What is this?
Boostnote is a free, open-source note-taking app built for programmers, shipped as desktop apps for Mac, Windows and Linux.
Is this a desktop app or does it run in the browser?
It's a native desktop app built with Electron, React + Redux, Webpack and CSSModules, so it runs locally on your machine rather than in a browser tab.
How do I get it onto my machine?
Download the latest Boostnote release from the project's GitHub Releases page and install the build for your operating system.
Is this the one I should install, or is there a newer version?
This repo is the legacy, outdated version: active development moved to a new Boost Note app that adds real-time collaborative writing, and that new app is open sourced too.
Can I use it for free, and is it open source?
Yes - the app is open source under GPL v3, with copyright held by BoostIO, Inc. for 2016-2020.
What can I actually put in my notes?
It leans into technical writing: the app ships a CodeMirror editor with Markdown rendering, and its dependencies add math formulas, charts and sequence diagrams.
Where do I get the newer Boost Note app instead?
The README points to a web app at boostnote.io and a mobile web app at m.boostnote.io, plus downloads for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android.
What are similar projects?
Lepton, notable, notesnook, logseq, Mailspring, electron-vue, ivideo, Zettlr
Which topics is it in?
markdown-editor, redux, electron-app, webpack, foss, note-taking, electron, deprecated, developers, gplv3, markdown, productivity