Like (it seems) most other here, I use text on paper. I write notes hierarchically, (sub)headings etc. Note that YMMV. How people remember stuff varies -- writi

Like (it seems) most other here, I use text on paper. I write notes hierarchically, (sub)headings etc. Note that YMMV. How people remember stuff varies -- writing is how I learn. I do the same when planning/thinking (code, todo, what to pack for a trip, etc). I need the pen/paper because they "disappear" and don't take attention from my thoughts. It was like that all my life, until I read the rave reviews and learned Org mode in Emacs. First, I thought "This was stupid. I've put lots of hours into learning Org mode; it would be minutes for a GUI app." Then I realized that I jotted down notes in Org mode as easily as when taking notes on paper! A big win, e.g. for backups and search. Still, I must write notes on paper to remember facts. Org mode only works for organizing and exploring thoughts. (Too many years with a pen, probably.) Edit: I might add: For me, the single most helpful thing to learn is to disconnect from the net.