8 votes

Best knowledge database for an Emacs Org-Mode "expat"

Posted by lou (edited )
Tags: self post, ask.recommendations, emacs, org mode, windows.10

I'm running Windows 10 now, and I understand I can still use Emacs, but I'm seizing the opportunity to give it a shot to other tools. In part because I'm not sure how "native" my Emacs setup would feel on Windows, but also because I reached a point of "tinkering fatigue" and I want things that require less maintenance.

I used Org Mode a lot and was thinking if there is something with a similar feel that is more plug-and-play. Programs like Notion, Obsidian, and Roam Research are like that, I think.

These are some of my requisites:

  • FOSS
  • markdown or org markup
  • I don't wanna pay for anything, ever
  • plug and play
  • text-based
  • easy export and backup
  • keyboard-centric or keyboard-friendly
  • can be used offline
  • local database can be synced using Dropbox
  • Emacs-like and/or Vim-like keybindings

5 comments

  1. [2]
    spinoza-the-jedi
    Link
    I'm an avid Emacs/Org user, but I do occasionally look at alternatives out there. I think you may want to check out logseq. I don't think it can replace org agenda, but it's pretty good at...

    I'm an avid Emacs/Org user, but I do occasionally look at alternatives out there. I think you may want to check out logseq. I don't think it can replace org agenda, but it's pretty good at maintaining notes, etc.

    https://logseq.com/

    3 votes
    1. lou
      Link Parent
      Cool. I never really used Org Agenda so that's not a big deal.

      Cool. I never really used Org Agenda so that's not a big deal.

  2. FlippantGod
    Link
    Foam is a foss alternative I've been happy with on windows machines. But it is a wip, less polished, and relies on plugins so it is not perfect. Also if you aren't in the vscode ecosystem it might...

    Foam is a foss alternative I've been happy with on windows machines. But it is a wip, less polished, and relies on plugins so it is not perfect. Also if you aren't in the vscode ecosystem it might loose all appeal.

    2 votes
  3. [2]
    hopo
    Link
    Sorry, I know you specifically asked for other tools, but if you already have an emacs-orgmode setup you already like, I would definitely recommend taking a look at Windows Subsystem for Linux. I...

    Sorry, I know you specifically asked for other tools, but if you already have an emacs-orgmode setup you already like, I would definitely recommend taking a look at Windows Subsystem for Linux. I tried the initial launch of WSL and it was definitely finicky, but with the release of WSL 2, every thing is a lot more natural. I've found that you can basically treat the terminal as a linux terminal.

    1 vote
    1. lou
      Link Parent
      No problem! I know I can run Emacs under WSL to have an experience similar to Linux, that is not the main issue. I love Emacs and Org Mode but they're not exactly opinionated, you can do pretty...

      No problem! I know I can run Emacs under WSL to have an experience similar to Linux, that is not the main issue. I love Emacs and Org Mode but they're not exactly opinionated, you can do pretty much what you want and sometimes that can be a problem. Especially if you're a compulsive tinkerer like myself. I don't really wanna build an workflow from scratch anymore. Some structure can be good sometimes!

      2 votes