What is the sense of naming "exiftool(-k).exe" for the windows version ?

[licca]

Hi,

Of course it is no problem to rename "exiftool(-k).exe" to just "exiftool.exe" for command line use of the windows version.

But I really dont understand the sense of the naming exiftool(-k).exe for the windows version.

Maybe some ideas? Many thanks! 

[Phil Harvey]

The ExifTool application for Windows has the ability to take command-line arguments from inside the brackets in its own name.

If you run without any additional arguments, you can read this in the documentation:

    This stand-alone Windows version allows simple command-line options to
    be added to the name of the executable (in brackets and separated by
    spaces at the end of the name), providing a mechanism to use options
    when launched via the mouse. For example, changing the executable name
    to "exiftool(-a -u -g1 -w txt).exe" gives a drag-and-drop utility which
    generates sidecar ".txt" files with detailed meta information. As
    shipped, the -k option is added to cause exiftool to pause before
    terminating (keeping the command window open). Options may also be added
    to the "Target" property of a Windows shortcut to the executable.

- Phil

[geody]

The flag argument -k means "Pause before terminating". Why is it so important that ExifTool pause before terminating that it should be included in the filename? And if it is so important, why not make it the default behavior and use a flag to skip the pause instead?

[Phil Harvey]

The pause is necessary if you drag-and-drop files onto ExifTool, so the -k is there to make it more simple for inexperienced users.

- Phil

[StarGeek]

The answer is literally in the blue text of the post just above yours.