1. Read metadata
exiftool dumps the EXIF and related metadata embedded in a media file from the command line.
exiftool photo.jpgTyporithm · medium
Image Metadata (EXIF)
exif-metadataosintexifmetadataexiftool
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Step 1 of 8 · intro card
Learn Image Metadata (EXIF)
Media & Geolocation
EXIF metadata can carry the camera model, timestamp, and sometimes GPS coordinates; exiftool reads it from the command line. Most social platforms strip EXIF on upload, so its presence or absence is itself a clue — and stripping metadata before posting is basic personal privacy hygiene.
Every photo file can embed EXIF metadata: the camera or phone model, the capture timestamp, exposure settings, and — when location services were enabled — GPS coordinates. exiftool reads all of it with a single command.
But metadata is fragile. Most social platforms re-encode images on upload and strip EXIF entirely, so a photo pulled from Twitter or Instagram usually carries no GPS at all. A raw file emailed straight from a phone may still have it.
That makes absence informative: no EXIF means the file was probably screenshotted, edited, or routed through a platform. The same stripping is a defensive habit — run your own photos through exiftool and clear metadata before posting so you do not leak your location.
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EXIF may hold camera model, timestamp, and GPS.
02
exiftool reads metadata from the command line.
03
Platforms strip EXIF, so absence is itself a signal.
exiftool photo.jpg
# camera model, timestamp, sometimes GPS
# most platforms strip EXIF on upload
# absent EXIF is itself a signalRead the implementation
Connect each part of the code to the concept before you type.
2. What EXIF holds
EXIF can record the camera model, the capture timestamp, and — if location services were on — GPS coordinates.
# camera model, timestamp, sometimes GPS3. Platforms strip it
Social platforms re-encode uploads and discard EXIF, which is why a screenshot or shared post rarely retains GPS.
# most platforms strip EXIF on upload4. Absence is a clue
Missing EXIF tells you the file was likely processed or downloaded, narrowing where it could have come from.
# absent EXIF is itself a signalA complete learning loop
01
Understand
Read the concept map and follow the code breakdown.
02
Reconstruct
Type the implementation, repair mistakes and work through every recall exercise.
03
Verify
Use the final check without hints; revisit weak concepts in short practice sessions.