How do I sync dstask tasks between multiple computers?

Use the 'dstask sync' command, which performs Git pull and push operations. First, set up a remote Git repository for your ~/.dstask folder and clone it on each device. Conflicts are handled via standard Git merge resolution.

dstask vs Taskwarrior: which is better for a developer who uses Git daily?

dstask is ideal if you prefer Git-based sync and markdown notes, leveraging your existing Git workflow. Taskwarrior offers more server options and a larger ecosystem, but dstask's simplicity and integration might suit Git-savvy users better.

How can I add a checklist to a task in dstask?

Use the 'note' command to edit the task's markdown note, then insert a GitHub-style task list with items like '- [ ]'. The README specifically mentions that checklists are useful in notes for complex tasks.

Is there a way to use dstask on my phone?

Not directly, as it's terminal-based. However, you can access it via SSH or use the early-stage dstask-gui project for a web interface. The README notes that smartphone support is a blocker for some users.

What should I do if I get a merge conflict in dstask?

dstask will fail to commit and warn you. You need to manually resolve the conflict in the ~/.dstask Git repository using Git commands, then commit and run 'dstask sync' again. The README admits this can happen rarely.

Can I import tasks from other apps like Todoist into dstask?

dstask only has built-in import tools for Taskwarrior and GitHub issues, as per the README. For other apps, you'd need to convert data to one of those formats or write a custom script.

Open-Awesome

dstask

MITGov1.0.1

A single-binary, terminal-based personal task manager with Git-powered sync and markdown notes per task.

Visit Website GitHub

1.2k stars65 forks0 contributors

What is dstask?

dstask is a terminal-based personal task manager that uses Git for synchronization and stores each task with an associated markdown note. It solves the problem of managing todos across multiple devices without relying on a centralized server, offering a fast, keyboard-driven workflow for developers.

Target Audience

Developers and technical users who prefer working in the terminal, value data ownership via Git, and need a lightweight yet powerful task tracker for personal productivity.

Value Proposition

Developers choose dstask for its simplicity, Git-based sync that ensures data control and history, and the ability to attach rich markdown notes to tasks—all packaged in a single binary with no runtime dependencies.

Overview

Git powered terminal-based todo/note manager -- markdown note page per task. Single binary!

Use Cases

Best For

Managing personal todos with detailed notes and checklists
Syncing tasks across multiple machines using Git
Keyboard-driven productivity workflows in the terminal
Migrating from Taskwarrior to a Git-backed system
Tracking tasks with project-specific contexts and filters
Keeping task history and enabling undo via Git commits

Not Ideal For

Teams requiring real-time collaborative task editing and shared dashboards
Users who prefer graphical user interfaces or mobile apps without third-party extensions
Environments where Git is not installed or manual conflict resolution is undesirable

Pros & Cons

Pros

Git-Powered Synchronization

Enables sync across devices using Git, providing history, undo, and conflict resolution without a server, as highlighted in the README's key features.

Rich Markdown Notes

Each task supports full markdown notes with checklists and URLs, editable with any text editor, making it versatile for detailed task management.

Flexible Context System

Allows setting filters, tags, and projects globally or per session via commands or environment variables, helping users focus on relevant tasks.

Single Binary Distribution

Distributed as a statically-linked executable with no dependencies beyond Git, ensuring easy installation and portability across platforms.

Cons

No Collaboration Support

Explicitly designed as a personal task tracker, lacking features for multi-user editing or shared task lists, which limits team use.

Manual Git Conflict Resolution

Merge conflicts must be resolved manually in the underlying Git repository, requiring Git expertise and adding overhead for sync issues.

Terminal-Only Interface

No built-in GUI or web interface, making it inaccessible for users who prefer visual tools, though third-party options are in early development.

Open Source Alternative To

dstask is an open-source alternative to the following products:

Taskwarrior

Taskwarrior is a free and open-source command-line task management tool that helps you track your todo list.

Frequently Asked Questions

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