What is the simplest way to determine the length (in seconds) of a given mp3 file, without using outside libraries? (python source highly appreciated)
You can use pymad. It's an external library, but don't fall for the Not Invented Here trap. Any particular reason you don't want any external libraries?
import mad
mf = mad.MadFile("foo.mp3")
track_length_in_milliseconds = mf.total_time()
Spotted here.
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If you really don't want to use an external library, have a look here and check out how he's done it. Warning: it's complicated.