7 ms·

Ask HN: review my app - a minimalist's to-do organizer

51 points by k7d 17y ago

zaidf 17y ago
Using it! Love it so far, for the few minutes I've used. Perhaps this will replace my need for tadalist which I resort to every now and then when I have too much on my plate. Would help to see numerical numbered list. I get a good kick personally knowing I have x things to get through.
- k7d 17y ago
  I like the numbered list idea as well. Thanks for a tip!
nicpottier 17y ago
I like the idea, but anything like this, at least for me, needs to be syncing to the web and have a web UI too. You don't necessarily need a mobile client, but a mobile optimized website for it is kind of a must have too. But I agree that there's a need, though it is a crowded market.
- spiralhead 17y ago
  Agreed about the need to sync to the web. If I was to undertake a project like this I would probably do it as a web app (to start) using the bleeding edge HTML 5 local storage stuff so you could use it offline. An inability to sync is a deal breaker for me and (probably) the majority of users on HN. But overall nice presentation!
- k7d 17y ago
  Yes, absolutely, the web syncing is a must. The idea is to take it a step further with some cool teamwork capabilities. About web UI - there are a lot of web-based to-do list out there, so it's not really a big differentiator. For me, being a heavy user, web based to-dos didn't work very well and that was one of the main reasons I built Codo. Nevertheless I can see how it adds some value. Mobile client - this one I'm also lacking most of all, so will do something about it sooner than later.
johnrob 17y ago
It looks like you've already written the app. Most people won't install an app just to review it; however they will visit your site. You should have put the site together first and posted that. Then you'd have feedback before you started building it.
- wgj 17y ago
  Good advice. Minimum Viable Product: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_viable_product http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_viable_product
  - abraham 17y ago
    Minimum viable product of a desktop application is not a website describing what your application will do.
    - wgj 17y ago
      Actually, that's exactly what it is: The canonical MVP strategy for a web application is to create a mock website for the product and purchase online advertising to direct traffic to the site. The mock website may consist of a marketing landing page with a link for more information or purchase. The link is not connected to a purchasing system, instead clicks are recorded and measure customer interest.
      - abraham 17y ago
        The canonical MVP strategy for a web application is to create a mock website Note the web application text. Codo is a desktop application and therefor the MVP is a desktop application. Prototyping a web application for a desktop application usually requires a complete rewrite not iteration. MVP in general seems suspect and something hackers should avoid. Example: Feature: (deploy first, code later) A link to a new feature in a web application may be provided in a prominent location on an existing website. The feature is not implemented, rather an apology, mock-up, or marketing page is provided. Clicks of the link are recorded and provide an indication as to the demand for the feature in the customer base.
patrickryan 17y ago
Logo design must be inspired by Hulu.
dagw 17y ago
As such I like it and it seems to be exactly the sort of thing I've been looking for, however there needs to be sync feature and a way for me to view and update my todo list from a browser. Add that and I'm really interested.
caxap 17y ago
I didn't like that I had to download Adobe AIR for downloading and installing your app. What speaks against making a .dmg file and allowing the user to copy your app wherever she/he likes?
- jamesbritt 17y ago
  1. Is it even possible to run an AIR app from a local AIR engine, without installing AIR? That would be quite slick. 2. Assuming that were possible, how is this to be packaged for Linux and Win32 such that it Just Works? First time I looked at an AIR app I was also annoyed about having to install yet another VM thing. But, a few actually useful AIR apps later, I didn't care. So long as there isn't some creepy eternal background process running (cough Google updater cough Apple's itunes spy cough ) as residue, it's not an issue.
meaydinli 17y ago
A couple of things I would like: - Mark todos as recurring - Reminders/Alarms - I would prefer if we could add more to todo. Add todo, give it a title, then fill in the body. - A "Done" button rather than a checkbox - Give todo items a due date in addition to today tomorrow someday. You say this is a minimalist app, but these are essential for me.
- k7d 17y ago
  Recurring & scheduled to-dos - although it was tempting, I decided to leave it out. First because it's against good productivity principles (the less you commit to specific dates, the better), second because calendar software works good enough for that. About multiple fields per to-do - that's actually against one of the key principles - keep it simple, be minimalist. It keeps your to-do list focused, not overloaded with too much noise and secondary information. Done button - you can use "Space" shortcut key for that.
  - meaydinli 17y ago
    "the less you commit to specific dates, the better" I didnt know this, I will have to read more about it. Thanks!
    - k7d 17y ago
      check out this post from Marc Andreessen http://pmarca-archive.posterous.com/the-pmarca-guide-to-personal-productivity http://pmarca-archive.posterous.com/the-pmarca-guide-to-pers...
- jim-greer 17y ago
  I wouldn't add any of those things... everyone has different 'essential' features.
  - deleted 17y ago
    [deleted]
  - meaydinli 17y ago
city41 17y ago
todo list apps are incredibly hard to get right. I have found I don't like most of them, and I have resorted to using tadalist most of the time. So far I am liking yours though. It's really clean and simple, which is great. I also like that you used Air, even if others disagree. I wish I could see all tasks at once. It looks like just adding an "All" list would accomplish that. I also wish I could select more than one list at once (with cmnd and/or shift) and see both of them merged together in the main pane. Adding tags with the pound sign is great, and the auto completion is even better. I really like that. I wish the tag section could include a "tagless" option, to show me all tasks that lack tags. If I select more than one task, I wish clicking a checkbox would effectively click all their checkboxes. It really needs to have an online counterpart though. This unfortunately is really essential. I need my todo lists at home, at work, on my phone, just about anywhere. If you had that, I think I would totally use your app.
- patrickmclaren 17y ago
  I also agree about using Air. I've only used Tweetdeck and this app on it, but it's got me interested in developing on it. I understand there maybe be certain issues with the platform but it doesn't come without it's strengths.
jim-greer 17y ago
This looks good, but I'm pretty happy with TaskPaper, which hits a very similar niche and doesn't require Air.
DXL 17y ago
Maybe I'm dumb, but I can't quite figure out what the "Review" label means. What does it mean?
- k7d 17y ago
  It's kind of parking area where you can put to-dos which you haven't decided what to do with yet i.e. For example, for quickly dumping ideas etc. Later on you can go over the list and decide whether an item needs to be done today, someday etc. On a related noted - some in-app "hints" that explains this would be great. Something I should really add ...
andrewljohnson 17y ago
Nice app, but I'm not switching from my current scheme of a .txt file for local todos and Google docs for stuff I need to share or get from afar. I wonder what it would take? I often have a list or two going, but .txt is just so convenient. Why leave emacs at all?
- prawn 17y ago
  I have tried many methods and apps but always return to scraps of paper. Current site I'm using is: http://teuxdeux.com http://teuxdeux.com Figured a few people might be interested in taking a look at this approach which is different to most others I've tried and quite simple.
- k7d 17y ago
  This actually gave me an idea. TXT file import/export and potentially automatic synchronization would make a lot of sense. Especially since the primary niche I'm building this for is a technically-savvy crowd, such as developers and development teams. This way you might even use a text file if you prefer for managing to-dos, but Codo would make sure it's synchronized to web and even take care of teamwork-related aspects.
IgorPartola 17y ago
Offtopic: I thought that the market for to-do organizers is supersaturated at this points. Is it that there just aren't any good ones? What do you expect the marked for this thing to be? Personally, I use a white board for lists of projects that need to be accomplished, and my e-mail inbox for the list of things that need to be accomplished soon. Not a perfect system, but at least I can glance at both quickly as I always have Thunderbird open and sit in front of my whiteboard.
- k7d 17y ago
  There is a bigger vision for new kind of teamwork web service and methodology. It came from my own experience while leading a product development team for several years. General idea is to have a very light / low friction way of planning and tracking teamwork. Most of current tools in the market focus on projects rather than teams. My believe is that there is a need for both. To-do app serves as logic starting point for this, kind of a core.
deleted 17y ago
[deleted]
- netcan 17y ago
  The thing about .txt's on the desktop is that they are extremely minimalist, but still have exactly the one or two features you need to work exactly as you do. You can have little notes (note: call Roger after you do this) -You can have --nested --lists I think that what I want in a task/todo app is a text editor with tasky features.
  - jamesbritt 17y ago
    I have my own assortment of todo list apps I've written, and what they all have in common is that there is a access to a text file. It makes it much easier to write little helper apps that don't have to count on there being some exposed app interface. And it plays nicer with SCMs. I try to start with file-based text storage whenever I can unless there are issues of speed or data integrity.
lefstathiou 17y ago
Good work man. One suggestion: I think it would be nice if you could tag when a task is "done". At first it doesnt mean much but I can imagine 3-4 weeks into using this id have hundreds of tasks completed. It would be helpful to be able to see when stuff was completed.
- k7d 17y ago
  I'm intending to add a dashboard which would look kind of like a calendar with would show completed task on each day.
Sapient 17y ago
Great for a minimalist app, but I have found a bug already. I created one todo for today, then created another and immediately clicked the Move to Someday button. The Today todos all vanished except for one I had created earlier. Clicking on New Todo restored the lost items.
kingkawn 17y ago
Instead of for minimalists, why not just say "...for You." The minimalists know who they are, and those who aren't sure yet may not be ready to jump into all of the associations.
anigbrowl 17y ago
Like it so far. Air doesn't bother me, I guess I'm an Adobe whore. In a weird way I prefer it for simple tools like this.
carterschonwald 17y ago
one thing you might like to look into is having it talk with some of the todo websites out there, like remember the milk (one of the more popular ones)
- k7d 17y ago
  Speaking openly, it's a business related issue. The desktop app is free and it always will be. I'm even intending to open source it one day once the code is solid. The business model is to provide added value via web-services. Some of it may also be free and some may be charged for. So, being said that, It makes sense to provide migration path from RTM and alike, but integrating directly with it - not so much.
zaph0d 17y ago
I installed it on Ubuntu and the menu/tool bar was missing.
- k7d 17y ago
  Have to admit - haven't tested it on Linux yet. Will look into this today.
greyman 17y ago
I use Evernote for todo management. For me, the essential feature is, that the todo application is the same as the knowledge management (or notetaking) application. For example, the todo might be "Fix the bug #1234". In Evernote, this will be the name of the note, and in the body of the note, I copy the bug description, and write any other stuff I discovered during my work. I found that the applications which only maintains the lists of todos are not useful for me.
- k7d 17y ago
  There are some ideas in this direction as well. It makes sense to organize to-dos and notes in the same fashion. I'm actually using Evernote myself, it's a good app, but still there are are a number of unnecessary features, and couple critical ones missing.
lallysingh 17y ago
Anyone else here use Org-Mode (ala emacs?) Getting a text file sync'd is an rsync matter (but it does require 1 box with a public DNS name/static ip).
thinkbohemian 17y ago
I like it, very clean and simple. The # tagging allows to make it flexible.

51 points by k7d 17y ago

zaidf 17y ago

Using it! Love it so far, for the few minutes I've used. Perhaps this will replace my need for tadalist which I resort to every now and then when I have too much on my plate. Would help to see numerical numbered list. I get a good kick personally knowing I have x things to get through.

k7d 17y ago
I like the numbered list idea as well. Thanks for a tip!

nicpottier 17y ago

I like the idea, but anything like this, at least for me, needs to be syncing to the web and have a web UI too. You don't necessarily need a mobile client, but a mobile optimized website for it is kind of a must have too. But I agree that there's a need, though it is a crowded market.

spiralhead 17y ago
Agreed about the need to sync to the web. If I was to undertake a project like this I would probably do it as a web app (to start) using the bleeding edge HTML 5 local storage stuff so you could use it offline. An inability to sync is a deal breaker for me and (probably) the majority of users on HN. But overall nice presentation!
k7d 17y ago
Yes, absolutely, the web syncing is a must. The idea is to take it a step further with some cool teamwork capabilities. About web UI - there are a lot of web-based to-do list out there, so it's not really a big differentiator. For me, being a heavy user, web based to-dos didn't work very well and that was one of the main reasons I built Codo. Nevertheless I can see how it adds some value. Mobile client - this one I'm also lacking most of all, so will do something about it sooner than later.

johnrob 17y ago

It looks like you've already written the app. Most people won't install an app just to review it; however they will visit your site. You should have put the site together first and posted that. Then you'd have feedback before you started building it.

wgj 17y ago
Good advice. Minimum Viable Product: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_viable_product http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_viable_product
- abraham 17y ago
  Minimum viable product of a desktop application is not a website describing what your application will do.
  - wgj 17y ago
    Actually, that's exactly what it is: The canonical MVP strategy for a web application is to create a mock website for the product and purchase online advertising to direct traffic to the site. The mock website may consist of a marketing landing page with a link for more information or purchase. The link is not connected to a purchasing system, instead clicks are recorded and measure customer interest.
    - abraham 17y ago
      The canonical MVP strategy for a web application is to create a mock website Note the web application text. Codo is a desktop application and therefor the MVP is a desktop application. Prototyping a web application for a desktop application usually requires a complete rewrite not iteration. MVP in general seems suspect and something hackers should avoid. Example: Feature: (deploy first, code later) A link to a new feature in a web application may be provided in a prominent location on an existing website. The feature is not implemented, rather an apology, mock-up, or marketing page is provided. Clicks of the link are recorded and provide an indication as to the demand for the feature in the customer base.

patrickryan 17y ago

Logo design must be inspired by Hulu.

dagw 17y ago

As such I like it and it seems to be exactly the sort of thing I've been looking for, however there needs to be sync feature and a way for me to view and update my todo list from a browser. Add that and I'm really interested.

caxap 17y ago

I didn't like that I had to download Adobe AIR for downloading and installing your app. What speaks against making a .dmg file and allowing the user to copy your app wherever she/he likes?

jamesbritt 17y ago
1. Is it even possible to run an AIR app from a local AIR engine, without installing AIR? That would be quite slick. 2. Assuming that were possible, how is this to be packaged for Linux and Win32 such that it Just Works? First time I looked at an AIR app I was also annoyed about having to install yet another VM thing. But, a few actually useful AIR apps later, I didn't care. So long as there isn't some creepy eternal background process running (cough Google updater cough Apple's itunes spy cough ) as residue, it's not an issue.

meaydinli 17y ago

A couple of things I would like: - Mark todos as recurring - Reminders/Alarms - I would prefer if we could add more to todo. Add todo, give it a title, then fill in the body. - A "Done" button rather than a checkbox - Give todo items a due date in addition to today tomorrow someday. You say this is a minimalist app, but these are essential for me.

k7d 17y ago
Recurring & scheduled to-dos - although it was tempting, I decided to leave it out. First because it's against good productivity principles (the less you commit to specific dates, the better), second because calendar software works good enough for that. About multiple fields per to-do - that's actually against one of the key principles - keep it simple, be minimalist. It keeps your to-do list focused, not overloaded with too much noise and secondary information. Done button - you can use "Space" shortcut key for that.
- meaydinli 17y ago
  "the less you commit to specific dates, the better" I didnt know this, I will have to read more about it. Thanks!
  - k7d 17y ago
    check out this post from Marc Andreessen http://pmarca-archive.posterous.com/the-pmarca-guide-to-personal-productivity http://pmarca-archive.posterous.com/the-pmarca-guide-to-pers...
jim-greer 17y ago
I wouldn't add any of those things... everyone has different 'essential' features.
- deleted 17y ago
  [deleted]
- meaydinli 17y ago

city41 17y ago

todo list apps are incredibly hard to get right. I have found I don't like most of them, and I have resorted to using tadalist most of the time. So far I am liking yours though. It's really clean and simple, which is great. I also like that you used Air, even if others disagree. I wish I could see all tasks at once. It looks like just adding an "All" list would accomplish that. I also wish I could select more than one list at once (with cmnd and/or shift) and see both of them merged together in the main pane. Adding tags with the pound sign is great, and the auto completion is even better. I really like that. I wish the tag section could include a "tagless" option, to show me all tasks that lack tags. If I select more than one task, I wish clicking a checkbox would effectively click all their checkboxes. It really needs to have an online counterpart though. This unfortunately is really essential. I need my todo lists at home, at work, on my phone, just about anywhere. If you had that, I think I would totally use your app.

patrickmclaren 17y ago
I also agree about using Air. I've only used Tweetdeck and this app on it, but it's got me interested in developing on it. I understand there maybe be certain issues with the platform but it doesn't come without it's strengths.

jim-greer 17y ago

This looks good, but I'm pretty happy with TaskPaper, which hits a very similar niche and doesn't require Air.

DXL 17y ago

Maybe I'm dumb, but I can't quite figure out what the "Review" label means. What does it mean?

k7d 17y ago
It's kind of parking area where you can put to-dos which you haven't decided what to do with yet i.e. For example, for quickly dumping ideas etc. Later on you can go over the list and decide whether an item needs to be done today, someday etc. On a related noted - some in-app "hints" that explains this would be great. Something I should really add ...

andrewljohnson 17y ago

Nice app, but I'm not switching from my current scheme of a .txt file for local todos and Google docs for stuff I need to share or get from afar. I wonder what it would take? I often have a list or two going, but .txt is just so convenient. Why leave emacs at all?

prawn 17y ago
I have tried many methods and apps but always return to scraps of paper. Current site I'm using is: http://teuxdeux.com http://teuxdeux.com Figured a few people might be interested in taking a look at this approach which is different to most others I've tried and quite simple.
k7d 17y ago
This actually gave me an idea. TXT file import/export and potentially automatic synchronization would make a lot of sense. Especially since the primary niche I'm building this for is a technically-savvy crowd, such as developers and development teams. This way you might even use a text file if you prefer for managing to-dos, but Codo would make sure it's synchronized to web and even take care of teamwork-related aspects.

IgorPartola 17y ago

Offtopic: I thought that the market for to-do organizers is supersaturated at this points. Is it that there just aren't any good ones? What do you expect the marked for this thing to be? Personally, I use a white board for lists of projects that need to be accomplished, and my e-mail inbox for the list of things that need to be accomplished soon. Not a perfect system, but at least I can glance at both quickly as I always have Thunderbird open and sit in front of my whiteboard.

k7d 17y ago
There is a bigger vision for new kind of teamwork web service and methodology. It came from my own experience while leading a product development team for several years. General idea is to have a very light / low friction way of planning and tracking teamwork. Most of current tools in the market focus on projects rather than teams. My believe is that there is a need for both. To-do app serves as logic starting point for this, kind of a core.

deleted 17y ago

[deleted]

netcan 17y ago
The thing about .txt's on the desktop is that they are extremely minimalist, but still have exactly the one or two features you need to work exactly as you do. You can have little notes (note: call Roger after you do this) -You can have --nested --lists I think that what I want in a task/todo app is a text editor with tasky features.
- jamesbritt 17y ago
  I have my own assortment of todo list apps I've written, and what they all have in common is that there is a access to a text file. It makes it much easier to write little helper apps that don't have to count on there being some exposed app interface. And it plays nicer with SCMs. I try to start with file-based text storage whenever I can unless there are issues of speed or data integrity.

lefstathiou 17y ago

Good work man. One suggestion: I think it would be nice if you could tag when a task is "done". At first it doesnt mean much but I can imagine 3-4 weeks into using this id have hundreds of tasks completed. It would be helpful to be able to see when stuff was completed.

k7d 17y ago
I'm intending to add a dashboard which would look kind of like a calendar with would show completed task on each day.

Sapient 17y ago

Great for a minimalist app, but I have found a bug already. I created one todo for today, then created another and immediately clicked the Move to Someday button. The Today todos all vanished except for one I had created earlier. Clicking on New Todo restored the lost items.

kingkawn 17y ago

Instead of for minimalists, why not just say "...for You." The minimalists know who they are, and those who aren't sure yet may not be ready to jump into all of the associations.

anigbrowl 17y ago

Like it so far. Air doesn't bother me, I guess I'm an Adobe whore. In a weird way I prefer it for simple tools like this.

carterschonwald 17y ago

one thing you might like to look into is having it talk with some of the todo websites out there, like remember the milk (one of the more popular ones)

k7d 17y ago
Speaking openly, it's a business related issue. The desktop app is free and it always will be. I'm even intending to open source it one day once the code is solid. The business model is to provide added value via web-services. Some of it may also be free and some may be charged for. So, being said that, It makes sense to provide migration path from RTM and alike, but integrating directly with it - not so much.

zaph0d 17y ago

I installed it on Ubuntu and the menu/tool bar was missing.

k7d 17y ago
Have to admit - haven't tested it on Linux yet. Will look into this today.

greyman 17y ago

I use Evernote for todo management. For me, the essential feature is, that the todo application is the same as the knowledge management (or notetaking) application. For example, the todo might be "Fix the bug #1234". In Evernote, this will be the name of the note, and in the body of the note, I copy the bug description, and write any other stuff I discovered during my work. I found that the applications which only maintains the lists of todos are not useful for me.

k7d 17y ago
There are some ideas in this direction as well. It makes sense to organize to-dos and notes in the same fashion. I'm actually using Evernote myself, it's a good app, but still there are are a number of unnecessary features, and couple critical ones missing.

lallysingh 17y ago

Anyone else here use Org-Mode (ala emacs?) Getting a text file sync'd is an rsync matter (but it does require 1 box with a public DNS name/static ip).

thinkbohemian 17y ago

I like it, very clean and simple. The # tagging allows to make it flexible.