TextDB

A database editor for structured text files

Roadmap

• Schema:

  • Based on YML
  • Schema files describe possible fields for data files and how to edit,validate, & display them
  • Types:
    • plaintext
    • markdown
    • number
    • date
    • duration
    • pointer (link/ref to another file or URI)
    • typed array (e.g., array of markdown fields or pointers)
    • checklist
    • datestamp (*hard to guarantee integrity if editing outside)
    • freeform? raw yml
    • embedded schema? adhoc typed fields
  • Extensions:
    • Allow defining new types with edit/validate/display widgets

• Editor:

  • Open a folder

  • Remember last folder location on startup

  • Show all files in list

  • Open a specific file

  • Define a schema file that applies to whole directory

  • Allow files to reference a specific schema

  • Include some base schema types, allow ref without local schema file (e.g., recipe, journal, todolist)

  • "New" (from schema) create a file from schema

    • Default values/non-null fields
    • Smart templates (reference current date?)

  • Click anywhere modify

  • Don't autosave (have a save button)?

  • Autoname new files with something easy to use

  • Schema editor (schema for schemas)

  • Attachment manager

  • Search features

    • Quicksearch file name
    • Structured search, based on field
    • Create and save an index file?
    • Smart re-index based on file system metadata (last changed)?
    • Partial re-index? Only traverse newly-changed files.
    • Content hash index - detect changes outside TextDB program (e.g. to validate modified_at integrity)

  • Bulk operations

    • Filter/search => update selection
    • Schema migration