git-annex/doc/git-annex-view.mdwn

# NAME

git-annex view - enter a view branch

# SYNOPSIS

git annex view `[tag ...] [field=value ...] [field=glob ...] [!tag ...] [field!=value ...]`

# DESCRIPTION

Uses metadata to build a view branch of the files in the current branch,
and checks out the view branch. Only files in the current branch whose
metadata matches all the specified field values and tags will be
shown in the view.

Multiple values for a metadata field can be specified, either by using
a glob (`field="*"`) or by listing each wanted value. The resulting view
will put files in subdirectories according to the value of their fields.
  
Once within such a view, you can make additional directories, and
copy or move files into them. When you commit, the metadata will
be updated to correspond to your changes. Deleting files and committing
also updates the metadata.
  
There are fields corresponding to the path to the file. So a file
"foo/bar/baz/file" has fields "/=foo", "foo/=bar", and "foo/bar/=baz".
These location fields can be used the same as other metadata to construct
the view.
  
For example, `/=foo` will only include files from the foo
directory in the view, while `foo/=*` will preserve the
subdirectories of the foo directory in the view.

To enter a view containing only files that lack a given metadata
field or tag, specify field!=value or !tag. Globs can also be used here,
so `field!="*"` will enter a view containing only files that do not have
the field set to any value.

# OPTIONS

* The [[git-annex-common-options]](1) can be used.

# SEE ALSO

[[git-annex]](1)

[[git-annex-metadata]](1)

[[git-annex-vpop]](1)

[[git-annex-vfilter]](1)

[[git-annex-vadd]](1)

[[git-annex-vcycle]](1)

# AUTHOR

Joey Hess <id@joeyh.name>

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