[TC10.52 (at least, maybe previous versions too] Multiple folders in 'Search For' field of Search dialogue

[Helix751]

The "Search For" field in the Search dialogue admits a multiple file specification, each entry separated by spaces (or semicolons).

But, when trying to specify multiple folders (directories), none are selected, no matter whether they are enclosed in double-quotes, separated by spaces or semicolons. More than one entry specified and none is/are recognized.

I'm trying to get a Search definition to match several folders (with the [X] Directory attribute set) for the "Define colors by file type"

Is this a bug or normal behavior?

[petermad]

2Helix751
Put a dot after one of the dir names:

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 dir1. dir2 dir3

When the search string contains a dot, Total Commander will look for the exact name match

You can also just start wit a dot:

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. dir1 dir2 dir3

notice:

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dir1. dir2 dir3

and

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. dir1 dir2 dir3

will find "dir1", "dir2" and "dir3"

but:

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dir1 dir2 dir3.

will find "dir1", "dir2", "dir3", "dir1 dir2 dir3" and "dir2 dir3""

[white]

notice:

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dir1. dir2 dir3

and

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. dir1 dir2 dir3

will find "dir1", "dir2" and "dir3"

Notice that

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dir1. dir2 dir3

will also find "dir1. dir2 dir3"

and

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. dir1 dir2 dir3

will also find ". dir1 dir2 dir3"

but:

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dir1 dir2 dir3.

will find "dir1", "dir2", "dir3", "dir1 dir2 dir3" and "dir2 dir3""

No, it will not find "dir2 dir3"

To only find "dir1", "dir2" and "dir3", include a dot or wildcard and something that cannot be found.
Or add quotes around at least one folder name (while also including a dot or wildcard).
Examples:

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:? dir1 dir2 dir3
. "dir1" dir2 dir3

Or use a regular expression:

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^(dir1|dir2|dir3)$

Or use the Plugin tab and explicitly specify the conditions.

[petermad]

but:

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dir1 dir2 dir3.

will find "dir1", "dir2", "dir3", "dir1 dir2 dir3" and "dir2 dir3""

No, it will not find "dir2 dir3"

Sorry, you are right.

[ghisler(Author)]

Indeed the rules are that
1. When there are spaces and dots, TC will look for both the individual names separated by the spaces, and for the entire name
2. TC always assumes a dot at the end of a file name. So
dir1 dir2 dir3.
will find
dir1 dir2 dir3
because a dot is just assumed at the end. This is necessary so wildcards like
name.*
will also find files without an extension.

[Helix751]

Thanks for the tips! II didn't know about this "dot" search mode.

Another question derived from this:
When searching for dirs with space-separated names (LFNs), does it work to search for the whole name to enclose these in double quotes?

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. Dev Photos "11 Client POs" -AYRS

Here I need to search for specific names or parts of names:
Dev
Photos
"11 Client POs"
-AYRS

[petermad]

Thanks for the tips! II didn't know about this "dot" search mode.

Another question derived from this:
When searching for dirs with space-separated names (LFNs), does it work to search for the whole name to enclose these in double quotes?

Code: Select all

. Dev Photos "11 Client POs" -AYRS

Here I need to search for specific names or parts of names:
Dev
Photos
"11 Client POs"
-AYRS

You must use:

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*Dev* *Photos* "*11 Client POs*" *-AYRS*

for that, if the different parts can be anywhere in the file/folder name.