Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Calcurse VS Todo.txt

Compare Calcurse VS Todo.txt and see what are their differences

Calcurse logo Calcurse

Calcurse is a calendar and scheduling application for the command line.

Todo.txt logo Todo.txt

Track your tasks and projects in a plain text file, todo.txt. A todo.
  • Calcurse Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-03
  • Todo.txt Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-15

Calcurse features and specs

  • Lightweight
    Calcurse is a lightweight application, meaning it uses minimal system resources and can run efficiently on older hardware or systems with limited resources.
  • Terminal-Based
    Being terminal-based allows Calcurse to be used in environments without a GUI, making it ideal for users who prefer or require command-line interfaces.
  • Customizable
    Calcurse offers a high degree of customization, allowing users to tailor the interface and feature set to their specific needs and workflow.
  • Synchronization Capabilities
    Calcurse provides support for synchronization with CalDAV servers, enabling users to sync their calendars across multiple devices.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source software, Calcurse allows users to review, modify, and contribute to the code, enhancing transparency and community involvement.

Possible disadvantages of Calcurse

  • Steep Learning Curve
    For those not accustomed to terminal-based applications, Calcurse may present a steep learning curve, which might deter some users.
  • Limited Features Compared to GUI Calendars
    While it covers basic calendar functions, Calcurse lacks some advanced features and intuitiveness found in modern GUI-based calendar applications.
  • No Native Mobile Support
    Calcurse does not offer a native mobile application, which might be a drawback for users who need seamless access to their schedule on smartphones or tablets.
  • Manual Configuration
    Setting up synchronization or customizing Calcurse often requires manual configuration of files, which can be cumbersome for users not comfortable with command-line operations.

Todo.txt features and specs

  • Simplicity
    Todo.txt uses a plain text format that is easy to read, edit, and manage with any text editor.
  • Portability
    Because it is a plain text file, it can be used across different platforms without compatibility issues.
  • Customizability
    The format is flexible, allowing users to create their own conventions for priorities, projects, and contexts.
  • Tool Compatibility
    There are numerous tools, apps, and scripts designed to work specifically with the Todo.txt format.
  • Longevity
    Plain text files are not likely to become obsolete, ensuring long-term access to your data.
  • Low Resource Usage
    Todo.txt requires minimal system resources, making it fast and efficient.

Possible disadvantages of Todo.txt

  • Learning Curve
    New users may need time to understand how to structure their tasks effectively within the plain text format.
  • No Native Cloud Sync
    Todo.txt does not provide built-in cloud sync; users must implement their own solutions for cross-device synchronization.
  • Limited Built-in Features
    Todo.txt lacks advanced features found in specialized task management apps, such as reminders, notifications, and integrations.
  • Manual Management
    Users must manually edit and manage their tasks, which can be cumbersome compared to apps with graphical interfaces.
  • No Native UI
    There is no standalone graphical user interface; interaction is typically through text editors or command-line interfaces unless third-party apps are used.
  • Potential for Clutter
    Without a structured approach, the plain text file can become cluttered and harder to manage over time.

Analysis of Todo.txt

Overall verdict

  • Todo.txt is a good choice for users who prefer a minimalist and flexible approach to task management. Its plain text format ensures universality and ease of use, making it a viable option for those who prioritize simplicity and data portability.

Why this product is good

  • Todo.txt is a simple and open-source task management system that utilizes a plain text file format. This simplicity ensures that users are not locked into proprietary software and can easily manipulate and access their task lists using any text editor. The system's reliance on straightforward conventions for task notation allows for flexibility and customization. Additionally, it has broad platform compatibility and can be integrated with various automation scripts and external tools.

Recommended for

    People who are tech-savvy and appreciate minimalism, users who dislike being tied down by proprietary software, those who want a highly customizable system, and anyone who enjoys working with plain text formats and automation.

Calcurse videos

I Wanted A Calendar And Calcurse Is Exactly What I Need!

More videos:

  • Review - Calcurse - Organizer and Scheduling App
  • Review - Calcurse - Your Calendar and To-Do List on Your Terminal

Todo.txt videos

My Todo.txt Workflow

More videos:

  • Review - Todo.txt - Todo List Manager - Linux CLI
  • Review - Todo.txt Workflow

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Calcurse and Todo.txt)
Project Management
24 24%
76% 76
Task Management
16 16%
84% 84
Todos
16 16%
84% 84
Calendar
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Calcurse and Todo.txt

Calcurse Reviews

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Todo.txt Reviews

16 Best To Do List Apps for Linux Desktop [2021]
Todo.txt is a simple plain text file for writing tasks. Using the simple motto, โ€œif you want to get it done, first write it downโ€œ, the free and open-source Todo.txt has simplicity at its core as it offers users a handful of applications that are minimal, todo-txt focused apps for managing tasks using the least possible keystrokes and taps.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Todo.txt should be more popular than Calcurse. It has been mentiond 42 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Calcurse mentions (9)

  • Can anyone recommend a Lightweight TUI journal application with calendar for windows ?
    The Windows CLI is unfriendly to developers, a bit of shoving great-grandpa in the corner (despite its origins in DOS); as such, CLI developers tend not to spend much time investing in Windows-native TUI applications. With WSL, you at least mitigate a lot of that, opening you (OP) to the *nix world of CLI/TUI applications. Within WSL, you (OP) might also investigate calcurse which allows you to associate items... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Developing an App for CLI-Calendars - "opinion poll"
    Calcurse: fairly complex with events, reminders, notes/todos, as well as the ability to import/export .ics iCal files, customizable layout choices, etc. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Looking for a simple calendar/todo app with calDAV sync
    I use evolution the gnome email client. There is also calcurse, which is a ncurses based calendar with "experimental CalDAV support", I havent used it for too long, as I need an email application anyways and it's alright. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Lesser known tools
    Most folks are used to a pretty visual calendar like Google Calendar or calcurse with wizards for creating events, so entering them in a text-file feels archaic/baroque. But using remind gives me a LOT more power for creating events that do weird things like having my entries modify their text based on presentation or calculations (e.g. Birthday events that say "Joe turns 31 in 7 days", adjusting the age each year... Source: about 3 years ago
  • What beautiful Linux apps deserve more "marketing attention" for lack of a better term?
    Calcurse a text-based calendar and scheduling application. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

Todo.txt mentions (42)

  • I tried every todo app and ended up with a .txt file
    There is a format called todo.txt that works follows very readable syntax (like your own example) and has some minimal bells and whistles if you want it to: http://todotxt.org/ As an alternative: I started using org-mode 5 years ago and have never looked back. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 months ago
  • I built a native Windows Todo app in pure C (278 KB, no frameworks)
    If text files are your world, then http://todotxt.org/ might be for you. I'm currently using "pter". - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • Calendar.txt
    A very similar idea and philosophy - http://todotxt.org. - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • Calendar.txt
    For a few years, I evolved a slightly-modified Todo.txt format for this purpose, to represent both tasks and appointments. http://todotxt.org/ https://www.neilvandyke.org/todotxt/ In some ways it worked well, but there were a few drawbacks, and eventually I switched to native calendar programs on desktop and mobile. Drawbacks I personally felt: * In the text file, recurring tasks didn't show up when I looked into... - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • Show HN: My Command Line Todo List
    Reminds me of how I started my foray into plaintext task management: - http://todotxt.org - https://taskwarrior.org - https://www.taskpaper.com - https://notational.net Eventually, I decided multi-platform sync and mobile access were more important than the CLI. (Also I have the browser open more than the CLI.) In addition, I found a single line per task was not enough (that's why I started looking into TaskPaper... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Calcurse and Todo.txt, you can also consider the following products

Taskwarrior - Taskwarrior is an ambitious project bringing sophisticated capabilities to a simple and elegant...

Todoist - Todoist is a to-do list that helps you get organized, at work and in life.

vim-taskwarrior - a vim interface for taskwarrior

Task Coach - Task Coach is a simple open source todo manager to keep track of personal tasks and todo lists.

dstask - Command line todo list with git sync

EssentialPIM - EssentialPIM is a free Personal Information Manager that keeps up with the times and lets you manage appointments, tasks, notes, contacts, password entries and email messages across multiple devices and cloud applications.