memEx is a personal knowledge base application drawing inspiration from the zettelkasten method and org-mode. It aims to provide a streamlined, keyboard-driven interface for creating, linking, and navigating interconnected notes. Built with a text-based UI using Go and Bubble Tea, memEx emphasizes speed, simplicity, and extensibility. Features include bidirectional linking, flexible queries, integration with external editors like Vim and Emacs, and the ability to export notes in various formats like Markdown and Org-mode. The project is open source and encourages community contributions.
Shibao has introduced memEx, a self-hosted, personal knowledge base application drawing inspiration from the well-established zettelkasten methodology and the versatile org-mode system. This new tool aims to provide a robust and flexible environment for managing personal notes, ideas, and information, facilitating the creation of interconnected networks of knowledge. MemEx is implemented using the Go programming language, leveraging its efficiency and concurrency features for a performant and responsive user experience.
The core functionality of memEx revolves around the creation and management of notes, which are stored as plain text files. This plain text approach ensures portability and longevity of data, independent of proprietary formats or specific software. Mirroring the zettelkasten philosophy, memEx encourages the creation of atomic notes, each focusing on a single idea or concept. These notes can then be richly interconnected using internal links, creating a web of related information. This network of interconnected notes facilitates the exploration of ideas and the discovery of new relationships between concepts.
Furthermore, memEx embraces the organizational power of org-mode, a popular text-based system for note-taking, task management, and authoring. This integration allows users to leverage org-mode’s features within memEx, including structured hierarchical notes, task tracking, and agenda views. The combination of zettelkasten and org-mode principles offers users a powerful framework for organizing, connecting, and developing their thoughts and ideas.
MemEx is designed to be self-hosted, giving users complete control over their data and privacy. The source code for memEx is publicly available on a Gitea instance, fostering community involvement and allowing for customization and extension of the application. While still in its early stages of development, memEx offers a promising approach to personal knowledge management, providing a foundation for building a personalized and evolving repository of knowledge.
Summary of Comments ( 31 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43667061
HN users generally praised the memEx project for its simplicity and clean interface, particularly appreciating the focus on plain text and Markdown. Some compared it favorably to other personal knowledge management tools, noting its speed and ease of use. Several commenters suggested potential features, including graph visualization, backlinking, and improved search functionality. A few expressed concern about the project's longevity and the potential lock-in of using a self-hosted solution. The developer actively engaged with the commenters, addressing questions and acknowledging suggestions for future development.
The Hacker News post for "Show HN: memEx, a personal knowledge base inspired by zettlekasten and org-mode" generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters expressing interest and offering feedback.
A significant thread revolved around the choice of the Crystal programming language for the project. One commenter expressed enthusiasm for Crystal, mentioning its speed and type safety, while acknowledging its relative niche status. This spurred further discussion about the potential benefits and drawbacks of using a less mainstream language, touching on topics like community size, library availability, and the long-term viability of the project. Concerns were raised about the smaller community impacting the project's ability to attract contributors and maintain momentum over time. A counterpoint suggested that the niche nature could also be a strength, attracting a dedicated and passionate community.
Several commenters focused on the features and functionality of memEx itself. Some drew comparisons to other similar tools, like Logseq and Obsidian, discussing their respective strengths and weaknesses. Specific features of memEx, such as the ability to link notes and create a graph visualization, were highlighted and praised. One user asked about planned future features, expressing a desire for mobile support. Another commenter suggested potential integrations with other tools, demonstrating a desire to incorporate memEx into a larger workflow.
There was also discussion around the broader concept of personal knowledge management (PKM) and the different approaches taken by various tools. The zettlekasten and org-mode inspirations of memEx were mentioned, and comparisons were drawn to other PKM methodologies. This led to a conversation about the importance of finding the right tool and workflow to suit individual needs and preferences.
Finally, some commenters offered specific technical suggestions and feedback related to the project's code and implementation. One user pointed out a potential issue with the handling of Unicode characters. Another offered suggestions for improving the user interface and experience. These comments demonstrate a level of engagement with the technical details of the project, suggesting a potential for community contributions and improvements in the future.