Pixellab library expansion

.gitignore

@@ -23,8 +23,8 @@ preview/
 
 # Early PixelLab experiment outputs (the library build itself lives in pixellab_src/, parts_pl*/)
 pixellab_out/
-# Cross-process API job lock (pixellab_api.py)
-pixellab_src/.api.lock
+# Cross-process API job slots (pixellab_api.py)
+pixellab_src/.api_slots/
 
 # Scratch reports
 size_changes.txt

README.md

@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ There are two part libraries:
 pip install -r requirements.txt
 ```
 
-You only need an [OpenRouter](https://openrouter.ai) API key if you want the type picked automatically. Skip the key by passing `--type`.
+You only need an [OpenRouter](https://openrouter.ai) API key if you want the type picked automatically. Set `OPENROUTER_API_KEY` in the environment or in `.env`, or skip the key by passing `--type`.
 
 ## Generate a sprite
 
@@ -83,7 +83,11 @@ python pixellab_library.py cost                          # spend so far (pixella
 python validate_parts.py --library pixellab --sample 3000
 ```
 
-To change a part, edit its spec (new `seed` or wording), then run `generate <body> --parts <part> --force` and `extract <body>`. Regenerating a base deletes that body's old edits.
+To change a part, edit its spec (new `seed` or wording), then run `generate <body> --parts <part> --force` and `extract <body>`. Regenerating a base deletes that body's old edits and variants.
+
+A new body needs no parts of its own: for each slot without a part, `generate` makes a probe edit (a standard horn pair, wing pair or tail) that is used only to find where that slot attaches. A body's `variants` are edits of its base ("make it chubbier with crimson stripes"): the same creature idea with a different look. They share the parent's attach points and tags. `generate` runs up to 10 PixelLab jobs at once, shared between all processes. `preview <body>` writes one review sheet per family (base, attach points, a test fit with library parts, every variant), and `preview --sheet out.png <bodies...>` shows many raw bases on one image.
+
+`generate` stops before starting new work once the month's included PixelLab generations drop to 800 (`PIXELLAB_RESERVE` changes the floor), so a big run can't use up the whole monthly allowance.
 
 ## Classic library
 

business_pokemon_type.py

@@ -1,11 +1,24 @@
 import os
 import sys
 import json
+from pathlib import Path
+
 import requests
 
-OPENROUTER_API_KEY = os.environ.get("OPENROUTER_API_KEY")
+
+def _key_from_env_file(name):
+    env = Path(__file__).with_name(".env")
+    if env.exists():
+        for line in env.read_text().splitlines():
+            key, sep, value = line.strip().partition("=")
+            if sep and key.strip() == name:
+                return value.strip().strip("'\"")
+    return None
+
+
+OPENROUTER_API_KEY = os.environ.get("OPENROUTER_API_KEY") or _key_from_env_file("OPENROUTER_API_KEY")
 if not OPENROUTER_API_KEY:
-    sys.exit("Set OPENROUTER_API_KEY first: export OPENROUTER_API_KEY='sk-or-v1-...'")
+    sys.exit("Set OPENROUTER_API_KEY first: export it, or put OPENROUTER_API_KEY=sk-or-v1-... in .env")
 
 # All 15 Gen 1 types, tuned for home service businesses. Each trade is listed under
 # exactly one type, and Rock is limited to stone/roofing work so "construction-y"