Installation and Usage Instructions

This document provides detailed instructions for setting up and running the pytchat_listener.py script for monitoring YouTube Live Chat.

Prerequisites

Clone the Repository: Open your terminal and clone the project repository from Gitea:

git clone https://gitea.ramforth.net/ramforth/youtube-chat-webhook-v2.git
cd youtube-chat-webhook-v2

Create and Activate a Virtual Environment: It is highly recommended to use a Python virtual environment to manage project dependencies.
```
python3 -m venv venv
```
- For Bash/Zsh:
```
source venv/bin/activate
```
- For Fish Shell:
```
source venv/bin/activate.fish
```
Install Dependencies: With your virtual environment activated, install the required Python packages:
```
pip install pytchat rich
```

Run the Script: Ensure your virtual environment is activated, then run the pytchat_listener.py script:
```
python pytchat_listener.py
```
Enter Video ID: The script will prompt you to "Enter the YouTube Live Stream Video ID:". Paste the 11-character ID of the live stream you wish to monitor and press Enter.
Observe Chat: The script will then start fetching and displaying live chat messages in your terminal.
Save Chat Log: To exit the script gracefully, press Ctrl+C. You will then be prompted if you want to save the chat log.

The script assigns unique, persistent colors to chatters. This mapping is stored in a file named user_colors.json in the project directory.