DevNotes VS Caret

• Simple CLI Tool
  DevNotes is a straightforward command-line tool for managing developer notes, making it easy to quickly jot down and retrieve notes without leaving the terminal.
• Homebrew Installation
  The project is distributed as a Homebrew tap, making installation on macOS (and Linux with Homebrew) simple with just a couple of brew commands.
• Lightweight
  As a minimal CLI note-taking tool, it has very few dependencies and doesn't require heavy resources or complex setup, keeping it fast and unobtrusive.
• Developer-Focused Workflow
  Designed specifically for developers, it fits naturally into a terminal-based workflow, allowing quick capture of thoughts, TODOs, or code-related notes without context switching.
• Open Source
  The project is open source on GitHub, allowing users to inspect the code, contribute improvements, and customize it to their own needs.

Possible disadvantages

• Limited Documentation
  The repository has minimal documentation, which can make it difficult for new users to understand all available features, commands, and configuration options.
• Small Community
  The project appears to have a very small user base and limited community support, meaning fewer resources for troubleshooting and slower development progress.
• Limited Features
  Compared to more established note-taking tools, DevNotes offers a basic feature set and lacks advanced capabilities like search, tagging, syncing, or rich formatting.
• macOS/Homebrew Dependency
  Distribution primarily through Homebrew limits accessibility for users on systems where Homebrew is not available or commonly used, such as Windows.
• Early Stage / Low Maturity
  The project appears to be in an early stage of development with limited commit history and contributions, which may raise concerns about long-term maintenance and stability.

• Lightweight
  Caret is a lightweight text editor that focuses on performance and speed, avoiding unnecessary bloat and allowing for a quick startup time.
• Markdown Support
  Caret offers excellent support for Markdown, making it ideal for users who frequently write in Markdown syntax.
• Simplicity
  Its simple and clean user interface focuses on writing without distractions, which is great for users who need a minimalist environment.
• Cross-Platform
  Caret is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring maximum accessibility for users on different operating systems.

Possible disadvantages

• Limited Features
  While Caret is excellent for Markdown, it lacks some advanced features found in other text editors, which might be necessary for more complex editing tasks.
• No Plugin System
  Caret does not support plugins or extensions, limiting its customizability and ability to expand functionality.
• Markdown Focus
  Caret's strong focus on Markdown might not be suitable for users who need a more versatile text editor for different types of coding or writing tasks.
• Paid Software
  Caret is not free; it requires a one-time purchase, which might be a consideration for users who prefer free alternatives.

No DevNotes videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Caret's Oxford Review (First Impressions)

More videos

Tracking DevNotes since Mar 2026.

• End-of-life and the June 2022 update

  The developer provided the GitHub link: http://thomaswilburn.net/caret/. Source: over 4 years ago

• backup cheap chromebook for light web development?

  In lieu of Sublime Text, you might take look at the Caret editor. It has a lot of the same features. Developers page with info: http://thomaswilburn.net/caret/. Source: almost 5 years ago