DEV Community

sta
sta

Posted on

Text Editor Based Reminder

#productivity #cli #automation #tooling

Summary

  • Balancing reminders on a PC is tricky
    • You want it quick via the CLI but not too noisy
  • I have a good idea
    • Open a text file where you have written the reminder
    • This changes the focus to the active window, ensuring you notice it
    • I call this the Text Editor Based Reminder

Background

Reminders While Sitting at Your Desk are Difficult

First, you want to set them quickly like you would with the CLI. Using a GUI feels like overkill; a calendar should suffice. Next, it should not be too intrusive, as it can be annoying. Of course, it should not be so quiet that you "failed to notice the reminder."

Meeting these two criteria is, in fact, quite challenging. You won't find many decent tools out there.

It's Best to Make Your Own Reminders

Therefore, if you want the optimal reminder, it's best to make it yourself.

Now, I'd like to introduce an interesting reminder method for those who are keen on developing their own reminder solutions.

Using Your Text Editor to Remind You

A Text Editor Based Reminder refers to a method of setting reminders by opening a text file where your tasks or requirements are written.

Note: The following explanation assumes the use of Windows. If you are using another OS, please adjust accordingly.

Mechanism

When a text file is opened in your text editor, the focus on the active window shifts there. You might say the focus is "taken over." Because the focus is moved, it's noticeable. Plus, there aren't any annoying sounds, vibrations, or flashing lights.

In essence, a Text Editor Based Reminder works as follows:

  • When setting up a reminder:
    • 1: Create a text file with a random name in a suitable folder like %temp
    • 2: Write your tasks or requirements in the file created in step 1
  • When reminding:
    • Open the file mentioned above

That's all there is to it. This simple setup allows a text file containing your requirements to be opened in your favorite text editor. The active window focus changes, making it easy to notice.

Examples

I use this in several of my tools.

It's especially compatible with generative AI. You can run it in the background, and once the process is complete, remind yourself of the result using the Text Editor Based Reminder. Since it uses your favorite text editor, it's easy to read and copy-paste the content, making it very handy.

Top comments (0)