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Properties are a set of key-value pairs associated with an entry. There
are two main applications for properties in Org mode. First, properties
are like tags, but with a value. Second, you can use properties to
implement (very basic) database capabilities in an Org buffer. For
an example of the first application, imagine maintaining a file where
you document bugs and plan releases of a piece of software. Instead of
using tags like :release_1:, :release_2:, one can use a
property, say :Release:, that in different subtrees has different
values, such as 1.0 or 2.0. For an example of the second
application of properties, imagine keeping track of your music CD's,
where properties could be things such as the album artist, date of
release, number of tracks, and so on.
Properties can be conveniently edited and viewed in column view (see Column view).
Properties are like tags, but with a value. For example, in a file
where you document bugs and plan releases of a piece of software,
instead of using tags like :release_1:, :release_2:, it
can be more efficient to use a property :Release: with a value
1.0 or 2.0. Second, you can use properties to implement
(very basic) database capabilities in an Org buffer, for example to
create a list of Music CD's you own. You can edit and view properties
conveniently in column view (see Column view).