Refactor Python repository into modern, installable package with src layout

.gitignore

@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ share/python-wheels/
 .installed.cfg
 *.egg
 MANIFEST
+dist/
 
 # PyInstaller
 #  Usually these files are written by a python script from a template

README.md

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-Merge PowerPoint PresentationsA utility to merge multiple PowerPoint (.pptx) files into a single presentation. This tool uses COM automation to ensure that all formatting, animations, and embedded content are preserved with perfect fidelity during the merge process.FeaturesMerge multiple .pptx files in a specified order.Preserves original formatting, transitions, and animations.Simple graphical user interface (GUI) to manage files.Reorder files before merging.Responsive UI that does not freeze during the merge process.InstallationClone this repository.Create a virtual environment (recommended):python -m venv venv
-source venv/bin/activate  # On Windows, use `venv\Scripts\activate`
-Install the required Python packages:pip install -r requirements.txt
-UsageRun the application using the run_with_logging.py script for detailed logging:python run_with_logging.py
-Alternatively, run the main application directly:python main.py
-Python Version CompatibilityImportant: This application is developed and tested using Python 3.12. The pywin32 library has support for Python 3.13, but PySide6 does not yet have official pre-compiled wheels for Python 3.13.For guaranteed stability, it is highly recommended to use Python 3.12.LicenseThis project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
+# PowerPoint Presentation Merger
+
+A modern Python utility to merge multiple PowerPoint (.pptx) files into a single presentation. This tool uses COM automation to ensure that all formatting, animations, and embedded content are preserved with perfect fidelity during the merge process.
+
+## Features
+
+- **Merge multiple .pptx files** in a specified order
+- **Preserves original formatting**, transitions, and animations
+- **Simple graphical user interface (GUI)** to manage files
+- **Reorder files** before merging
+- **Responsive UI** that does not freeze during the merge process
+- **Modern package structure** with `src` layout
+- **Command-line interface** for easy execution
+
+## Installation
+
+### Option 1: Install from Source (Recommended)
+
+1. **Clone this repository:**
+   ```bash
+   git clone https://github.com/laashamar/MergePowerPointPresentations.git
+   cd MergePowerPointPresentations
+   ```
+
+2. **Create a virtual environment (recommended):**
+   ```bash
+   python -m venv venv
+   source venv/bin/activate  # On Windows, use `venv\Scripts\activate`
+   ```
+
+3. **Install the package:**
+   ```bash
+   pip install .
+   ```
+
+   Or for development with additional tools:
+   ```bash
+   pip install -e ".[dev]"
+   ```
+
+### Option 2: Pre-built Executable (For End Users)
+
+1. Download the latest release from the [Releases page](https://github.com/laashamar/MergePowerPointPresentations/releases)
+2. Extract the archive to your desired location
+3. Run `MergePowerPoint.exe` directly
+
+## Usage
+
+### Command Line
+
+After installation, you can run the application using the CLI command:
+
+```bash
+merge-powerpoint
+```
+
+Or run it as a Python module:
+
+```bash
+python -m merge_powerpoint
+```
+
+### Step-by-Step Workflow
+
+1. **Add Files**: Click "Add Files" to select PowerPoint presentations (.pptx) to merge
+2. **Reorder**: Use "Move Up" and "Move Down" buttons to arrange files in the desired order
+3. **Merge**: Click "Merge Files" to combine all presentations into a single file
+4. **Save**: Choose a location and filename for the merged presentation
+
+### Features in Detail
+
+- **Add Files**: Select one or multiple PowerPoint files using the file dialog
+- **Remove Selected**: Remove specific files from the merge list
+- **Clear All**: Remove all files from the list at once
+- **Move Up/Down**: Reorder files to control the sequence in the merged presentation
+- **Progress Tracking**: Visual progress bar shows merge progress
+
+## Development
+
+### Code Quality Tools
+
+This project uses modern Python development tools:
+
+- **Black**: Code formatting (PEP 8 compliant)
+- **Ruff**: Fast Python linter
+- **pytest**: Testing framework
+- **mypy**: Static type checking
+
+### Running Tests
+
+```bash
+pytest tests/
+```
+
+### Code Formatting
+
+```bash
+black src/
+```
+
+### Linting
+
+```bash
+ruff check src/
+```
+
+## Python Version Compatibility
+
+**Important**: This application is developed and tested using Python 3.8 to 3.12.
+
+- The `pywin32` library supports Python 3.13
+- `PySide6` does not yet have official pre-compiled wheels for Python 3.13
+
+**Recommended**: Use Python 3.12 for guaranteed stability.
+
+## Platform Requirements
+
+- **Operating System**: Windows (COM automation requirement)
+- **Python**: 3.8 or higher (3.12 recommended)
+- **Microsoft PowerPoint**: Must be installed and licensed
+
+## Documentation
+
+- 🏗️ [**ARCHITECTURE.md**](docs/ARCHITECTURE.md) - Technical architecture and design patterns
+- 📝 [**CHANGELOG.md**](docs/CHANGELOG.md) - Version history and release notes
+- 🚀 [**PLANNED_FEATURE_ENHANCEMENTS.md**](docs/PLANNED_FEATURE_ENHANCEMENTS.md) - Planned features and roadmap
+- 🤝 [**CONTRIBUTING.md**](docs/CONTRIBUTING.md) - How to contribute to the project
+- 📜 [**CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md**](docs/CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md) - Community guidelines
+
+## License
+
+This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the [LICENSE](LICENSE) file for details.