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I tried to add clarity and details while maintaining the spirit of the original document. However, it might be a bit too 'dry' now. I'd be happy to liven it up a bit. I'm only serious when I feel like I _have_ to be. One of my opinions (which may be at odds with yours) is that the documentation should emphasize `jrnl`'s advantages without downplaying any other existing solutions. If I have time, I'd like to add more information about the documented benefits of journaling, particularly the mental health aspects. That will probably need its own page, but I'm new here, so I don't want to overstay my welcome. :)
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Overview
What is jrnl?
jrnl is a simple but powerful plain text journal application for the command
line.
jrnl is not the only plain text journal application. It includes features that
are common to many other applications:
- Journal entries are created and displayed directly from the command line.
- Journals are stored as human-readable, future-proof plain text files. Because files are stored as plain text, you can rest assured that your journals will still be readable in 2050 and beyond. Entries can be searched, filtered, and edited rapidly and easily.
- Journals can be stored anywhere, including in shared folders so that they can be synchronized between devices.
- Journal entries can be created and modified using an external editor of your choice, using the command line as a starting point to filter specific entries.
- BeJournals are stored in single files using date/time tags to identify
individual entries. Some systems endorse a file/folder methodology;
jrnlkeeps - Journals can be protected using 256-bit AES encryption.
Why keep a journal?
Journals aren't just for people who have too much time on their summer vacation. Journals help you keep track of events, thoughts, feelings, tasks, ideas, and anything else that is worth remembering. Your imagination may be limitless, but your memory probably isn't.
To begin, try to write at least 20 words a day. jrnl makes this incredibly
easy. Fire up a terminal and type, jrnl today at 8am: I arrived at work to find a birthday present on my desk. My colleagues are the best! You can reflect on
what made your day special so that you'll always remember why you haven't wasted
it. Or try using jrnl to keep a gratitude journal, a habit that has been shown
to improve mental health and quality of life.
For professional use, a text-based journal can be the perfect complement to your
to-do list -- a record of what you've done as well as how and when you've done
it. You can use a journal as a quick way to keep a change log (jrnl Updated jrnl overview page to make it more awesomer). Or use it to keep a lab notebook.
The possibilities are almost endless.