Bug 477627 - Confusing Metadata sidecar configuration
Summary: Confusing Metadata sidecar configuration
Status: RESOLVED FIXED
Alias: None
Product: digikam
Classification: Applications
Component: Metadata-Sidecar (other bugs)
Version First Reported In: 8.1.0
Platform: Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows
: NOR normal
Target Milestone: ---
Assignee: Digikam Developers
URL:
Keywords:
Depends on:
Blocks:
 
Reported: 2023-11-27 17:09 UTC by Michael
Modified: 2023-11-27 18:12 UTC (History)
2 users (show)

See Also:
Latest Commit:
Version Fixed/Implemented In: 8.2.0
Sentry Crash Report:


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Description Michael 2023-11-27 17:09:19 UTC
SUMMARY

Configuration of Metadata| Sidecar leads to confusing user experience. 


STEPS TO REPRODUCE
	1. Settings->Configure DigiKam…
		○ Metadata | Sidecars
			○ Disable: Read from sidecar files
			○ Enable: Write to XMP sidecar only
	2. Select picture
	3. Item->Edit metadata
		a. Change an arbitrary field
		b. Click apply

OBSERVED RESULT
Changed field reverts to original value

EXPECTED RESULT
Change is persistent

SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS
Windows:  Windows 10 Home

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Although the behavior is consistent with the configuration, it is still confusing. Inexpert users would suspect a defect. 

Proposal

Provide settings of Metadata | sidecar like

	Use Sidecar:
		○ Don't use sidecar (metadata in items only)
		○ Use sidecars (read/write only to XML sidecar; fall-back reading from item if sidecar is unavailable)
		○ Duplicate (write metadata to XML sidecar and item, preferer sidecar on reading)
		○ As a substitute (if item is read-only: write to XML sidecar, prefer reading from XML sidecar. If item is writable: write to item, delete XML sidecar, prefer reading from item)
Comment 1 Maik Qualmann 2023-11-27 18:12:40 UTC
You can't write to Sidecar files without reading from them too. In digiKam-8.2.0 it is no longer possible to set this option.

Maik