Sorting by date metadata was changed?

[PatNY]

Does anyone know if there is a way to sort out books by how recently the metadata was changed? Either a plugin or saved search or a custom column?

For example, ideally, I'd like to do a search that gives results for books whose metadata was changed in the last XX days, with "XX" being totally configurable. Alternately, a simple sorting in ascending order from the most current date to the oldest would also work.

Is this possible?

--Pat

[theducks]

Originally Posted by PatNY

Does anyone know if there is a way to sort out books by how recently the metadata was changed? Either a plugin or saved search or a custom column?

For example, ideally, I'd like to do a search that gives results for books whose metadata was changed in the last XX days, with "XX" being totally configurable. Alternately, a simple sorting in ascending order from the most current date to the oldest would also work.

Is this possible?

--Pat

Sort on the Last_Modified (not showing by default) column
Note any tiny change to any tag that is used in your book will set this date

[PatNY]

Hey thanks, ducks! I never knew that field existed. Is it also possible to turn that into a saved search so that I can make a virtual library out of books modified in the last 7 days or last 15 days? Something like that?

--Pat

[theducks]

Originally Posted by PatNY

Hey thanks, ducks! I never knew that field existed. Is it also possible to turn that into a saved search so that I can make a virtual library out of books modified in the last 7 days or last 15 days? Something like that?

--Pat

It is a field , no restrictions.
I have a saved search

last_modified:>=2daysago and formats:true

The formats: is in there because I also use empty books as a wish list for future shopping

[PatNY]

Awesome, ducks. That works perfectly. Thanks. You're always very helpful!

--Pat

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by theducks

It is a field , no restrictions.
I have a saved search

last_modified:>=2daysago and formats:true

The formats: is in there because I also use empty books as a wish list for future shopping

I'm curious, if there is no format how can it come up as modified?

[theducks]

Originally Posted by DoctorOhh

I'm curious, if there is no format how can it come up as modified?

Any Metadata changes, which includes adding a format

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by theducks

Any Metadata changes, which includes adding a format

I guess I'm hopelessly lost. I thought the last modified column was the last time an actual ebook was modified not the last time the book record was modified. If there is no format in the book record how can it ever report as being modified.

[itimpi]

As I understand it the last_modified field refers to the calibre metadata database being modified for the book record and associated linked records. In other words items you can change via the Edit Metadata dialog.

[PatNY]

Originally Posted by DoctorOhh

I guess I'm hopelessly lost. I thought the last modified column was the last time an actual ebook was modified not the last time the book record was modified.

Either will show up in that column. You can test it. Take a book you haven't modified lately. Add one word to its comment section. And then sort by the "Modified" column. That book will now show up at the top, even though the book itself was not changed.

This is precisely the behavior I want to see. Not just whether or not the book itself changed. But any change to any metadata field.

--Pat

[PatNY]

Originally Posted by itimpi

As I understand it the last_modified field refers to the calibre metadata database being modified for the book record and associated linked records. In other words items you can change via the Edit Metadata dialog.

If you simply convert a book without changing any of the metadata, that will show up too. I just tested it.

Again, this is the behavior I want to see. It's all inclusive.

--Pat

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by PatNY

Either will show up in that column. You can test it. Take a book you haven't modified lately.

No need to test, I'm more than happy to take your word for it. theducks answer to my initial question didn't seem to answer my question so I decided to be more specific.

Thanks to all of you for responding.

[chaley]

Originally Posted by itimpi

As I understand it the last_modified field refers to the calibre metadata database being modified for the book record and associated linked records. In other words items you can change via the Edit Metadata dialog.

To be precise ...

itimpi is right: the last_modified field refers to the last time the book's metadata was changed. However, it is also changed if the record's OPF is backed up, and can be changed if the library's metadata changes (custom column definitions, etc).

The main internal use of last_mod is to signal that an OPF must be written, so it is changed whenever that operation is required.

[toomuchreading]

I have version 1.4 of Calibre, and the last_modified date will be changed if the edit metadata box is displayed for a book and no change is made. I just happened to be browsing through some books that I had added last year, and the last_modified date was changed when I went into edit metadata for the book. I didn't make any changes, but the date was still changed.
It looks like as soon as you use edit metadata for a book, the last_modified date will be changed whether you make a change or not.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by toomuchreading

I have version 1.4 of Calibre, and the last_modified date will be changed if the edit metadata box is displayed for a book and no change is made. I just happened to be browsing through some books that I had added last year, and the last_modified date was changed when I went into edit metadata for the book. I didn't make any changes, but the date was still changed.
It looks like as soon as you use edit metadata for a book, the last_modified date will be changed whether you make a change or not.

If you pass through (previous-Next) a book: Yes
Cancel: No