The Problem with Physical Note-Taking
For years, I maintained a habit of writing down to-do lists and daily learnings in a physical notebook. However, I often faced the challenge of going back to a specific date or finding a particular note related to a topic. While physical notebooks are satisfying, they often prove inefficient for quickly retrieving information.
The Inspiration Behind CraftNote
This frustration led me to create CraftNote—a digital note-taking app designed to integrate notes with a calendar. By storing notes in a database, I could search using keywords, allowing easy access to any date to see past activities and work. The core idea was to merge the benefits of physical note-taking with digital convenience.
Choosing Next.js for Development
I chose to build CraftNote using Next.js because I needed a framework that handled both API and front-end development efficiently. Next.js offers server-side rendering and static site generation, providing speed and simplicity in design. My goal was to create a minimalistic note-taking app without sacrificing functionality.
Designing with TailwindCSS and MongoDB
For styling, I picked TailwindCSS to maintain a clean and simple design aesthetic. I chose MongoDB for storage, ensuring that notes were securely saved and easily accessible. With these tools, I streamlined the development of the note-taking app, focusing on user experience and performance.
Rapid Development and Launch
In just two days, I built the first version of CraftNote. The application had a simple design that put efficiency and ease of use first. CraftNote started off with a small user base after going live on Product Hunt, which signalled the start of the note-taking app market.
Community Feedback and Growth
Developing CraftNote was an enjoyable process, but the real excitement came from the feedback and suggestions I received from the community. Users on Hacker News and other platforms provided valuable insights, sparking ideas for future improvements and features.
The Future of CraftNote
Building CraftNote was not just about creating a tool for personal use but also about sharing a solution that others might find helpful. This journey highlighted the importance of combining simplicity with functionality in app development. As CraftNote continues to grow, I will focus on enhancing its features and user experience, making it an indispensable note-taking app for everyone.