Build a plain-text knowledge base that lasts

Note-taking apps rise and fall. A folder of well-named text files does not. This guide sets up a knowledge base that any editor can open, any search tool can index and any backup can protect.

#The structure

notes/
  inbox.md          quick captures, cleaned up weekly
  log.md            dated one-line entries
  topics/
    servers.md
    reading.md
  projects/
    2026-garden.md

#Three conventions

1. Lowercase file names with dashes, no spaces.
2. One topic per file; split when a file gets long.
3. Dates in ISO format: 2026-02-08.

#Finding things again

grep -ri "certificate" notes/

That single command will remain useful long after today's favourite app has been replaced twice.

Mira HoltEditor at Bet on Future

Writes about tools, habits and the quiet craft of keeping things running.