Hi HN! I'm excited to share GoCard, a terminal-based spaced repetition system I built that uses plain Markdown files as its data source.

I've always been frustrated with existing spaced repetition tools that lock my knowledge into proprietary formats or require constant internet access. As a developer who lives in terminals and text editors, I wanted something that:

1. Stores cards as plain text files I can edit with any editor

2. Works seamlessly with Git for versioning and sync

3. Runs in a terminal without distractions

4. Has first-class support for code snippets and programming concepts

GoCard implements the SM-2 algorithm (the same one used by Anki) but instead of a database, it uses a simple directory structure where:

- Each card is a Markdown file with YAML frontmatter

- Directories represent decks and subdecks

- Everything is editable with standard tools

*Key features:*

- Distraction-free terminal UI built with BubbleTea

- Real-time file watching (edit cards in your editor while reviewing)

- Code syntax highlighting for 50+ languages

- Vim/Emacs keybindings for efficient navigation

- Hierarchical deck organization via directories

- Cross-platform (Linux, macOS, Windows)

What sets GoCard apart from other SRS tools is its developer-centric approach. Create cards with your favorite editor, organize them with your file manager, version them with Git, and review them in a clean terminal interface.

I built this because I wanted a knowledge management system that worked with my developer workflow rather than against it. Making everything file-based means I can apply all my existing text-processing skills and tools.

The project is v0.1.0, implemented in Go, and available at: https://github.com/DavidMiserak/GoCard

I'd especially appreciate feedback on the UX design and any suggestions for making it more intuitive for terminal users. Has anyone else built similar file-based knowledge tools? What patterns worked well for you?

Submissions by DavidMiserak

Show HN: GoCard – A file-based spaced repetition system built in Go

Show HN: GoCard – A file-based spaced repetition system built in Go