Why I'm Building Amethyst: A Local-First Markdown App for People Who Just Want to Write ✍️

#opensource #showdev #productivity #react

Let’s be honest: the world of note-taking is currently split between "too simple" and "way too complex." I found myself constantly switching between tools that were either missing core features or so bloated that they felt like they owned my data.

So, I started building Amethyst. It’s an open-source (AGPL-3.0) Markdown application designed to be simple, fast, and entirely local.

The Concept: What is a "Facet"? 📂

In Amethyst, we use a concept called a Facet. You can think of a Facet exactly like a Vault.

It’s a local directory on your computer that the app "watches" in real-time[cite: 1]. While the current version focuses on a streamlined single-workspace experience, the architecture is designed to support multiple Facets in the future, allowing you to jump between different projects or knowledge bases effortlessly.

What’s Under the Hood? 🛠️

According to the README.md, I wanted an "architecture-first" approach[cite: 1]. This means the app isn't just a basic text editor; it's a robust system built on:

Electron, React, and Vite: For a smooth, cross-platform desktop experience.
CodeMirror 6: A powerful editor foundation that feels snappy and responsive.
A Real-Time Watcher: Using Chokidar to ensure that if you change a file in your folder, Amethyst sees it instantly.

Features That Actually Help You Work 🚀

Based on the latest updates in the CHANGELOG.md, here is what you can do in version 0.5.0:

Keyboard-First Navigation: A centralized shortcut manager so you can create notes (Ctrl+N) or jump between folders without leaving the home row.
Tree View with Drag & Drop: Organise your hierarchy intuitively by moving notes and notebooks exactly where you want them.
LaTeX Math Support: For the engineers and students out there, you can write and preview complex mathematical equations natively.
Context Menus & Toasts: Right-click support for quick actions and a global notification system that gives you instant feedback on every save or move.