3 ms·
Ask HN: Learning an apps file format?
I have a lot of Apple Notes. I want these notes on platforms that are non-Apple. I thought this would be a good learning experience to learn something new while scratching a personal itch.
However, what ways are possible to find out a file format, like Apple notes?
Use a packet sniffer and start looking at each packet when I am working with notes?
I honestly am drawing a blank on how to even get started.
- NonEUCitizen 9y agoNo, only packet-sniff and reverse-engineer as last result (your time is valuable). There are lots of documented information, e.g.: https://www.abebooks.com/9781850321170/File-Formats-Handbook-Gunter-Born-1850321175/plp https://www.abebooks.com/9781850321170/File-Formats-Handbook... There other books available as well. And of course, these days, lots of info online.
- jason_slack 9y agoThanks. I will review the link you provided. I have tried searching a lot but my results haven't been positive.
- chatmasta 9y agoApple file formats are surprisingly easy to work with; many of the native apps use sqlite for storing data. I just looked into this for you, and it looks like notes are indeed stored in a sqlite db. On your Mac, you can find the notes in `~/Library/Containers/com.apple.Notes/Data/Library/Notes`. On mine there is a file called `NotesV6.storedata` that I can open in an sqlite browser. It should have everything you need.