In prior years, this annual collection coated particular person apps. This yr, we’re all-in-one options along with methods to assist in 2021. Welcome to day 5 of 21 Days of Productivity in 2021.
Plain textual content is essentially the most resilient format for paperwork. Plain textual content paperwork are small, switch shortly between machines, and might be learn on any machine. Therefore, it makes a variety of sense to take notes in a plain textual content doc.
However, plain textual content can also be that – plain. We reside in a wealthy textual content world and nonetheless want titles, lists, and methods to demark one part from the opposite. Fortunately, there are a number of methods we will add these components with out having so as to add advanced markup to plain textual content paperwork.
Markdown
Markdown, created by Aaron Schwartz and John Gruber, is the format I exploit essentially the most day right now. From studying and writing README information, documentation, note-taking, and even supply code feedback, Markdown permits me so as to add formatting with out sacrificing the power to learn the doc simply.
Additionally, Markdown has a number of “extended versions” to permit for gadgets that weren’t a part of the unique design. In explicit, GitHub Flavored Markdown is exceptionally well-liked attributable to its use within the eponymous supply management website.
Many file editors assist Markdown highlighting out of the field with no further add-ons or effort required.
AsciiDoc
AsciiDoc, created by Stuart Rackham, is one other manner so as to add wealthy textual content components to plain textual content paperwork. AsciiDoc has many options for producing documentation, books, and papers. That doesn’t imply it should not be used for note-taking, nonetheless. There are many environments (notably within the training and analysis fields) the place having the ability to shortly convert notes to a extra “formal” format is useful.
AsciiDoc additionally has many instruments for changing textual content to different codecs for collaboration. There are additionally a number of add-ons for importing information from totally different sources and placing it in a remaining doc, or for dealing with particular formatting like MathML or LaTeX.
Org Mode
I can’t omit Org once I discuss textual content formatting. Originally designed to be used with GNU Emacs, Org Mode has change into one of many go-to plain textual content codecs for notes, to-do lists, documentation, and extra. Org might be written and utilized in a complete host of textual content editors, together with Vim. Org is easy, straightforward to be taught, and one among my favourite textual content codecs for notes.
At the tip of the day, selecting Markdown, AsciiDoc, or Org for plain textual content notes is a manner to ensure they are often learn and up to date wherever. And if you’re like me, you will end up utilizing the identical syntax when taking paper-based notes as properly!