Darktable + R&Darktable

Processing
1

Linux box. I’d like to experiment/check r&darktable.

  1. Is it possible to have both installed and running on the same box both darktable and r&darktable (not at the same time)
  2. Is it possible to use the same data.db and library.db file or do they need to be separate and re-import by reading the images from the xmp?
  3. What would happen if the same image gets edited by dt4 (current) and r&darktable. Would the xmp be compatible between them?

Thanks

2

https://github.com/aurelienpierre/R-Darktable/wiki/Building-R&Darktable might tell you all you need.

I’d still keep good backups or have a separate config for R&Darktable. I don’t think there’s any guarantee for the future, though.

Btw, your question 2. assumes the xmp’s of the two programs are compatible. If they are not, (your 3.) you’re probably in trouble.
So: test on a small sample of images (perhaps with a memory database)

3

I always recommend turning off xmp writing for alternative builds until you are sure where you stand so that no mistakes happen…

4

Thanks for the info