@RAGING_FURY I believe that the product was developed around the SQLite database and the entries in the database are considered to be the definitive edits.
Removing the database from the product would probably require gutting it of a feature that pervades every pore of the product.
You can control the flow of data into and from DxPL using the preferences options and the ‘File’ options
If the DOP “Clashes” with the database entry then Virtual copies (VCs) can result and the [M]aster will always be the original database entry and VC[1] will always be the edits from the DOP.
Unfortunately if you choose
then when a new (to DxPL) directory is discovered, the images will be imported but the edits will not be taken from the DOP(s), if any exist. That importation will automatically add a new UIUID to that new database entry. If the user then ‘Imports’ the DOP there will be an automatic UUID clash and the “empty” entry will be the [M]aster and the edits from the DOP will become VC[1].
Those that don’t like the database have been caught out by the way the synchronisation works and VCs were easy to encounter in the past. Slightly less so now but still a problem for the unwary (as indicated above).
That DxO have failed to exploit the database more fully is down to the way that they do their developments. The search function is unfinished (about the politest way I can put it) and DxO shows no signs that they are ever going to finish it.
It is as if the software engineers get bored or DxO management always want to concentrate on the next headline grabbing feature, or a bit of both.
I have never used LR or CO, except to test, but own reasonably up-to-date copies of ACDSee, Zoner, ON1, CameraBag, Affinity 2 and renew them on an irregular basis (Zoner is subscription only) and tend not to use any as much as PhotoLab which has been my main photo editing product since OpticsPro 8 (8 and 9 were free copies), I tested 10 but finally bought a licence for OpticsPro 11, then it became PhotoLab.
I complain about the product in general and DxO in particular because of what it could so easily be if they could find the time (and urge) to finish what they started (after listening to their users and taking a balanced approach but last time they did listen they over-reacted and made the product worse instead of better).
I use a fraction of the features on offer but was drawn to the fact that I can start, stop and restart the editing on any image or 500 images as and when I like ,which puts PhotoLab head and shoulders above the other products I have access to as far as I am concerned.!
