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[monkey]

(Sidenote: subsonic does read your tags, but only to update your search index. )

This is true, and if Subsonic could be coerced into using MySQL it would be even less of a problem!
Radio automation software such as RadioDJ uses MySQL, it doesn't take any time at all to query the database even from an external web site (such as for a request system) so having ID3 tags in the DB is a definite advantage.
Yeah, I know RadioDJ serves a (very good) but different purpose before anyone says anything!

[jmeb]

This is true, and if Subsonic could be coerced into using MySQL it would be even less of a problem!

I'm guessing introducing MySQL would cause all sorts of installations pains if trying to do it across multiple platforms, one thing I"m greatful subsonic has held onto. That said I'm sure there are java libs for writing to/from sqlite db's which would probably suffice.

In fact the tags are already in some sort of database as they are searchable. This implies to me some built-in sort/list-by-tag functionality would be easy to add with the data subsonic already gathers. I'm sure the issue is the developer wanting to only do it if he can do it in an integrated manner.

[monkey]

I'm guessing introducing MySQL would cause all sorts of installations pains if trying to do it across multiple platforms.

Not at all, MySQL is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, FreeBSD so I do not feel that this would take away from the great aspect of Subsonic being truly cross platform. Just have it as a requirement like other software both free and commercial.

It would open up a multitude of options, and make it easier for plugins to be developed.

[jmeb]

I was thinking more along the lines that there is the whole process of setting up a mysql server if not already installed, running the server at all times, etc etc. After headaches with ampache, I'm glad that subsonic chose not to go that way.

[monkey]

I was thinking more along the lines that there is the whole process of setting up a mysql server if not already installed, running the server at all times, etc etc. After headaches with ampache, I'm glad that subsonic chose not to go that way.

You'd just do a regular install of MySQL before running the Subsonic setup, same as all major users of mySQL.
I would anticipate that it would run on the same box that Subsonic runs on and as it's a service it would run all the time.

I hated Ampache too but had no problems getting the DB set up