage 🖱️

1. Select Command
   Choose an operation from the dropdown (e.g., createhd, extractcd)

2. Configure Parameters

   • Input/output paths
   • Set additonal command parameters as needed
   • Special flags (delete source, verbose mode)

   Compatibility Note
   I tried to properly map all the chdman commands/options to this front end, but since I do not use them all some may not work properly. Please submit an issue/merge request as needed.

3. Run Operation

   • Single file processing
   • Bulk directory conversion (enable checkbox)
   • Real-time output in console

4. Monitor Progress
   Progress bar updates during bulk operations

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Command Reference 📖

It;s recomended that you checkout the MAME project's documentation on chdman for more info on each command.

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Development 🛠️

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create feature branch
3. Submit merge request
4. Ensure code complies with GPLv3 license

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License 📜

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 - see LICENSE for details.

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Acknowledgments 🙏

• MAME Development Team for chdman
• PySide6 for the Qt framework bindings
• Beeware for easy Python packaging

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