Since they are a basic component of computers, you can even open them on the computer command line. They can be opened by hundreds, if not thousands, of applications. Flexibility: Open Them Anywhere: Plain text files are the most flexible file format we have.Plain text will never require a subscription, lock away features, or go out of business. I elected not to switch to another note-taking app and instead started using just plain text files. Over the years, I’ve used a number of tools to help me write, learn, and stay organized.
It also provides how we pass knowledge from generation to generation. Writing is central factor in externalizing our memory. It is argued that written language evolved largely as a mean to help us keep track of early business transactions. Writing is also a way to keep track of things. Writing allows us to express vague feelings and turn them into intentions and goals. Often through lists, note-taking, project management tools, or a process journal, we write out our plans, goals, intentions and other aspects that clarify what we want to accomplish.
Similarly, I’d argue writing is a key aspect to personal and professional organization too.
If you can’t write about something coherently and intelligibly, then your thinking on that topic or subject is vague and incomplete. Writing is arguably the critical ingredient to how we think and learn. The Why: Advantages and Disadvantages of Plaintext Files
NOTE: For a how-to post on migrating off of Evernote, check out Post-Evernote: How to Migrate Your Notes, Images and Tag into Plain Text Markdown. Let’s get started exploring a plain text life!