csv-to-ics/README.md

# Generate ICS from CSV
This script generates an ICS file containing events converted from a CSV file.

You'll need to install two python modules:


```
pip install -r requirements.txt
```


calling the script will prompt for the CSV file.
The output will be two files. One is the CSV file with the `.ics` extension, the other is a `event_uids.json` containing the unique identifier of each event line. 
This will make updating the events via the CSV file easier. 

# Key Features:
- UID Persistence:
Event UIDs are stored in a JSON file (event_uids.json).
If the event key (based on description, date, start time, and location) exists, the same UID is reused.
- LAST-MODIFIED Field:
The last_modified timestamp is added to each event, ensuring updates are detected by calendar applications.
- Resilience to Changes:
If an event's details are modified in the CSV, the application recognizes it as an update due to the persistent UID.
# Benefits:
Consistent Updates: Calendar applications update events with matching UIDs rather than creating duplicates.
Persistence: Even if the script is rerun, previously assigned UIDs remain consistent.


## example CSV file format

```
Host;Description;Date;start time;end time;Location
Max Müller;Team Meeting;20.11.2024;10:00;11:00;Berlin
Anna Löwe;Project Kickoff;21.11.2024;09:00;10:30;München
```

### Example ICS output
```
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Berlin:20241120T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Berlin:20241120T110000
SUMMARY:Team Meeting (Host: Max Müller)
LOCATION:Berlin
END:VEVENT
```