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Also Obsidian asks for permissions to read files in all of the device on Android. They don't explain clearly why that is necessary. I don't see it being discu

Also Obsidian asks for permissions to read files in all of the device on Android. They don't explain clearly why that is necessary. I don't see it being discussed that widely. Also another aspect is that many people seems to think Obsidian is open source, while it is not so.

williamsss 1y ago
> Also Obsidian asks for permissions to read files in all of the device on Android. Oh interesting where did you find that?
kepano 1y ago
Not anymore. As of Obsidian 1.8.10 you can use app storage which doesn't require additional permissions. It's explained here: https://help.obsidian.md/android https://help.obsidian.md/android
- billfruit 1y ago
  Still they are recommending people to use device storage permissions with "All files" permissions rather than the limited App Storage permissions. They prefer that the users use the less secure option.
  - kepano 1y ago
    The primary reason it's recommended is that it provides more freedom and interoperability. Read this thread and you'll notice that many people sync their notes using Syncthing. You cannot use Syncthing with app storage because the files are sandboxed. Many people enjoy the freedom of being able to read/modify notes using multiple apps. The secondary reason is related to user expectations and file deletion. The device storage option behaves more like desktop in that if you delete Obsidian your files will not be deleted. For people who are okay with the tradeoffs, app storage is now an option. That's a good thing, no?
    - billfruit 1y ago
      That(using whole device, all files access permissions) is entrusting all your files to the good senses of Obsidian, which is not an open source app. There isn't a good reason to grant an app unlimited file access permissions.
      - kepano 1y ago
        If Obsidian didn't allow people to store files in the device storage it would be accused of forcing people to use the paid first-party Sync. Offering both options lets people make the choice that's better for them.
Grimblewald 1y ago
Well, the file reading/writing makes sense if you wish to store vaults in your filesystem, an ability which is one of obsidian's main and most attractive traits over alternatives.

williamsss 1y ago

> Also Obsidian asks for permissions to read files in all of the device on Android. Oh interesting where did you find that?

kepano 1y ago

Not anymore. As of Obsidian 1.8.10 you can use app storage which doesn't require additional permissions. It's explained here: https://help.obsidian.md/android https://help.obsidian.md/android

billfruit 1y ago
Still they are recommending people to use device storage permissions with "All files" permissions rather than the limited App Storage permissions. They prefer that the users use the less secure option.
- kepano 1y ago
  The primary reason it's recommended is that it provides more freedom and interoperability. Read this thread and you'll notice that many people sync their notes using Syncthing. You cannot use Syncthing with app storage because the files are sandboxed. Many people enjoy the freedom of being able to read/modify notes using multiple apps. The secondary reason is related to user expectations and file deletion. The device storage option behaves more like desktop in that if you delete Obsidian your files will not be deleted. For people who are okay with the tradeoffs, app storage is now an option. That's a good thing, no?
  - billfruit 1y ago
    That(using whole device, all files access permissions) is entrusting all your files to the good senses of Obsidian, which is not an open source app. There isn't a good reason to grant an app unlimited file access permissions.
    - kepano 1y ago
      If Obsidian didn't allow people to store files in the device storage it would be accused of forcing people to use the paid first-party Sync. Offering both options lets people make the choice that's better for them.

Grimblewald 1y ago

Well, the file reading/writing makes sense if you wish to store vaults in your filesystem, an ability which is one of obsidian's main and most attractive traits over alternatives.