Conversion plugins without input plugin

[geek1011]

I am planning on creating a calibre plugin for my epub to kepub conversion tool kepubify. I would like to be able to skip the input plugin stage for epub inputs, so I can keep the fast conversion speeds (kepubify is about 12-30 times faster than the kepub output plugin). Basically, the plugin would run a standalone executable on the epub file, which results in a kepub file.

How should I go about creating this plugin? What type (conversion or just a toolbar button) should I use? And if it is a conversion plugin, how would I skip the input plugin stage for epub files.

I am new to calibre plugin development, but I already know python quite well.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[kovidgoyal]

Conversion plugins are the input stage of the conversion pipeline. If you dont want to do a conversion you can create a user interface plugin.

[geek1011]

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

Conversion plugins are the input stage of the conversion pipeline. If you dont want to do a conversion you can create a user interface plugin.

Thanks. I think I will make an interface plugin.

I have a few questions: When I execute kepubify on the source epub, how can I add the output kepub as another format for the book. Also, how can I add something to the jobs queue so it shows as a job?

[kovidgoyal]

You use the database API which is documented in the manual IIRC something like

self.current_db.new_api.add_format(book_id, format, path)

as for how to run jobs just look at one of the existing plugins that does this.

[jackie_w]

Originally Posted by geek1011

Also, how can I add something to the jobs queue so it shows as a job?

In case it helps, I very recently looked into this for my own purposes. I was able (eventually) to create something workable by examining kiwidude's ExtractISBN plugin, which seemed less complex than some of his other mega-plugins. I expect you'll "get it" quicker than I did

[geek1011]

Originally Posted by jackie_w

In case it helps, I very recently looked into this for my own purposes. I was able (eventually) to create something workable by examining kiwidude's ExtractISBN plugin, which seemed less complex than some of his other mega-plugins. I expect you'll "get it" quicker than I did

Thanks. That plugin looks like a good example. I think I understand now. I will probably get around to finishing my plugin by the end of next week if I have time.