Docs is a free and open-source alternative to proprietary note-taking and knowledge management applications like Notion and Outline. Built with PHP and Symfony, it offers features such as a WYSIWYG editor, Markdown support, hierarchical page organization, real-time collaboration, and fine-grained access control. It aims to provide a robust, self-hostable platform for individuals and teams to create, organize, and share documents securely. Docs prioritizes simplicity and performance while maintaining a clean and intuitive user interface.
Suite Numérique Docs presents itself as a robust, open-source alternative to proprietary note-taking and knowledge management applications like Notion and Outline. Developed with a focus on extensibility and user control, Docs aims to provide a flexible platform for organizing and interacting with information. The application boasts features such as hierarchical note organization, allowing users to create nested pages and sub-pages for structuring complex topics. It supports Markdown formatting, enabling rich text editing and the seamless integration of code snippets, images, and other media. The project leverages established web technologies, specifically React for the frontend and a Node.js backend. Furthermore, data persistence is achieved through a SQLite database, offering users local control over their information. The open-source nature of Docs allows for community contributions, customization, and self-hosting, providing a distinct advantage over closed-source alternatives where users are reliant on the vendor for feature development and data security. The project emphasizes a streamlined user interface and efficient performance, aiming to provide a responsive and intuitive note-taking experience. While still actively under development, Docs demonstrates a promising foundation for users seeking a customizable and open-source solution for managing their knowledge base. It specifically calls out its focus on privacy, highlighting the benefits of local data storage and control. The project is available on GitHub, encouraging community involvement and contributions to further enhance its functionalities and reach a wider audience.
Summary of Comments ( 40 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43378239
Hacker News users generally expressed interest in Docs as a self-hosted alternative to Notion, praising its open-source nature and potential for customization. Several commenters discussed the importance of data ownership and control, highlighting Docs as a solution to vendor lock-in. Some voiced concerns about features, performance, and the overall maturity of the project compared to established solutions like Notion, while others shared their excitement to try it and contribute. The lack of a mobile app was mentioned as a current drawback. There was also discussion around different database backends and the project's use of Tauri for cross-platform compatibility. A few commenters pointed out similar existing projects, offering alternatives or suggesting potential collaborations.
The Hacker News post "Docs – Open source alternative to Notion or Outline" linking to a GitHub repository for a project called "Docs" sparked a discussion with several interesting comments.
Many users expressed enthusiasm for open-source alternatives to proprietary note-taking and knowledge management software like Notion, Outline, and others. Several commenters appreciated the initiative and the potential of the project, especially given the desire for data portability and control that open-source solutions offer. Some specifically mentioned wanting to avoid vendor lock-in.
A recurring theme in the comments revolved around the importance of features and functionality. Some users inquired about specific features like block referencing and backlinking, which are crucial aspects of networked note-taking applications like Roam Research and Obsidian. The ability to import and export data in various formats was also a significant point of discussion, with users emphasizing the need for interoperability with other tools.
Several commenters discussed the technical aspects of the project, including the choice of technologies used and the architecture of the application. There were questions about the database backend, offline capabilities, and the potential for self-hosting. The use of Rust and Wasm was praised by some for its performance and portability.
A few commenters drew comparisons to other existing open-source note-taking applications, mentioning alternatives like Logseq, Athens Research, and Trilium Notes. These comparisons often focused on the features and functionalities offered by each platform and how "Docs" might differentiate itself.
Concerns were also raised regarding the long-term sustainability and development of the project. Some users questioned whether the project would be actively maintained and developed over time, expressing a common concern with open-source projects.
The discussion also touched upon the challenges of building a robust and feature-rich note-taking application. One commenter pointed out the complexity of replicating the functionality of commercial products like Notion, which have dedicated teams and resources. Another commenter emphasized the importance of focusing on a specific niche or set of features rather than trying to be everything to everyone.
Overall, the comments reflect a strong interest in open-source alternatives in the note-taking space. While there's excitement around the potential of "Docs," there's also a pragmatic awareness of the challenges involved in building a successful and sustainable project in this competitive landscape. Users clearly highlighted the importance of specific features, interoperability, and long-term maintainability as key factors for the project's success.