Building a YouTube to SRT Converter

🌱 This post is in the growth phase. It may still be useful as it grows up.

(This post was written by AI, using the transcript from my YouTube video on building a python script with Cursor.)

Building a YouTube to SRT Converter

As a developer always on the lookout for new tools to enhance productivity, I recently took Cursor AI for a spin. This AI-powered code editor promised to streamline the coding process, so I decided to put it to the test by building a Python script to convert YouTube videos to SRT transcripts.

The Good

Cursor AI impressed me with its ability to generate code based on natural language prompts. With a simple description of my project goals, it produced a basic script structure that I could build upon. The AI assistant was particularly helpful in providing explanations and suggestions throughout the development process.

The Challenges

However, the journey wasn’t without its hurdles. The initial setup and navigation of Cursor AI’s interface took some getting used to. I found myself occasionally confused by certain features and had to experiment to understand how to effectively use commands like Command K for prompting and editing, and Command Shift L for focusing the AI on specific code snippets.

The Learning Curve

As I progressed, I tackled tasks like setting up a virtual environment, managing dependencies, and initializing version control. While Cursor AI provided guidance, I still needed to apply my developer knowledge to ensure best practices were followed.

The Outcome

By the end of my session, I had a functional Python script that could take a YouTube URL and generate an SRT transcript. More importantly, I had gained valuable insights into how AI can be integrated into the coding workflow.

Final Thoughts

While Cursor AI streamlined parts of the development process, it’s clear that it’s not a magic solution. It’s a powerful tool that, when used effectively, can enhance a developer’s capabilities. However, it still requires a solid understanding of programming concepts and best practices.

As I continue to explore AI-assisted coding throughout September, I’m excited to see how tools like Cursor AI will shape the future of software development. Stay tuned for more adventures in AI-powered coding!

This blog post captures the essence of your experience, highlighting both the benefits and challenges you encountered while using Cursor AI to build your YouTube to SRT converter script.