# emacs-denote

> note-taking tool for Emacs

**Wikidata**: [Q117151495](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117151495)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/emacs-denote

## Summary
Emacs-denote is a free, cross-platform note-taking tool for GNU Emacs, developed by Protesilaos Stavrou. It is distributed as a GNU ELPA package and is written in Emacs Lisp, making it a lightweight and integrated solution for organizing notes within the Emacs environment.

## Key Facts
- **Note-taking tool** for GNU Emacs, designed for simplicity and integration.
- **Free software** distributed under the GNU General Public License.
- **Developed by** Protesilaos Stavrou, first released in **June 2022**.
- **Available as a GNU ELPA package** since **July 2022**.
- **Written in Emacs Lisp**, leveraging the platform's extensibility.
- **Latest stable version** is **2.0.0**, released on **July 21, 2023**.
- **Cross-platform**, compatible with GNU Emacs across different operating systems.
- **Part of the GNU Project**, integrated into the broader GNU ecosystem.
- **Maintained by Protesilaos Stavrou**, with ongoing updates and improvements.
- **Distributed via GNU ELPA**, ensuring accessibility to Emacs users.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Emacs-denote, and how does it differ from other note-taking tools?
A: Emacs-denote is a note-taking tool specifically designed for GNU Emacs, written in Emacs Lisp to provide seamless integration with the editor. Unlike standalone note-taking applications, it operates within Emacs, allowing users to manage notes directly in their workflow without switching tools.

### Q: Who created Emacs-denote, and when was it first released?
A: Emacs-denote was created by Protesilaos Stavrou and first released in **June 2022**. It was later made available as a GNU ELPA package in **July 2022**, expanding its accessibility to Emacs users.

### Q: Is Emacs-denote free software, and under what license is it distributed?
A: Yes, Emacs-denote is free software distributed under the **GNU General Public License (GPL)**, allowing users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute it.

### Q: What programming language is Emacs-denote written in, and what does this imply for its functionality?
A: Emacs-denote is written in **Emacs Lisp**, the dialect of Lisp used in GNU Emacs. This ensures tight integration with the editor, enabling advanced customization and functionality within the Emacs environment.

### Q: How can users install Emacs-denote, and where is it distributed?
A: Emacs-denote is distributed as a **GNU ELPA package**, making it available through Emacs' package manager. Users can install it directly within Emacs or via other package repositories that support ELPA packages.

## Why It Matters
Emacs-denote addresses the need for a lightweight, integrated note-taking solution within the GNU Emacs ecosystem. By being written in Emacs Lisp and distributed as a GNU ELPA package, it ensures seamless integration with Emacs' workflow, allowing users to manage notes without leaving the editor. Its development by Protesilaos Stavrou highlights the importance of open-source tools in the GNU Project, contributing to the broader goal of providing free software for users worldwide. Emacs-denote's cross-platform compatibility further enhances its accessibility, making it a valuable tool for Emacs users across different operating systems.

## Notable For
- **Integration with GNU Emacs**: Written in Emacs Lisp for seamless functionality within the editor.
- **GNU ELPA Distribution**: Available through Emacs' package manager, ensuring easy installation.
- **Free Software**: Distributed under the GNU General Public License, promoting user freedom.
- **Active Maintenance**: Regular updates and improvements by Protesilaos Stavrou.
- **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: Works across different operating systems, enhancing accessibility.

## Body
### Overview
Emacs-denote is a note-taking tool designed specifically for GNU Emacs, developed by Protesilaos Stavrou. It was first released in **June 2022** and became available as a **GNU ELPA package** in **July 2022**, making it accessible to Emacs users through the editor's package manager.

### Development and Distribution
- **Creator**: Protesilaos Stavrou.
- **Initial Release**: June 2022.
- **GNU ELPA Availability**: July 2022.
- **License**: GNU General Public License (GPL).
- **Distribution**: GNU ELPA, ensuring broad accessibility.

### Technical Details
- **Programming Language**: Emacs Lisp, the dialect of Lisp used in GNU Emacs.
- **Integration**: Tightly integrated with Emacs, allowing users to manage notes within the editor.
- **Cross-Platform**: Compatible with GNU Emacs across different operating systems.

### Versions and Updates
- **Latest Version**: 2.0.0, released on **July 21, 2023**.
- **Previous Versions**: Includes updates from 0.3.0 to 1.2.0, with ongoing improvements.
- **Maintenance**: Actively maintained by Protesilaos Stavrou, with regular updates.

### Significance
- **Open-Source Contribution**: Part of the GNU Project, aligning with the broader goal of providing free software.
- **User Freedom**: Distributed under the GNU GPL, allowing users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software.
- **Workflow Integration**: Designed to enhance Emacs' note-taking capabilities without requiring users to switch tools.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/protesilaos/denote/commit/8957eb6720f2a6d41d4aa7865fac99aca823f4ae)
2. [Denote version 2.0.0. 2023](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2023-07/msg00039.html)
3. [Emacs: Denote version 2.0.0. 2023](https://protesilaos.com/codelog/2023-07-21-denote-2-0-0/)
4. [Denote version 1.2.0. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-12/msg00046.html)
5. [Denote version 1.1.0. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-10/msg00053.html)
6. [Denote version 1.0.0. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-09/msg00081.html)
7. [Denote version 0.6.1. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-09/msg00010.html)
8. [Denote version 0.6.0. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-08/msg00075.html)
9. [Denote version 0.5.1. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-08/msg00021.html)
10. [Denote version 0.4.0. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-07/msg00066.html)
11. [Denote version 0.3.1. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-07/msg00050.html)
12. [Denote version 0.3.0. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-07/msg00047.html)
13. [Denote version 0.2.1. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-07/msg00009.html)
14. [Denote version 0.2.0. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-07/msg00008.html)
15. [Denote version 2.1.0. 2023](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2023-11/msg00023.html)
16. [Denote version 2.1.1. 2023](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2023-11/msg00045.html)
17. [Denote version 2.2.0. 2023](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2023-12/msg00035.html)
18. [Denote version 2.2.1. 2023](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2023-12/msg00039.html)
19. [Denote version 2.2.2. 2023](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2023-12/msg00043.html)
20. [Denote version 2.2.4. 2023](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2023-12/msg00047.html)
21. [Denote version 2.3.0. 2024](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2024-03/msg00064.html)
22. [Denote version 2.3.1. 2024](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2024-03/msg00069.html)
23. [Denote version 2.3.2. 2024](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2024-03/msg00071.html)
24. [Denote version 2.3.3. 2024](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2024-03/msg00077.html)
25. [Denote version 2.3.4. 2024](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2024-03/msg00084.html)
26. [Denote version 2.3.5. 2024](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2024-03/msg00164.html)
27. [[GNU ELPA] Denote version 3.0.1. 2024](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2024-06/msg00074.html)
28. [[GNU ELPA] Denote version 3.0.2. 2024](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2024-07/msg00001.html)
29. [[GNU ELPA] Denote version 3.0.3. 2024](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2024-07/msg00005.html)
30. [[GNU ELPA] Denote version 3.0.6. 2024](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2024-07/msg00011.html)
31. [[GNU ELPA] Denote version 3.0.7. 2024](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2024-07/msg00035.html)
32. [[GNU ELPA] Denote version 3.0.8. 2024](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2024-07/msg00055.html)
33. [[GNU ELPA] Denote version 3.1.0. 2024](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2024-09/msg00012.html)
34. [Source](https://git.savannah.gnu.org/cgit/emacs/elpa.git/tree/CHANGELOG.org?h=externals/denote)
35. [Source](https://github.com/protesilaos/denote/releases/tag/0.5.0)
36. [Source](https://github.com/protesilaos/denote/releases/tag/3.0.0)
37. [[GNU ELPA] Denote version 4.0.0. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-04/msg00031.html)
38. [[GNU ELPA] Denote version 4.1.0. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-10/msg00033.html)
39. [[GNU ELPA] Denote version 4.1.1. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-10/msg00043.html)
40. [Release 4.1.2. 2025](https://github.com/protesilaos/denote/releases/tag/4.1.2)
41. [[GNU ELPA] Denote version 4.1.2. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-11/msg00066.html)
42. [Release 4.1.3. 2025](https://github.com/protesilaos/denote/releases/tag/4.1.3)
43. [[GNU ELPA] Denote version 4.1.3. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-11/msg00079.html)
44. [Emacs: demonstration of my Denote package (simple note-taking). 2022](https://protesilaos.com/codelog/2022-06-18-denote-demo/)
45. [New GNU ELPA package: denote. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/info-gnu-emacs/2022-07/msg00000.html)
46. [Source](https://elpa.gnu.org/packages/denote.html)