TiddlyWiki

TiddlyWiki is akin to software Lego bricks for writing: You pick a model to start with, then add the bricks you find suitable for what you want to create. The model, in the TiddlyWiki world would be a template that you or others have put together, the bricks would be plug-ins that help you produce exactly what you want. Accepting the limitations of the tool.

TiddlyWiki.com, using TiddlyWiki version 2.1.3.

TiddlyWiki and its various derivatives could be billed - without overselling - as the Fun Way to Write. Actually, overselling doesn't really apply here, as it's all free, open source software, centered around the web browser and its various backend options. The only investment on your part is the time it takes to get your head around it and appreciate the power it offers. You could choose to see it only as fancy way to take notes, or you could use it as a vehicle for creative writing, for structuring information or several other applications. Either way, you'll find it refreshingly different from traditional office software. You may consider it perfectly suited also as the form for presentation, or you may explore its vast array of options for tailoring the experience though styling, tweaks, and plugins. TiddlyWiki is being cared for and supported by a community of creative developers and users on the web.

TiddlyWiki (http://www.TiddlyWiki.com/), in its original form, is a kind of wiki that typically is edited by only one person and is completely self-contained in a single HTML file. It does not rely on a web server for storage, but rather on various solutions for letting the web browser save directly to a file on the users own PC. It uses HTML, CSS and JavaScript code. TiddlyWiki is supported by many extensions and plugins that modify how it works or what it can do.

Using a TiddlyWiki to build a web page is a good idea because:

• it's fun
• it's simple to create
• it's simple to update
• it's simple to customize
• it's an innovative way of presenting text

This book will serve a reference for people who want to learn to read, write, customise or develop/code a TiddlyWiki. No technical knowledge will be assumed. Screenshots will be used liberally for faster learning, and the reader is encouraged to tinker with their own TiddlyWiki while reading this book.

Contents

for everyone:

• Introduction: what is a TiddlyWiki? history, examples, license info etc
• Resources: annotated and reviewed links

for readers:

• Reading - Confused by how a TiddlyWiki works? Overwhelmed by things popping up all over the place? Start here.

for writers:

• Uses - TiddlyWikis aren't suited for all purposes. This module will compare various tasks to the strengths of several different web authoring methods, including TiddlyWiki.
• Installing - The basic TiddlyWiki install couldn't be simpler - except with screenshots!
• Writing - using one - tags vs tiddlers
• Extras - extra functionality - useful plugins, extensions etc
• Customizing - different look - themes/skins

for developers:

• Developing - creating plugins etc, where to release/publicize it

beyond:

• TiddlyWeb - a multiuser TiddlyWiki webserver
• TiddlySpace - a multiuser collaborative TiddlyWiki platform

Feedback

Comments or suggestions? Raise them at Talk:TiddlyWiki.