Taking Notes in VS Code
I have tried many different tools and apps for taking notes, but recently I started using VS Code to take notes as markdown files, and I am really enjoying it. I tweeted about it when I started and now it's been more than a month, and I'm still use the notetaking setup.
In the past, I have used tools like:
- Notion
- Evernote
- Standard Notes
- Simple Note
- Logseq
- Joplin
- Obsidian
- Notion, and more.
And now using the simple VS Code and organizing them by creating different folders and files as needed. I love Obsidian as well, but honestly, I got bored and just wanted to try a new setup.
Now, let me showcase my setup, including how I am using it.
The setup
My current setup is simple, I have a folder opened in the VS Code editor where I create .md files for each new topic and then write everything in plaintext, as you might be seeing in the screenshot below. For images and other files, I have a folder called files where I can copy-paste any kind of file that I want to refer to in my notes.
I do not use Copilot's AI features while writing, because I believe that writing should be distraction free and getting auto-completions and suggestions are distracting. But I do use some extensions to make my writing experience better:
1. Code Spell Checker
Sometimes, I also publish some of notes online so I can't have minor spelling errors. And that's why extension called Code Spell Checker comes into play. It doesn't distract, but firmly highlights words with incorrect spellings.
2. GitDoc
All notes are offline, but can't afford to lose them and this extension helps me automatically push new changes to a private GitHub repo every 30 seconds.
3. Markdown All in One
This extension is the best, it simplifies the markdown writing process for me. For example, if I type - to get into the unordered list mode, it detects that and pressing Enter creates a new list item. It's also super helpful for creating Markdown tables.
Apart from these, I have Atom Material Icons and Theme installed in the VS Code which I like a lot.