The DiscFerret and its associated libraries can be used to solve 
several problems. Each problem need specific features, so it is 
sensible to categorize them before attempting to create an 
"one-size-fits-all" solution. The basic routines can be used to
solve multiple problems. The differences are in the goal and the
chosen approach (business logic).

- Archiving of floppy disk images.
  Here the primary purpose is retrieving data from the disk for
  storage, use by emulators, transfer.
  Usually the format is known, and the original system present. 
  For this usage, normal, undamaged disks are assumed. If 
  damaged the original system is used to (re-)create a new disk. 

- Analysing a floppy disk for used format.
  This is a forensic usage, where the software is used to find 
  out which format is on the disk. 

- Retrieving data from damaged floppy disks.
  Here the used format is known, or at least to which family it
  belongs. This knowledge can be used to detect missing markers
  and retrieve data based on disk geometry. This is very 
  specialized and highly format specific.

- Archive or copy copy-protected disks.
  Here there are two routes; just keep the DFI format or try to
  classify the copy-protect scheme and create a format that 
  properly stores it for emulator usage or diskette recreation. 
  The first is simple and straighforward, the latter very 
  specialized and highly format specific.

Another aspect not yet considered is the difference between archive
formats and emulator formats. They both contain the relevant data, 
but other aspects are different. 

Emulator formats usually are optimised for fast access, so data is 
usually not compressed. JV1, JV3, DMK, D88 fall in this category.

Archiving formats usually have space reserved for notes, where 
relevant text information can be added. Another common aspect is
some form of compression. TeleDisk and ImageDisk ar examples of
this category.

Of course with modern storage capacities there is no reason why 
most aspects cannot apply to one format, it is usually so that 
makers have only one application, archiving or emulator, in mind.

fjk, 2012-04-14