Composite Tags

[ben]

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

[Mario]

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.

[ben]

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

[Mario]

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.

[ben]

When 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.

[Mario]

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.

[ben]

I got confused by your previous post.

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.

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

[Mario]

Prefer standard tags. They often involve extra logic in the background.

[ben]

Thanks, i will do so.