Show HN: Heynote – A dedicated scratchpad for developers

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

A new cross‑platform app called Heynote aims to replace ad‑hoc “scratchpad” workflows by offering a single auto‑saved text buffer split into language‑aware blocks, including inline math powered by Math.js. Commenters praise its simplicity, UX, and focus on quick, disposable developer notes, often comparing it favorably to using Sublime, VS Code, or Emacs scratch buffers. The main points of contention are its Electron-based size and resource usage, limited configurability (fonts, keybindings, tabs, sync), and a non‑open‑source license, alongside calls to add features without undermining the lightweight core.

Overall Reception & Use Cases

  • Very positive reaction; many say it’s exactly what they wanted to replace Sublime/BBEdit/Notepad++/plain-text files for scratch work.
  • Common use cases: dev “working memory,” quick snippets, Slack/Jira message drafting, napkin math, REPL-style experimentation, daily logs, and general non-dev notes.
  • Several compare it to Emacs scratch/org-mode style workflows, Obsidian, Notion, and Vim-based setups, but appreciate Heynote’s lighter, focused scope.

Core Concept & UX Feedback

  • Single infinite buffer split into language-tagged blocks is widely praised; block collapsing and mixed syntax highlighting are key draws.
  • Some want “inverted” block order (new blocks at top) or configurable insertion behavior.
  • Requests for clearer terminology (e.g., “block type” vs “block language”) and better in-app help/docs, especially for shortcuts and math syntax.
  • Status bar feels underutilized to some; suggestions to move theme/update controls into settings.

Performance, Electron, and Platform Support

  • App is considered smooth and responsive, but many criticize the ~400MB bundle size and ~200MB RAM typical of Electron.
  • Suggestions include Tauri, PWA, or native/Qt to reduce footprint; others defend Electron for its maturity and cross-platform ease.
  • Linux AppImage link bug was noted and fixed. Requests for ARM Linux builds, Homebrew cask, Flatpak/Arch packages, and mobile/iPad versions.

Data Storage, Sync, and Openness

  • Buffer is stored as a single buffer.txt with simple block delimiters in the app’s config dir; auto-saved with debounce.
  • Users want configurable storage path, multiple buffers/tabs, export per block, and better backup/sync options (git, cloud, iCloud/Drive).
  • Some dislike automatic network calls (updates, currency rates) and want a way to disable them.
  • License uses Commons Clause; several point out this is not “open source” in OSI terms and suggest alternatives like GPL.

Feature Requests & Missing Capabilities

  • Frequent asks: Vim/vi bindings, font and font-size control (also for accessibility), theming, spellcheck, block timestamps/metadata, search/tagging, block reordering, menubar/quick toggle, multi-window, stats in status bar, and export mechanisms.
  • Debate over adding tabs vs preserving simplicity; some propose filters, bookmarks, or tags instead.

Math Blocks & Calculations

  • Math blocks (via math.js) are highly praised, especially units and currency conversion; users report delight at automatic unit algebra.
  • Requests for better docs, more natural parsing (e.g., “10°C”), date/time arithmetic, dice rolls, derivatives/integration, and copying results with text.
  • A few note quirks (operator precedence with units, NaNs in certain definitions) and ask for improved behavior.