Looks at how Spotlight adds a batch of new files to its volume indexes, and how it handles and answers queries.
mdworker
Apple’s several patents cast new light on how Spotlight indexes the metadata and contents of local files, and why mds and other processes need to reindex periodically.
When you start your Mac up, the fans blow full on, and you see CGPDFServices taking lots of CPU %. Is this malware? No, but it’s new in Sonoma.
Excessive CPU use by mds_stores is a common cause of sluggish performance. Explains what it does and what you can do bring it under control.
Indexing and search diagrammed, leading to the diagnosis of problems with Spotlight, and their resolution.
New version of free utility Mints includes a powerful new feature for checking Spotlight’s indexing and search. Here’s how to use it.
Details the contents of files which are built into Spotlight’s index, its reliance on keys, how apps can perform Spotlight searches, and the three bundled tools for users.
Almost 16 years old, many think it has grown steadily worse. It has faced new challenges such as iCloud, privacy, and APFS backups. Here’s how it works, and how to get the most from it.
Changes include frequent timechecks by timed, harder access to info about keychains, a couple of possible AppleScript bugs, and APFS snapshots.
Can you search documents on your iCloud Drive using Spotlight? Probably, but it doesn’t seem to work using normal metadata indexes.
The Eclectic Light Company 