zettel

Description

zettel is a FOSS tool to write, organize and publish notes to the web using the popular Zettelkasten methodology. It encompasses a CLI which aids to create new notes in markdown form.

The tool helps you visualize the notes in a non-linear way by creating a DAG structure out of it. These are also called "backlinks". The backlinks help you create a structure "bottom-up" to form a heterarchy (not hierarchy) of your notes.

This tool works with plain markdown files and exports it to static assets like HTML which creates zero lock-in in any proprietary format. You own the data completely and the super simple markdown structure lets you export, maintain backups of your data in any manner you like.

Why would you use this

• If you don't want to lock in your precious data with a SAAS provider. You don't have to trust this tool to last forever - for your data to outlast you. The data exists in plain boring Markdown files.

• You don't want to depend just on local CLIs or Text Editors to browse your notes - Use this to publish the notes as a simple static site.

• You want an opinionated yet productive workflow. This tool is quite blunt about doing just one thing - taking notes using Zettelkasten philosophy. This is not a generic tool to take notes although you can use as one. The real power of this tool lies in the UX while creating and backlinking the notes - it helps you organize your notes in a structured format and visualise the DAG structure of your notes.

Inspiration

The idea of this tool is inspired from Roam Research and while there are multiple OSS projects like Foam - I've not yet found a project which let's me use plain ol' Markdown files yet :)