photools.com Community

IMatch Discussion Boards => General Discussion and Questions => Topic started by: ben on March 19, 2016, 11:11:58 PM

Title: Composite Tags
Post by: ben on March 19, 2016, 11:11:58 PM
Hello,

i remember a few posts in this forum, stating that we shouldn't use "composite tags".
Is that right? Why not?

In the iMatch tag-selector window there is the standard tag name "location", which seems to be a composite tag. "Composite\Location"
So, if we shouldn't be using composite tags, why are some standard tags of this type?

Thanks for any clarification,

ben
Title: Re: Composite Tags
Post by: Mario on March 20, 2016, 07:42:48 AM
Composite tags are made up by ExifTool from various other tags. They can get really complicated, produce unexpected side-effects when used for updates etc.
The Composite|Location is an exception I made for good reasons I don't recall right now.
Title: Re: Composite Tags
Post by: ben on March 20, 2016, 09:14:56 AM
Ok, thanks.
So the rule is.

"Don't use composite tags if you can avoid it unless they are included in the standard category of the tag selector", right?

I am using the following, so these are fine, right?
  Composite\City
  Composite\Country
  Composite\Location
Title: Re: Composite Tags
Post by: Mario on March 20, 2016, 11:34:51 AM
The standard tags are OK, they are treated in special ways.

When you plan to make updates, restrict your updates to XMP metadata if possible.
Title: Re: Composite Tags
Post by: ben on March 20, 2016, 12:59:32 PM
QuoteWhen you plan to make updates, restrict your updates to XMP metadata if possible.

Wouldn't it make sense then to change some of the standard tags and map them to the XMP euqivalents?
I think e.g. City and Title have a XMP equivalent.

I really like the tag selector and its standard tags. Using them mean, not having to worry about which one to use in detail.
Title: Re: Composite Tags
Post by: Mario on March 20, 2016, 01:38:14 PM
I had my reasons to use these special tags. I don't recall the specific reason right now.
If you want me to spend time investigating this, file a bug report or feature request so I can allocate a time slot for a future release.
The mapping is in place for almost 3 years now, and I don't see a reason to change it.
Title: Re: Composite Tags
Post by: ben on March 20, 2016, 08:49:46 PM
I got confused by your previous post.
QuoteThe standard tags are OK, they are treated in special ways.
When you plan to make updates, restrict your updates to XMP metadata if possible.
Are the standard tags always ok, or should i better use the xmp tags for the following standard tags?
  Composite\City
  Composite\Country
  Composite\Location

Thanks for clarification,
Ben
Title: Re: Composite Tags
Post by: Mario on March 21, 2016, 08:29:36 AM
Prefer standard tags. They often involve extra logic in the background.
Title: Re: Composite Tags
Post by: ben on March 21, 2016, 06:44:23 PM
Thanks, i will do so.