Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Todo.txt VS Text Workbench

Compare Todo.txt VS Text Workbench and see what are their differences

Todo.txt logo Todo.txt

Track your tasks and projects in a plain text file, todo.txt. A todo.

Text Workbench logo Text Workbench

Text Workbench is the universal search and replace tool featuring full Unicode and UTF-8 support.
  • Todo.txt Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-15
  • Text Workbench Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-06

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.

Text Workbench features and specs

  • Advanced Search Capabilities
    Text Workbench offers powerful search functionalities with support for regular expressions and the ability to search across multiple files, making it efficient for locating specific text within vast datasets.
  • Batch Processing
    Users can perform actions such as search and replace on multiple files simultaneously, saving time and enhancing productivity when dealing with large volumes of text.
  • Customization Options
    The software provides a variety of settings and configurations that allow users to tailor its functionality to meet their specific needs and preferences.
  • Integration with Other Tools
    Text Workbench can work smoothly with other software tools and platforms, enhancing its utility and flexibility in diverse workflows.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The interface is designed to be intuitive, making it accessible to users of varied technical skills without a steep learning curve.

Possible disadvantages of Text Workbench

  • Price
    Text Workbench is not free software, which might be a barrier for individuals or small businesses with limited budgets, especially when free alternatives are available.
  • Windows-Only
    The software is only available for Windows, which limits accessibility for users of other operating systems like macOS or Linux.
  • Resource Intensive
    Some users may find that Text Workbench consumes significant computer resources, which can impact performance on less powerful machines.
  • Outdated Interface Design
    While functional, some users might find the interface design outdated compared to more modern software applications, which can affect user experience.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    Despite the user-friendly basic interface, mastering the more advanced features may require time and effort, which can be challenging for users without technical expertise.

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.

Todo.txt videos

My Todo.txt Workflow

More videos:

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

Text Workbench videos

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

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Todo.txt and Text Workbench)
Task Management
100 100%
0% 0
File Manager
0 0%
100% 100
Project Management
100 100%
0% 0
Note Taking
75 75%
25% 25

User comments

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Reviews

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

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.

Text Workbench Reviews

We have no reviews of Text Workbench yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Todo.txt seems to be more popular. 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.

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
View more

Text Workbench mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Text Workbench yet. Tracking of Text Workbench recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

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

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

Everything by Voidtools - Everything. Locate files and folders by name instantly. Everything. Small installation file. Clean and simple user interface.

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

DocFetcher - DocFetcher is a portable German/English open source desktop search application.

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.

grepWin - grepWin is a simple search and replace tool which can use PCRE regular expressions to search for...