Metadata-only mode

[Jesse Peterson]

What are the chances of a mode where no file data is stored? The
reciprocal mode of operation is to be able to apply said metadata to a
set of existing files.

Thanks,
- Jesse

[Rob Braun]

I could see the purpose of a toc only run, where no heap was created,
which would also omit archived file attributes, such as the archived
length, compression type, and archived checksum. This could be used
for a kind of tripwire database, bill of materials, and useful for
comparing what files are different between two runs (perhaps for remote
synchronization, or updating an existing archive). Since EAs are
stored in the heap, this mode would not archive EAs.

I could also see a mode where the exact toc elements desired are
archived allowing for a completely customized set of attributes.

Rob