Skip to content

PHILOSOPHY.md

Latest commit

 

History

History
44 lines (35 loc) · 2.3 KB

PHILOSOPHY.md

File metadata and controls

44 lines (35 loc) · 2.3 KB
Raw

Our Philosophy

1. Your Thoughts Are Ephemeral

A knowledge tool shouldn't feel like a database. PaperCache is designed for the temporary, the messy, and the in-between. It spawns when you need it, vanishes when you're done, and gets out of your way.

2. Active > Passive

PaperCache is active. It evaluates your math in real-time, queries AI inline, links your notes automatically, and visualizes your knowledge graph. Your notes should work for you, not just store your words.

3. Zero Friction

If a tool slows you down, you won't use it. That's why PaperCache:

  • Spawns exactly where your mouse cursor is
  • Uses 0% CPU when idle
  • Hides markdown syntax when you aren't editing
  • Vanishes the moment you click away

4. Built for Developers

You don't just write prose; you write code, equations, and structured data. PaperCache includes features like:

  • Reactive variables (/var x = 5)
  • Inline AI with context injection (/ctx)
  • Implicit folder organization (projects/PaperCache.md)
  • Knowledge graph visualization

5. Free and Open Source

I saw a really cool app called Antinote, but it was locked behind a paywall. I wanted something just as good that was open source and could fit my own specific needs, so I built PaperCache to match it. It solved my problem perfectly, and since other people probably have the exact same needs, I made it completely free and open for everyone to use, fork, and improve.

  • 100% free (no "Pro" tier, no feature gating)
  • Open source (audit the code, contribute, fork it)
  • Local first (your data never leaves your machine)

6. Invisible AI

PaperCache integrates AI inline, where you're already working:

  • Type /ai <prompt> and get an answer right in your document
  • Use /ctx <prompt> to automatically include your entire note as context
  • Your API keys are encrypted securely locally.

7. Opinionated Design

PaperCache makes specific, intentional choices:

  • No complex plugin system
  • No cloud sync (your data is yours)
  • No WYSIWYG editor (raw text speed with rendered readability)

The Bottom Line

PaperCache is a simple, polished tool built by a developer to solve a personal need. It's the floating knowledge manager I always wanted but didn't want to pay a subscription for—so I built it myself, and now it's yours too.