Introduction to Commonplace
Commonplace is a flexible knowledge management system inspired by HyperCard's accessibility and databases' structure. It enables users to create, organize, and share interconnected knowledge units with safe, sandboxed code execution.
This document provides an introduction to the Commonplace system, its philosophy, and how it can be used to manage your knowledge and information.
What is Commonplace?
Commonplace is a system designed to help you organize and connect your information in flexible, powerful ways. It combines the ease of use found in simple note-taking apps with the structure and capabilities of databases and programming environments.
Key Features
- Card-based organization: Store information in discrete, reusable units
- Flexible collections: Group and organize cards in multiple ways
- Links: Create meaningful relationships between pieces of information
- Programmable behavior: Add custom logic to automate workflows
- Progressive complexity: Start simple and access more power as needed
Philosophy
Commonplace is built on the belief that knowledge management tools should:
- Start simple but scale to complex use cases
- Adapt to your thinking rather than forcing you into rigid structures
- Connect information in ways that reflect how you think
- Grow with you as your needs and skills evolve
- Respect your ownership of your data and knowledge
Who is Commonplace For?
Commonplace is designed for anyone who needs to organize information, from casual note-takers to knowledge professionals:
- Personal knowledge managers organizing notes, ideas, and research
- Researchers tracking sources, findings, and connections
- Project managers coordinating tasks, resources, and timelines
- Writers organizing ideas, outlines, and references
- Teams collaborating on shared knowledge bases
- Developers creating custom knowledge applications
The following sections will introduce you to the core concepts of Commonplace and guide you through using the system effectively.