# Heynote — Dedicated Developer Scratchpad with Language Blocks

> A desktop note-taking app designed for developers who need a persistent scratch buffer. Features syntax-highlighted language blocks, a calculator mode, Markdown support, and instant access — always one shortcut away.

## Install

Save in your project root:

# Heynote — Dedicated Developer Scratchpad with Language Blocks

## Quick Use
```bash
# Download from GitHub Releases for your platform:
# https://github.com/heyman/heynote/releases
# macOS: brew install --cask heynote
# Linux: available as AppImage, .deb, or .rpm
# Launch and start typing — content persists automatically.
```

## Introduction
Heynote is a purpose-built scratchpad application for developers. Unlike general-purpose text editors, it provides a single persistent buffer divided into language blocks — each with its own syntax highlighting. It is designed for the quick notes, code snippets, and calculations that developers constantly need during their workflow.

## What Heynote Does
- Provides a persistent scratchpad that saves automatically without file management
- Supports multiple language blocks within a single buffer (JavaScript, Python, SQL, etc.)
- Offers syntax highlighting powered by CodeMirror for 100+ languages
- Includes a built-in math/calculator block for quick computations
- Launches instantly via a global keyboard shortcut

## Architecture Overview
Heynote is an Electron-based desktop app using CodeMirror 6 as its editor engine. The buffer is a single document divided by block separators, each tagged with a language identifier. Content is auto-saved to a local file on every keystroke. The app registers a system-wide hotkey for instant access and supports multiple themes.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Install the platform-specific package (no account or cloud needed)
- Content is stored in a local file (configurable location)
- Set a global hotkey to toggle the window from any application
- Choose between light and dark themes or auto-detect system preference
- Configure default language for new blocks

## Key Features
- Language blocks: divide your buffer into sections, each with its own syntax mode
- Auto-save: content persists across restarts without manual save
- Math block: evaluate expressions inline using a built-in calculator engine
- Global hotkey: one shortcut to show/hide from anywhere on your desktop
- Minimal and focused: no file trees, tabs, or project management — just text

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **VS Code scratch files** — requires creating files; Heynote is always one buffer
- **Apple Notes / Notion** — general note apps; Heynote is code-first with syntax blocks
- **Obsidian** — knowledge management; Heynote is a quick-access scratchpad only
- **ScratchPad (browser)** — web-only; Heynote is a native desktop app with hotkey access
- **Quill / Typora** — rich text; Heynote uses plain text with syntax highlighting

## FAQ
**Q: Where is my data stored?**
A: Content is saved to a local file on disk. The path is configurable in settings. No cloud sync is involved.

**Q: Can I have multiple scratchpads?**
A: The primary design is one buffer with language blocks, but you can configure multiple buffer files.

**Q: Does it support Vim keybindings?**
A: Yes, Vim and Emacs keybinding modes are available in settings.

**Q: Is there a web or mobile version?**
A: A web version is available at heynote.com for browser-based access, alongside the desktop apps.

## Sources
- https://github.com/heyman/heynote
- https://heynote.com

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-872d6532
Author: AI Open Source