TL;DR
Ez FFmpeg (ezff) is an npm CLI that maps plain-English commands to ffmpeg operations, letting users convert, compress, trim, and otherwise edit media without memorizing flags. It runs locally, requires ffmpeg and Node.js, and includes an interactive prompt and a dry-run preview of the generated ffmpeg command.
What happened
A new npm package called ezff (published as ezff 0.1.1) provides a command-line interface that accepts plain-English instructions and translates them into ffmpeg commands. Users can install it via npm and either launch an interactive prompt or type short direct commands such as "ff convert video.mp4 to gif" or "ff compress video.mp4 to 10mb." The tool parses the English input, builds an equivalent ffmpeg invocation, and then executes ffmpeg locally; there is also a –dry-run option to show the underlying ffmpeg command without running it. The project advertises that it performs pattern matching rather than using AI or external APIs, and it saves outputs in the same directory with an _output suffix. The package is MIT-licensed, lists Node.js >= 16 as a requirement, and points to a GitHub repository maintained by @josharsh.
Why it matters
- Lowers the barrier to using ffmpeg by removing the need to remember flags and complex syntax.
- Combines an interactive prompt and concise direct commands to suit both novice and experienced users.
- Provides a dry-run preview so users can inspect generated ffmpeg commands before execution.
- Operates offline and claims no external API or AI involvement, which may appeal to privacy- or latency-conscious users.
Key facts
- Package name: ezff (published as ezff 0.1.1, public, published 17 hours ago).
- Install: npm install -g ezff.
- Requires ffmpeg to be installed and available in PATH.
- Requires Node.js >= 16.
- Interactive mode available via the ff command; direct plain-English commands are also supported.
- Dry-run option displays the ffmpeg command without executing it.
- Outputs are saved in the same directory with an _output suffix (e.g., video_output.gif).
- Project is MIT-licensed and hosted on GitHub (github.com/josharsh/ezff).
- Weekly downloads listed as 172; unpacked size 34.3 kB; total files: 8.
What to watch next
- Adoption and download trends — currently reported at 172 weekly downloads.
- Compatibility with different ffmpeg builds and platform-specific behavior: not confirmed in the source.
- Future releases, feature additions, and contributor activity on the project's GitHub: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- ffmpeg: A widely used command-line tool for processing audio and video: encoding, decoding, converting, and applying filters.
- CLI (Command-Line Interface): A text-based interface for interacting with software via commands typed into a terminal or console.
- npm: A package manager for JavaScript and Node.js used to install and manage packages and command-line tools.
- Dry run: An option that shows the commands the tool would run without actually executing them, used for verification.
- MIT License: A permissive open-source license that allows reuse with limited restrictions.
Reader FAQ
How do I install ezff?
Install via npm: npm install -g ezff. The package requires ffmpeg to be installed separately.
Does ezff make API calls or use AI to translate commands?
The project states it uses pattern matching and explicitly says 'No AI. No API calls.'
Where is the source code hosted?
The README points to a GitHub repository at github.com/josharsh/ezff.
Is cross-platform support guaranteed?
Not confirmed in the source.
How are output files named?
Outputs are saved in the same directory with an _output suffix (for example, video_output.gif).
ff Stop Googling ffmpeg commands. ff convert video.mp4 to gif That's it. No flags. No manuals. Just plain English. Install npm install -g ezff Requires ffmpeg to be installed on…
Sources
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