Store everything in text files
The author of the article is Leo Babauta , a famous blogger and minimalist.
When it comes to technology, I am convinced that the simpler the better.
We are accustomed to take advantage of the increasing power of computers. Therefore, we complicate our tasks and data. Previously, everything had a textual representation (for example, the web), now, graphics are used everywhere and video is gaining more and more popularity.
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The result is a richer visual presentation that is beautiful. But the same pages load slower. Applications slow down. Information that could be displayed easily and quickly is now presented in a video format, which makes us wait a minute just to see something.
Simplicity is fast and reliable. Data in a simple format, such as text, is mobile. They can be ported to any program. They are not tied to a proprietary format.
After several years of using complex programs and formats, I gradually switch to text files.
I love programs like Evernote , Yojimbo , even simple Notational Velocity . But frankly, text files are also good. They are faster and easier.
I can launch my favorite text editor ( TextEdit , super-simple) and start typing in two seconds. Downloading a larger program such as Evernote or Yojimbo takes a few seconds longer. In addition, they consume more system memory and slow down everything. Even the lightweight Notational Velocity, an excellent program, stores data in a format whose integrity can be compromised and which cannot be ported anywhere.
Although I love graphics programs, their capabilities exceed my needs. Your needs may be more complex, but mine’s not.
I write posts, articles and books in TextEdit (or WriteRoom , if I am too distracted by all), then I insert the text where it is needed.
I keep notes, to-do lists (when they are needed), other information that I need to store in several text files. They can be opened in half a second, and with the Search command I can easily find any information.
Once again, my needs are very simple. And text files are minimalistic, lightweight, fast and, therefore, beautiful.
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Additions:
PStevenP asked if I stored text files in Google Docs. I have not done this yet - I usually use Google Docs when I need to share with someone. Until recently, I only used DropBox to synchronize files. Although I like Google Docs. I have not yet found a better method.
victorluft and scrod indicated that Notational Velocity can be configured to store all the information in the test files. I did not know that. This opens up good text file management capabilities, I think. More here .
abhidg offered Todo.txt as a lightweight command line application that manages text to-do lists. Not bad. I, probably, will not use it - TextEdit suffices me, but it is an excellent alternative for those who prefer the command line.
AndreaAresca asks about an alternative to TextEdit under Windows. When I was on the PC, I used Notepad or Notepad ++ .
When it comes to technology, I am convinced that the simpler the better.
We are accustomed to take advantage of the increasing power of computers. Therefore, we complicate our tasks and data. Previously, everything had a textual representation (for example, the web), now, graphics are used everywhere and video is gaining more and more popularity.
')
The result is a richer visual presentation that is beautiful. But the same pages load slower. Applications slow down. Information that could be displayed easily and quickly is now presented in a video format, which makes us wait a minute just to see something.
Simplicity is fast and reliable. Data in a simple format, such as text, is mobile. They can be ported to any program. They are not tied to a proprietary format.
After several years of using complex programs and formats, I gradually switch to text files.
I love programs like Evernote , Yojimbo , even simple Notational Velocity . But frankly, text files are also good. They are faster and easier.
I can launch my favorite text editor ( TextEdit , super-simple) and start typing in two seconds. Downloading a larger program such as Evernote or Yojimbo takes a few seconds longer. In addition, they consume more system memory and slow down everything. Even the lightweight Notational Velocity, an excellent program, stores data in a format whose integrity can be compromised and which cannot be ported anywhere.
Although I love graphics programs, their capabilities exceed my needs. Your needs may be more complex, but mine’s not.
I write posts, articles and books in TextEdit (or WriteRoom , if I am too distracted by all), then I insert the text where it is needed.
I keep notes, to-do lists (when they are needed), other information that I need to store in several text files. They can be opened in half a second, and with the Search command I can easily find any information.
Once again, my needs are very simple. And text files are minimalistic, lightweight, fast and, therefore, beautiful.
-
Additions:
PStevenP asked if I stored text files in Google Docs. I have not done this yet - I usually use Google Docs when I need to share with someone. Until recently, I only used DropBox to synchronize files. Although I like Google Docs. I have not yet found a better method.
victorluft and scrod indicated that Notational Velocity can be configured to store all the information in the test files. I did not know that. This opens up good text file management capabilities, I think. More here .
abhidg offered Todo.txt as a lightweight command line application that manages text to-do lists. Not bad. I, probably, will not use it - TextEdit suffices me, but it is an excellent alternative for those who prefer the command line.
AndreaAresca asks about an alternative to TextEdit under Windows. When I was on the PC, I used Notepad or Notepad ++ .
Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/114212/
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