Course Module Loader

This plugin for Obsidian allows users, such as course attendees, to easily download and unzip course materials directly into their vault from a provided URL.

Features

• Download from URL: Downloads a zip file containing course materials from any direct download URL (including Dropbox links formatted for direct download).
• Unzip into Vault: Automatically unzips the downloaded content into a specified folder within the current Obsidian vault.
• Configurable Target Folder: Users can select the target folder using a searchable folder list in the plugin settings.
• Skip Existing Files: If a file with the same name already exists in the target folder, the plugin will skip extracting that file from the zip, preserving existing user data.
• Folder Creation: Automatically creates necessary subfolders within the target folder as defined in the zip file structure.
• Ignores Metadata Files: Automatically skips macOS-specific metadata files (__MACOSX folders and .DS_Store files) during extraction.

How to Use

1. Install the Plugin: Once available, install the plugin from the Obsidian Community Plugins browser.
2. Configure Settings:
   • Go to Obsidian Settings -> Community Plugins -> Course Module Loader (or the name you chose).
   • Click the Change Folder button next to the "Target Folder" setting.
   • A searchable list of your vault folders will appear. Search for and select the desired folder where you want course materials to be saved (e.g., "My Course Notes/Modules", "Downloads"). The root folder / is also selectable.
   • The selected folder path will be displayed.
3. Download a Module:
   • Open the Obsidian Command Palette (default Ctrl+P or Cmd+P).
   • Search for and run the command: Download and Unzip Course Module.
   • A modal window will appear asking for the URL of the zip file.
   • Paste the direct download URL for the course module zip file (e.g., a Dropbox link ending in ?dl=1).
   • Click Download and Unzip.
4. Check Results: The plugin will show notices indicating download progress and completion. The files will be extracted into your chosen target folder, skipping any files that already existed.

Compatibility

Requires Obsidian version 1.0.0 or newer.

Installation (From Community Plugins)

1. Open Settings -> Community Plugins.
2. Make sure "Safe mode" is off.
3. Click Browse community plugins.
4. Search for "Course Module Loader".
5. Click Install.
6. Once installed, close the community plugins window and enable the plugin under "Installed plugins".

License

This plugin is released under the MIT License.