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Spotlight, File Extensions and Meta Data
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Farnborough, UK
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Apologies if these topics have already been discussed, but a quick search for the above didn't really answer any questions...
When OS X was first launched there was a lot of discussion regarding its handling of file types and applications, especially with regard to its insistance on using file extensions. With the introduction of Tiger, there has been much discussion re Spotlight and its indexing of meta data. However there has been little to no discussion about the two are their relation to the other.
So to put my question simply, will OS X begin to rely more heavily on the meta data stored by Spotlight than the file extension itself? So for example instead of deciding on which application to use to open/view/edit a file based on file extension (and therfore getting confused when the extension is removed) will it check the meta data from Spotlight to make its decision. And most importantly, which takes priority?
And another question related to Spotlight: if a file already contains meta data (such as a JPEF [EXIF] or MP3 [tags]) presumably Spotlight will copy that data to its index? If the meta data in the file changes, presumably Spotlight will automatically spot that and update itself? And presumably it is not possible to update the Spotlight index without touching the file itself - or is it? And if so, does the file get updated with the new data by Spotlight?? And finally, for applications that use these files - namely iTunes and iPhoto, will they still rely on the meta data in the file or the Spotlight index?
And thoughts???
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Mac Elite
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: England
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Originally posted by ajbaker:
JPEF [EXIF] or MP3 [tags]) presumably Spotlight will copy that data to its index?
If I'm not mistaken, that is the only way to add metadata to Spotlight - it can't access any data that isn't stored somewhere in the original file...
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What the nerd community most often fail to realize is that all features aren't equal. A well implemented and well integrated feature in a convenient interface is worth way more than the same feature implemented crappy, or accessed through a annoying interface.
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Clinically Insane
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Los Angeles
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Spotlight is rapid indexing/search software. It won't have anything to do with filetype associations, unless I am missing something.
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"The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground." TJ
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Clinically Insane
Join Date: Nov 1999
Status:
Offline
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Originally posted by Big Mac:
Spotlight is rapid indexing/search software. It won't have anything to do with filetype associations, unless I am missing something.
Actually, it probably indexes these to, so that you can search by it. However, as you point out, that metadata probably won't be used for filetype associations; only for searching.
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You are in Soviet Russia. It is dark. Grue is likely to be eaten by YOU!
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