this could be a stupid question, but having a chain with about the right number of links and semi horizontal dropouts, would i need a chain whip to actually put it on to my fixed gear bike? or will it simply be a case of hooking it on?

a chain whip is used to tighten a cog onto your hub. you'll need a chainbreaking tool to remove links from the chain if its too long. but if its the right size, youll just have to put the chain on and use a masterlink to connect it if ya got one

oh yeah, and before someone gets the chance to yell at you, you probably couldve found an answer by using the search function

who uses the search function. word of advice though, if you take your chain apart don't go and loose your master link... it was a pain.

yeh this forum is huge, i did use the search function but couldn't be sure.
got the master link. thanks guys.

https://bicycletutor.com/quick-release-chain-link/