Re: Magic Numbers to identify filetypes

[eonic man <eonicman@erols.com>]

Julian Reschke-FJR010 wrote:
> 
> Well.
> 
> Just install a "file" utility on your Atari. I can't see anything new
> here...
> 
> Regards, jr

I think by using the magic file, icon placement, install application, etc can
be automated.  It would be good that when a new GEM/TOS program is installing
itself, it registers its ICON(S), "Creator", "type", version  info in the
Magic file.  This way, when the user double clicks on a data file created by
the application, first AES checks the Newdesk.inf to see if the the Creator is
indicated there, then if it doesn't find it, it checks the Magic info, if
there is only one Creator for the filetype then it presents the user with a
dialog box asking them to select the application to use.  This would be like
the way Mac and PC do things.  Also, Component Manager can use the Magic file
to register the currently available datatypes and their version information. 
This will make the upgrading process easier.  A smart website could be created
in the future that would check the user's magic file, to see which
datatypefiles should be updated to the latest version. This may also be a good
idea for registering M&E System Folder Rim/WIM files on the system.  

Peter