LDOCE5 Viewer (PySide6)

A modern dictionary viewer for the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5th Edition (LDOCE 5).

Features

• Modern Interface: Clean, responsive UI with HiDPI support
• Full-Text Search: Fast search across dictionary entries, definitions, and examples
• Audio Pronunciation: Built-in audio playback for word pronunciations
• Cross-Platform: Works on macOS, Linux

Prerequisites

• Python: 3.13 or higher
• Dictionary Data: LDOCE 5 CD/DVD or digital copy
• uv package manager: Install uv

Installation

Linux (Arch Linux)

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/ldoce5viewer-pyside6.git
cd ldoce5viewer-pyside6

# Run the installation script
./install-arch.sh

Launch from:

• Application menu (search "LDOCE5 Viewer")
• Command line: ldoce5viewer

macOS

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/ldoce5viewer-pyside6.git
cd ldoce5viewer-pyside6

# Run the installation script
./install-macos.sh

Launch from:

• Command line: ldoce5viewer

Development Installation

# Clone repository
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/ldoce5viewer-pyside6.git
cd ldoce5viewer-pyside6

# Install dependencies
uv sync

# Run in development mode
uv run python ldoce5viewer.py

First-Time Setup

1. Launch the application (using any method above)
2. Welcome dialog will appear asking to create index database
3. Browse for dictionary data: Locate your ldoce5.data folder
4. Wait for indexing: Takes 3-10 minutes to build database
5. Start using: Search for words and view definitions

Dictionary Data

You need the LDOCE5 dictionary data files from:

• Official LDOCE5 CD/DVD
• Legitimate LDOCE5 installation
• Files are typically in a folder called ldoce5.data containing .skn files

Troubleshooting

Platform-Specific

Arch Linux Audio Support:

sudo pacman -S gstreamer gst-plugins-base gst-plugins-good

macOS Permissions: The app may ask for microphone/audio permissions for pronunciation features.

License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later (GPLv3+).