I see that nobody mentions Howm for Emacs. I find it more simple than Org-mode and its task sorting algorithm just works well for my brain. I really recommend it to those interested in a zettlekasten like note system with integrated tasks, all in text files.
I tried every todo app and ended up with a .txt file
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Re: I tried every todo app and ended up with a .txt file
#402Reading through the comments under this thread, there are many users who swear by a plain text file, but who then build quite a lot of snowflake software to regain functionality offered by more structured TODO applications. That includes: - having your computer alert you to things that come up - being able to tag notes - being able to add events to a calendar - being able to set priority of tasks - expecting prioriti…
> many users who swear by a plain text file, but who then build quite a lot of snowflake software
The most robust, stable solution for me has been to use foundational tools with proven longevity:
= bash
= git
= ncal
Re: I tried every todo app and ended up with a .txt file
#403Reading through the comments under this thread, there are many users who swear by a plain text file, but who then build quite a lot of snowflake software to regain functionality offered by more structured TODO applications. That includes: - having your computer alert you to things that come up - being able to tag notes - being able to add events to a calendar - being able to set priority of tasks - expecting prioriti…
I have used emacs for more than 30 years, use it as a primary code editor now, and I have never found use of org-mode, despite a few attempts, to become a lasting habit. Of the list of integrations provided here, I only see alert and calendar support being of interest (but because of this, I may give org-mode one more try).
Re: I tried every todo app and ended up with a .txt file
#404I think a more nuanced look at this is:
- he needs to get things done
- checks out some tools
- they don't enforce fundamentals
- he needs self-discipline to do fundamentsls
- uses least-common-denominator
thing is, if the person continues with the .txt file at some point the habits will form and maybe tools will support his goals just fine.
the Getting Things Done book starts with pencil and paper.
A lot of people do this with literal tools. They skip from a manual screwdriver to a power screwdriver before they understand the "mechanics feel"¹ of tightening a screw and make a mess of things.
Then they go back to basics, use a hand screwdriver and learn to properly tighten a screw. At some point in the future a power screwdriver will accelerate what they are doing. And when necessary, use the hand screwdriver or the principles learned with it.
1: zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance
Re: I tried every todo app and ended up with a .txt file
#405https://workflowy.com is the closest to a text file I've used and that's why I like it. It's like a text file that is synchronized between all your devices and lets you collapse nested bullet lists. That's enough for me.
Came to say this. It's not exactly a todo list, and it certainly isn't "yours", but it's very close to a text file, with just about the right amount of additional functionality, and it's free.
I don't use it all that often but it's a good companion, for example to make checklists for packing, etc.
Re: I tried every todo app and ended up with a .txt file
#406I just vim ~/.todo.txt or more recently, just having claude code act as a middle man for it asking to generate what (should) be done then asking it what I need to do to finish x, has mcp integration to my IDE's so it can see what I am doing update the todo automatically, basically, a real life assistant which I now see why nearly every CEO has one.
Re: I tried every todo app and ended up with a .txt file
#407What I need TODO for is just to come up with a plan for the day. I don't really look at it after that. I don't look at it after today except maybe tomorrow. So yeah, a text file works.
Re: I tried every todo app and ended up with a .txt file
#408Everyone thinks I’m crazy for saying this, but I like Microsoft ToDo. And I’ve tried dozens of them. I’ve been using the Microsoft one for the past two years every day.
I liked that one when it was still called "Wunderlist". I'm still mad the owner sold it. He now makes "Superlist" but it's simply not the same :/
Re: I tried every todo app and ended up with a .txt file
#409This would be amazing if obsidian mobile did not take 10 seconds to start or even recover from being in the background and lose scroll position every time. For the desktop I would be absolutely happy with all todos in a simple markdown file. There can also be any number of UIs on top of markdown that people use over the years and grow out of but as long as the base system is markdown files you get the best of both worlds. I would never consider using an app for notes or todos that does not persist like that and no: ability export is not the same as native persistence in a human readable format. (Discovered the heard way multiple times when apps advertising with export failed or just lied.)
Re: I tried every todo app and ended up with a .txt file
#410Then, finally you reach the last layer: a 4" x 6" notepad and pen that are always kept at your desk
Are people not doing Hipster PDA on 3x5 cards??