Essentialist

Essentialist is an open-source programs for spaced repetition (similar to Anki). Essentialist is cross-platform and runs on Linux, MacOS, Windows and android (download latest version here).

Flash cards are written using the Markdown format (refer to the flash card syntax). Writing cards in Markdown is fun and easy.

The space repetition algorithm used is based on SM-2.

Essentialist respects your privacy: your data never leave your device (no cloud).

See the CONTRIBUTING.md for how to report bugs and submit pull request.

Flash card syntax

Each deck of cards is a plain text Markdown files with the extension .md (ex: sample.md). You can put all your decks in the same directory.

Each card starts with a heading level 2 (line starting with ##) defining the question. The answer is the content following (until the next heading level 2).

You progress is stored in a hidden file .<deck file>.db (ex: .sample.md.db).

Example of a deck with 3 cards:

## Question: what format is used?

Questions and answers are in **Markdown**.

## Are lists supported?

Yes, here is an example:

- one
- **two**
- three

## How to include a table in the answer?

Answer with a table.

|  A  |  B  |
| --- | --- |
| 124 | 456 |