diff --git a/docs/website/.vitepress/config.mts b/docs/website/.vitepress/config.mts index befc8006..8eca4630 100644 --- a/docs/website/.vitepress/config.mts +++ b/docs/website/.vitepress/config.mts @@ -82,6 +82,7 @@ export default defineConfig({ nav: [ { text: 'Documentation', link: '/documentation/' }, + { text: 'Compare', link: '/compare/' }, { text: 'Sponsor', link: '/sponsor/' }, { text: 'Donate', link: '/donate/' }, { @@ -94,6 +95,20 @@ export default defineConfig({ ], sidebar: { + '/compare/': [ + { + text: 'Compare', + items: [ + { text: 'Overview', link: '/compare/' }, + { text: 'massCode vs Pieces', link: '/compare/pieces' }, + { text: 'massCode vs Cacher', link: '/compare/cacher' }, + { text: 'massCode vs SnippetsLab', link: '/compare/snippetslab' }, + { text: 'massCode vs Raycast Snippets', link: '/compare/raycast' }, + { text: 'Best Open-Source Snippet Manager', link: '/compare/best-open-source' }, + { text: 'Local-First Alternative to Pieces / Cacher', link: '/compare/local-first' }, + ], + }, + ], '/documentation/': [ { text: 'General', diff --git a/docs/website/compare/best-open-source.md b/docs/website/compare/best-open-source.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..aad9b62c --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/website/compare/best-open-source.md @@ -0,0 +1,82 @@ +--- +title: Best Open-Source Snippet Manager +description: "What to look for in an open-source snippet manager, and how the leading options compare on license, storage, platforms, and scope." +--- + +# Best Open-Source Snippet Manager + +Closed-source snippet managers are easy to find. Open-source ones — code you can read, audit, build, and trust to outlive any single company — are a smaller list. This page explains what to look for and how the best open-source options compare. + +## What "open-source snippet manager" should mean + +Not every "free" snippet manager is open source, and not every open-source license is the same. When evaluating, check for: + +- **OSI-approved license.** AGPL, GPL, MIT, Apache 2.0, BSD. A "source available" repo with a custom non-commercial license is not the same thing. +- **Public source on GitHub or GitLab.** You can read, fork, and build it yourself. +- **Local-first storage.** Your snippets live on disk in a documented format you can read without the app. +- **Practical imports.** A snippet manager is easier to adopt if it can bring in existing libraries from common formats such as VS Code snippets JSON, GitHub Gists, or other snippet apps. +- **No mandatory account.** The app should work fully without registering. +- **Cross-platform.** macOS, Windows, and Linux at a minimum, unless you live entirely on one platform. +- **Active development.** Recent commits, releases, and issue activity matter more than star count. + +## What to look for in scope + +A pure snippet manager is enough for many people. But the day-to-day workflow of a developer is rarely "snippets only" — it usually includes notes, HTTP requests, quick math, and a handful of dev utilities. If you want to consolidate, look for an open-source app whose scope already covers those use cases. + +## How massCode fits the criteria + +[massCode](https://github.com/massCodeIO/massCode) is a free, open-source developer workspace under [AGPL v3](https://github.com/massCodeIO/massCode/blob/master/LICENSE). + +- **License:** AGPL v3, OSI-approved +- **Source:** [github.com/massCodeIO/massCode](https://github.com/massCodeIO/massCode) +- **Storage:** Local [Markdown Vault](/documentation/storage) — every snippet and note is a plain `.md` file with frontmatter, watched in real time +- **Account required:** None +- **Platforms:** macOS, Windows, Linux +- **Scope:** [Code](/documentation/code/library), [Notes](/documentation/notes/), [HTTP](/documentation/http/), [Math](/documentation/math/), and [Tools](/documentation/tools/) in one app +- **Imports:** VS Code snippets JSON, Raycast snippets JSON, SnippetsLab JSON, public GitHub Gist URLs, and Obsidian markdown folders +- **Sync:** Bring your own — [iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Syncthing, or Git](/documentation/sync) +- **Active development:** Continuously released on [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/massCodeIO/massCode/releases) + +This is the niche massCode is designed for: a free, open-source, local-first workspace that goes beyond snippets without locking your data into a vendor. + +## Honest comparison with other open-source options + +The open-source snippet space splits into a few distinct categories. The options below were checked against their own GitHub repositories or official sites at the time of writing. + +### Pure open-source snippet managers + +These projects focus on snippets and stay narrow. + +- **[Lepton](https://github.com/hackjutsu/Lepton)** — "a lean code snippet manager powered by GitHub Gist." MIT licensed, available on macOS, Windows, and Linux. The right fit if your snippets must round-trip with GitHub Gists, including GitHub Enterprise. No notes, HTTP, or math. +- **[Snibox](https://github.com/snibox/snibox)** — "a self-hosted snippet manager." MIT licensed. Web app you run on your own server. Good when you want to host a snippet library yourself; not a desktop app. +- **[massCode](https://github.com/massCodeIO/massCode)** — open-source local-first developer workspace. AGPL v3. Snippets plus Notes, HTTP, Math, and Tools. macOS, Windows, Linux. + +### General-purpose open-source apps that hold snippets + +These are not snippet managers, but many developers use them that way. Trade-offs apply: they were not designed for code-first use. + +- **[Logseq](https://github.com/logseq/logseq)** — "a privacy-first, open-source platform for knowledge management." AGPL-3.0. Strong for outliner-style notes; weaker as a code-first snippet workspace. +- **[Obsidian](https://obsidian.md)** — proprietary, but with plain Markdown file storage. Often used as a snippet manager via plugins. Not actually open-source software, even though the file format is open. + +If you read carefully, "open-source snippet manager" really splits into three buckets: GitHub Gist clients, self-hosted web apps, and local-first desktop workspaces. massCode sits in the third bucket. + +## Recommendations by use case + +- **You want snippets to be GitHub Gists.** Pick Lepton. +- **You want to self-host on your own server.** Pick Snibox. +- **You want a free, local-first developer workspace** that handles snippets, notes, HTTP, and math, with everything stored as plain Markdown on your own disk. Pick massCode. +- **You want notes-first with snippets as a side use.** Pick Logseq, or Obsidian if open-source is not a hard requirement. + +## Quick checklist for choosing + +Before installing anything, answer these questions: + +- Will my snippets be code, text, or both? +- Can I import my existing snippets, or will migration be manual? +- Do I need it on Windows or Linux, or just macOS? +- Do I want local files or a hosted database? +- Do I need other workspaces (notes, HTTP, math), or only snippets? +- Do I want zero cost, or am I willing to pay for managed sharing? +- Is reading the source code something I might actually do, or do I just want it to be possible? + +If your answers point to "code, cross-platform, local files, multiple workspaces, free, open-source," massCode is the closest match. [Download massCode](/download/) to try it. diff --git a/docs/website/compare/cacher.md b/docs/website/compare/cacher.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..21b51e24 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/website/compare/cacher.md @@ -0,0 +1,74 @@ +--- +title: massCode vs Cacher +description: "An honest comparison between massCode and Cacher. Local-first open-source workspace vs cloud snippet manager with team features and GitHub Gist sync." +--- + +# massCode vs Cacher + +[Cacher](https://www.cacher.io) and massCode both manage code snippets, but they take very different paths. Cacher is a cloud snippet platform with first-party GitHub Gist sync, role-based team workspaces, and IDE plugins. massCode is a free, open-source, local-first workspace where snippets and notes live as plain Markdown files on your own disk. + +If you need a managed cloud with shared team libraries and GitHub Gist sync, Cacher is built for that. If you want full ownership of your snippets and a single local workspace that also covers notes, HTTP, and math, massCode is the better fit. + +## At a glance + +| | massCode | Cacher | +| --- | --- | --- | +| License | Open source (AGPL v3) | Proprietary | +| Pricing | Free | Free tier, Expert ($9.99/mo annual), Teams ($29.99/mo for 5 seats annual) | +| Data location | Local Markdown Vault on your disk | Cloud-hosted account | +| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS, Windows, Linux, web app | +| Snippets | Yes, with folders, tags, and fragments | Yes, with color-coded labels | +| Imports | VS Code snippets JSON, Raycast snippets JSON, SnippetsLab JSON, public GitHub Gist URLs, Obsidian markdown folders | GitHub Gist sync and app import/export workflows | +| GitHub Gist sync | No | Yes, first-party | +| Notes | Yes, dedicated notes space | Markdown editing inside snippets | +| HTTP client | Yes, built in | No | +| Math notebook | Yes, built in | No | +| Dev tools | Yes, built in | No | +| Team workspaces with roles | No | Yes, on Teams plan | +| Account required | No | Yes | +| IDE integrations | VS Code and Raycast extensions | VS Code, IntelliJ, Raycast, plus a CLI | + +Source for Cacher features and pricing: [cacher.io](https://www.cacher.io/) and [cacher.io/pricing](https://www.cacher.io/pricing). + +## Where Cacher fits better + +Cacher is a strong choice when team sharing or GitHub Gist round-trip are non-negotiable. + +- **You manage a team library.** Cacher's Teams plan adds team member roles, code reviews, centralized billing, and Enterprise SSO (included with 25+ seats). +- **You live inside GitHub Gists.** Cacher's first-party Gist sync — "Sign in with your GitHub account to have your snippets sync with Gist on every update" — is one of its signature features. +- **You want a hosted web app.** Cacher provides a web app at app.cacher.io alongside its desktop apps and IDE plugins. +- **You want IDE plugins beyond VS Code.** Cacher has IntelliJ Platform plugins on its paid tiers, plus VS Code, Raycast, browser extension, and a CLI. + +## Where massCode fits better + +massCode is a strong choice when you value local control, a single combined workspace, and zero cost. + +- **You want plain files, not a database in the cloud.** Every snippet and note in massCode is a Markdown file in your [Markdown Vault](/documentation/storage). You can read, edit, and back it up with any tool. +- **You want one app for snippets, notes, HTTP, and math.** massCode includes [Code](/documentation/code/library), [Notes](/documentation/notes/), [HTTP](/documentation/http/), [Math](/documentation/math/), and [Tools](/documentation/tools/). Cacher focuses on snippets. +- **You want to bring existing snippets into local storage.** massCode imports public GitHub Gist URLs, VS Code snippets JSON, Raycast snippets JSON, SnippetsLab JSON, and Obsidian markdown folders. +- **You want sync on your terms.** Point [iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Syncthing, or a Git repo](/documentation/sync) at your vault. No account, no second bill. +- **You want to keep working when the network is gone.** massCode is local-first by design. +- **You want to read or audit the source.** massCode is open source under AGPL v3 on [GitHub](https://github.com/massCodeIO/massCode). Cacher's CLI is open source, but the rest of the platform is proprietary. + +## Honest trade-offs + +- **No native team workspace in massCode.** Sharing happens at the file level — a shared Git repo or a shared cloud folder. That works well for small teams but is not a substitute for Cacher's role-based team product. +- **No GitHub Gist round-trip in massCode.** If your workflow lives in Gists, that is Cacher's home turf, not massCode's. +- **No web app in massCode.** massCode is a desktop application for macOS, Windows, and Linux. +- **Fewer IDE integrations.** massCode ships a VS Code and a Raycast extension; Cacher has wider IDE coverage. + +## Who should pick which + +- Pick **Cacher** if you need a managed cloud workspace for a team, role-based access, GitHub Gist sync, and a hosted web app. +- Pick **massCode** if you want a free, open-source, local-first workspace that covers snippets, notes, HTTP, and math, with your data stored as plain Markdown on your own disk. + +## Migration tips + +To move from Cacher to massCode at the file level: + +1. Export your Cacher snippets through GitHub Gists when possible. +2. In massCode, open [Code](/documentation/code/library), choose import, and paste a public Gist URL to preview the snippets. +3. Import the previewed snippets, then adjust folders, tags, and languages inside Code. +4. If you previously relied on Cacher for team sharing, point your massCode vault at a shared Git repository so teammates can pull and push changes. + +[Download massCode](/download/) and try it on a copy of your snippets first. diff --git a/docs/website/compare/index.md b/docs/website/compare/index.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..f501af2d --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/website/compare/index.md @@ -0,0 +1,40 @@ +--- +title: Compare massCode +description: "Honest comparisons between massCode and other snippet managers and developer workspaces — Pieces, Cacher, SnippetsLab, Raycast Snippets, and more." +--- + +# Compare massCode + +massCode is a free, open-source, local-first developer workspace. Snippets, markdown notes, HTTP requests, calculations, and dev tools live in one app, with your data stored as plain Markdown files on disk. + +This section helps you decide whether massCode fits your workflow, or whether another tool is a better match. The comparisons are written to be honest, not aggressive: every tool here has cases where it is the right answer. + +## Versus specific tools + +- [massCode vs Pieces](/compare/pieces) — local-first workspace vs AI-first cloud snippet manager +- [massCode vs Cacher](/compare/cacher) — open-source local app vs team-oriented cloud SaaS +- [massCode vs SnippetsLab](/compare/snippetslab) — cross-platform vs macOS-only +- [massCode vs Raycast Snippets](/compare/raycast) — full snippet workspace vs launcher text expansion + +## Category and positioning pages + +- [Best open-source snippet manager](/compare/best-open-source) — what to look for, and how the open-source options stack up +- [Local-first alternative to Pieces and Cacher](/compare/local-first) — keeping snippets and notes on your own disk + +## Quick positioning + +- If you need a **team cloud workspace** with shared libraries, role-based access, and centralized billing, look at Cacher or Pieces Teams. +- If you need **AI assistants and copilots** built into your snippet flow, look at Pieces. +- If you need a **native macOS-only** snippet app and stay on Apple devices, look at SnippetsLab. +- If you need a **launcher with text expansion**, look at Raycast Snippets. +- If you need a **free, open-source, cross-platform, local-first workspace** that goes beyond snippets — snippets, notes, HTTP requests, math, and dev tools in one app — that is where massCode fits. + +## What you get with massCode + +- Free and open source under [AGPL v3](https://github.com/massCodeIO/massCode/blob/master/LICENSE) +- Local-first [Markdown Vault](/documentation/storage) — your data stays as plain `.md` files on disk +- Cross-platform: macOS, Windows, Linux +- More than snippets: [Code](/documentation/code/library), [Notes](/documentation/notes/), [HTTP](/documentation/http/), [Math](/documentation/math/), [Tools](/documentation/tools/) +- Built-in imports for VS Code snippets JSON, Raycast snippets JSON, SnippetsLab JSON, public GitHub Gist URLs, and Obsidian markdown folders +- Sync via any service you already trust — iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Syncthing, or [Git](/documentation/sync) +- No account, no telemetry-required login, no vendor lock-in diff --git a/docs/website/compare/local-first.md b/docs/website/compare/local-first.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..b82f57d2 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/website/compare/local-first.md @@ -0,0 +1,99 @@ +--- +title: Local-First Alternative to Pieces and Cacher +description: "A local-first alternative to Pieces and Cacher for developers who want their snippets, notes, and HTTP requests stored as plain files on their own disk." +--- + +# Local-First Alternative to Pieces and Cacher + +Many developers reach a point where they want to move their snippets, notes, and API requests off a vendor's cloud and back onto their own disk. The reasons range from privacy and compliance to durability — software vendors come and go, your work should not. + +If you are looking for a local-first alternative to [Pieces](https://pieces.app) or [Cacher](https://www.cacher.io), [massCode](https://github.com/massCodeIO/massCode) is built for that use case. + +## What "local-first" actually means + +Local-first is not the same as offline mode. The full definition matters: + +- **Your data lives on your disk in a format you can read** without the app installed. If massCode disappeared tomorrow, your snippets and notes would still be there as Markdown files. +- **The app works fully offline by default.** No login wall, no degraded mode. +- **Sync is optional and at your choice of provider.** You decide whether your vault sits inside iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Syncthing, a Git repo, or only on this machine. +- **No telemetry-required account.** You should not need to register to start using the app. + +A cloud SaaS with an "offline mode" is not local-first. A local app with a proprietary database file is closer, but still not local-first if you cannot read the data without the app. Plain Markdown files cleanly cross both bars. + +## Why developers move from Pieces or Cacher + +Common reasons people consider switching: + +- **Privacy and compliance.** Snippets contain real code from real projects. Sending them to a third-party cloud may violate company policy. +- **Vendor durability.** Snippet managers come and go. Plain Markdown files survive any vendor. +- **Cost.** Cacher's paid plans start at $9.99/month for Expert and $29.99/month for the Teams base ([cacher.io/pricing](https://www.cacher.io/pricing)). Pieces' Teams plan is contact-for-pricing. massCode is free. +- **Sync control.** You may already pay for iCloud, Dropbox, or self-host Syncthing — adding another sync vendor on top is duplication. +- **Migration.** Built-in imports reduce the amount of manual copy-paste needed when you move existing snippets or markdown notes into local storage. +- **Open source.** Some teams prefer or require code they can audit and self-build. +- **Workspace consolidation.** Pieces and Cacher are snippet-focused. Notes, HTTP requests, and math live in other apps. Consolidating into one local-first workspace simplifies the toolchain. + +## How massCode delivers local-first + +massCode is a free, open-source developer workspace where everything is local by default. + +### Markdown Vault as the source of truth + +Your snippets, notes, and HTTP requests live in a [Markdown Vault](/documentation/storage) — a folder of plain `.md` files with frontmatter metadata. The app watches the vault in real time and reflects external changes immediately. + +- Each snippet and note is a `.md` file you can open in any editor +- Folders on disk match folders in the app +- A `.state.json` per folder tracks UI state without polluting your data +- No proprietary database, no opaque blob format + +### Sync on your terms + +Because the vault is just a folder, [sync](/documentation/sync) becomes a problem you have already solved. Point any of these at your vault directory: + +- iCloud Drive +- Dropbox +- Google Drive +- Syncthing +- Git repository + +You keep version history, conflict handling, and cross-device sync with the tooling you already trust. + +### One workspace, not five + +massCode is more than a snippet manager. In the same app you get: + +- [Code](/documentation/code/library) — snippet library with folders, tags, fragments, and 160+ syntax grammars +- [Notes](/documentation/notes/) — markdown notes with internal links, mindmaps, mermaid diagrams, and presentation mode +- [HTTP](/documentation/http/) — lightweight API client with environments, variables, and import from OpenAPI, Postman, Bruno +- [Math](/documentation/math/) — calculator-style notebook for unit conversion, dates, finance, and natural-language math +- [Tools](/documentation/tools/) — JSON Diff, encoders, hashes, generators, text utilities + +All of it stored locally. All of it free. + +### Imports into the local vault + +Moving to a local-first workspace should not mean rebuilding every library by hand. massCode can import snippets from VS Code snippets JSON, Raycast snippets JSON, SnippetsLab JSON, and public GitHub Gist URLs. It can also import Obsidian markdown folders into Notes. + +Each import is previewed before anything is written to your vault, including detected source, item counts, tags, folders, and warnings for unsupported source features. + +### Open source + +massCode is published under [AGPL v3](https://github.com/massCodeIO/massCode/blob/master/LICENSE). The source is on [GitHub](https://github.com/massCodeIO/massCode). You can read it, build it, and contribute. + +## Honest trade-offs versus Pieces and Cacher + +A local-first tool is not a drop-in replacement for a cloud SaaS. Be aware: + +- **No managed team workspace.** Pieces Teams and Cacher's Teams plan give you role-based shared libraries with a billing portal. massCode does not. Sharing happens at the file layer — typically a shared Git repo or shared cloud folder. +- **No AI copilot.** Pieces is built around AI assistance and long-term memory. massCode does not embed AI features. +- **No GitHub Gist round-trip.** Cacher syncs snippets with GitHub Gist on every update. massCode does not. +- **No cloud account or web app.** massCode is a desktop application. There is no hosted UI. +- **No hosted backups.** Backup is your responsibility, run by your sync service or your Git remote. + +These are real trade-offs. They are also the price of local-first. + +## Quick decision guide + +- If you need a managed team cloud workspace, AI copilot, hosted web UI, or first-party Gist sync, Pieces or Cacher is the right fit. +- If you want your snippets, notes, and HTTP requests as plain files on your own disk, with sync handled by services you already trust and no subscription, massCode is the right fit. + +[Download massCode](/download/) and try it on a copy of your data. If it does not work for you, your existing vault is still just files — no migration to undo. diff --git a/docs/website/compare/pieces.md b/docs/website/compare/pieces.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..9f7a9c98 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/website/compare/pieces.md @@ -0,0 +1,74 @@ +--- +title: massCode vs Pieces +description: "An honest comparison between massCode and Pieces. Local-first open-source workspace vs AI-first snippet manager — which one fits your workflow." +--- + +# massCode vs Pieces + +[Pieces](https://pieces.app) and massCode both help developers keep useful code close at hand, but they aim at different things. Pieces is built around an AI copilot, long-term memory of your work, and tight integration with editors and browsers. massCode is a free, open-source, local-first workspace where snippets, notes, HTTP requests, math sheets, and dev tools live as plain Markdown files on your own disk. + +If you want an AI copilot that remembers your work and answers questions about it, Pieces is the more natural fit. If you want a focused, local workspace where your data stays as plain files, massCode is the more natural fit. + +## At a glance + +| | massCode | Pieces | +| --- | --- | --- | +| License | Open source (AGPL v3) | Proprietary | +| Pricing | Free | Free tier and Teams plan (contact for pricing) | +| Data location | Local Markdown Vault on your disk | Local-first storage with optional cloud features | +| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS, Windows, Linux, plus IDE and browser integrations | +| Snippets | Yes, with folders, tags, and fragments | Yes, with enrichment and sharing | +| Imports | VS Code snippets JSON, Raycast snippets JSON, SnippetsLab JSON, public GitHub Gist URLs, Obsidian markdown folders | Snippet capture and sharing through Pieces workflows | +| Notes | Yes, dedicated notes space | Not the focus | +| HTTP client | Yes, built in | No | +| Math notebook | Yes, built in | No | +| Dev tools | Yes, built in | No | +| AI features | None built in | Core feature: Copilot, long-term memory, multiple LLMs | +| Snippet sharing | File-level (Git, shared folder) | Custom links or GitHub Gists | +| Account required | No | Account required for some features | + +Source for Pieces features: [pieces.app/features](https://pieces.app/features) and [pieces.app/pricing](https://pieces.app/pricing). + +## Where Pieces fits better + +Pieces is a strong choice when AI is the point, not a side feature. + +- **You want an AI copilot embedded in your tools.** Pieces' Copilot lets you "choose and switch between multiple LLMs," including Claude, Gemini, and local models via Ollama, with IDE and browser integrations. +- **You want long-term memory of your work.** Pieces is designed around persistent recall of activities and a "Workflow History" with organized summaries. +- **You want managed team sharing.** Pieces Drive lets you share files and projects with your team, and the Teams plan adds collaboration features. +- **You want snippet sharing through links or Gists.** Pieces supports sharing snippets via custom links or GitHub Gists. + +## Where massCode fits better + +massCode is a strong choice when your priority is owning your data, staying on your own machine, and consolidating several developer tools into one workspace. + +- **You want plain Markdown files on disk.** massCode stores everything in a [Markdown Vault](/documentation/storage). Each snippet and note is a `.md` file with frontmatter — readable in any editor, easy to back up. +- **You want one workspace, not five apps.** massCode includes [Code](/documentation/code/library), [Notes](/documentation/notes/), [HTTP](/documentation/http/), [Math](/documentation/math/), and [Tools](/documentation/tools/). Pieces focuses on AI-augmented snippets and memory. +- **You want a migration path into plain files.** massCode can import VS Code snippets JSON, Raycast snippets JSON, SnippetsLab JSON, public GitHub Gist URLs, and Obsidian markdown folders into your local vault. +- **You want full transparency.** The source is on [GitHub](https://github.com/massCodeIO/massCode) under AGPL v3 — read, audit, and self-build it. +- **You want sync without a vendor.** Point [iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Syncthing, or a Git repo](/documentation/sync) at your vault directory. There is no required account. + +## Honest trade-offs + +- **No built-in AI in massCode.** If you want a code copilot living next to your snippet library, Pieces is purpose-built for that. massCode does not ship AI features. +- **No first-party team workspace in massCode.** Sharing in massCode happens through the file layer — a shared Git repo or shared cloud folder. Pieces Teams gives you a managed product for that use case. +- **Manual language selection in massCode.** When you create a snippet, the default language is "Plain text" and you pick the language from a dropdown. Pieces auto-classifies snippets by language. +- **Smaller surface area.** Pieces has IDE and browser integrations massCode does not match. massCode's surface is the desktop app plus a [VS Code extension](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=AntonReshetov.masscode-assistant) and a [Raycast extension](https://www.raycast.com/antonreshetov/masscode). + +## Who should pick which + +- Pick **Pieces** if you want AI-powered snippet capture, contextual chat across your tools, and a managed team workspace. +- Pick **massCode** if you want a free, open-source, local-first workspace that holds snippets, notes, HTTP requests, math sheets, and dev tools — with your data as plain Markdown on your own disk. + +## Migration tips + +You do not have to choose all-or-nothing. Many developers run both: Pieces for AI on active work, massCode as the long-term, file-based home for snippets and notes. + +If you want to consolidate into massCode: + +1. Export your Pieces snippets into a format massCode can read when possible — for example, public GitHub Gist URLs. +2. Open [Code](/documentation/code/library), choose import, preview the detected snippets, then import them into your vault. +3. For snippets that cannot be exported as Gists, recreate folders under Code and paste them manually. +4. Move longer pieces of context into [Notes](/documentation/notes/) and link between them. + +[Download massCode](/download/) and try it on a copy of your data. diff --git a/docs/website/compare/raycast.md b/docs/website/compare/raycast.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..45bb9ecd --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/website/compare/raycast.md @@ -0,0 +1,80 @@ +--- +title: massCode vs Raycast Snippets +description: "An honest comparison between massCode and Raycast Snippets. Full snippet workspace vs launcher-driven text expansion." +--- + +# massCode vs Raycast Snippets + +[Raycast](https://www.raycast.com) is a productivity launcher for macOS, and Raycast Snippets is one of its core features for storing and expanding short pieces of text. massCode is a full developer workspace built around snippets, notes, HTTP requests, and math, with everything stored as plain Markdown files on your own disk. + +The two tools sit at different levels of the stack. Raycast Snippets is best as a global text expander you trigger from anywhere on macOS or iOS. massCode is best as the place where your real snippet library, notes, and developer utilities live. + +Many developers use both: Raycast for quick text expansion, massCode for the long-form library and other workspaces. massCode itself ships a [Raycast extension](https://www.raycast.com/antonreshetov/masscode) so you can search your massCode snippets directly from Raycast. + +## At a glance + +| | massCode | Raycast Snippets | +| --- | --- | --- | +| License | Open source (AGPL v3) | Proprietary | +| Pricing | Free | Snippets included in the Free plan | +| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS and iOS | +| Primary use | Snippet library and developer workspace | Global text expansion from a launcher | +| Data location | Local Markdown Vault on your disk | Raycast database; cloud sync available on Pro | +| Folders | Yes, multi-level | Yes | +| Search | Full-text search across snippets, notes, HTTP requests | Search snippets by title in the launcher | +| Imports | Raycast snippets JSON, VS Code snippets JSON, SnippetsLab JSON, public GitHub Gist URLs, Obsidian markdown folders | Raycast snippets import/export | +| Snippet expansion by keyword | No | Yes, system-wide | +| Snippet fragments | Yes, multiple tabs per snippet | No | +| Code editor with syntax highlighting | Yes, full editor | Limited, designed for short text | +| Notes | Yes, dedicated notes space | No | +| HTTP client | Yes, built in | No | +| Math notebook | Yes, built in | No | +| Dev tools | Yes, built in | No | +| Cloud sync | Bring your own — iCloud, Dropbox, Git, Syncthing | Cloud sync is a Pro feature ($8/mo annual, $10/mo monthly) | +| Team plan | No | Yes, Teams Free and Teams Pro | + +Source for Raycast features and pricing: [raycast.com/core-features/snippets](https://www.raycast.com/core-features/snippets) and [raycast.com/pricing](https://www.raycast.com/pricing). + +## Where Raycast Snippets fits better + +Raycast is a strong choice when speed of expansion is the point. + +- **You want system-wide text expansion.** Type a keyword in any app and have it expand into your snippet, signature, address, or canned reply. massCode does not do system-wide text expansion. +- **You already use Raycast as your launcher.** Snippets is a free core feature alongside Clipboard History, Quicklinks, Calculator, and Window Management. +- **Your snippets are short.** Email signatures, canned replies, frequently typed strings, and small templates are exactly what Raycast Snippets is tuned for. +- **You want dynamic placeholders.** Raycast Snippets supports placeholders for context-adaptive snippets. +- **You want shared snippets in a team.** Raycast Teams Pro adds unlimited shared snippets, commands, and quicklinks. + +## Where massCode fits better + +massCode is a strong choice when your snippets are real code, not text shortcuts, and you want a workspace around them. + +- **Your library is real code.** massCode is a code workspace with a full editor, syntax highlighting for 160+ grammars, multiple fragments per snippet, descriptions, and tags. It scales to thousands of snippets in folders. +- **You want plain Markdown files on disk.** Snippets and notes live as `.md` files in a [Markdown Vault](/documentation/storage). Your library is portable, scriptable, and not locked behind another vendor's data store. +- **You want to promote Raycast snippets into a larger library.** Export Raycast snippets JSON, preview it in massCode, then import it into Code for folders, tags, fragments, and long-term storage. +- **You work on Windows or Linux.** massCode is a first-class app on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Raycast Snippets is macOS and iOS. +- **You want one workspace beyond snippets.** massCode adds [Notes](/documentation/notes/), [HTTP](/documentation/http/), [Math](/documentation/math/), and [Tools](/documentation/tools/) in the same app. +- **You want sync without paying for it.** Point [iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Syncthing, or Git](/documentation/sync) at your vault. Cloud sync in Raycast is a Pro feature. + +## Honest trade-offs + +- **No system-wide text expansion in massCode.** If your goal is to type `;sig` in any app and have it become your signature, Raycast Snippets is the right tool. massCode is opened as an app or via its [Command Palette](/documentation/command-palette). +- **No launcher in massCode.** massCode does not replace Raycast, Spotlight, or Alfred. It is a workspace, not a launcher. +- **No iOS app for massCode.** Raycast extends to iOS for snippet access. massCode is desktop-only. + +## Who should pick which + +- Pick **Raycast Snippets** if you want a global text expander, your snippets are short text fragments, and you live on macOS or iOS. +- Pick **massCode** if you want a real code snippet library, plus notes, HTTP, math, and tools, in one cross-platform app with plain Markdown storage. +- Pick **both** if you want the best of each: Raycast Snippets for keyword expansion, massCode as the long-term home for your code library and notes. The [massCode Raycast extension](https://www.raycast.com/antonreshetov/masscode) lets you search your massCode snippets from Raycast. + +## Working with both + +A common pairing: + +1. Keep your full code library in massCode under [Code](/documentation/code/library). +2. Import existing Raycast snippets JSON into massCode if some shortcuts have grown into reusable code snippets. +3. Move only the small, frequently-typed strings into Raycast Snippets — signatures, common imports, boilerplate headers. +4. Use the [massCode Raycast extension](https://www.raycast.com/antonreshetov/masscode) to surface code snippets directly from Raycast when you need them. + +[Download massCode](/download/) — it sits well next to a launcher rather than competing with one. diff --git a/docs/website/compare/snippetslab.md b/docs/website/compare/snippetslab.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..e29e13b8 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/website/compare/snippetslab.md @@ -0,0 +1,74 @@ +--- +title: massCode vs SnippetsLab +description: "An honest comparison between massCode and SnippetsLab. Cross-platform open-source workspace vs polished native macOS snippet manager." +--- + +# massCode vs SnippetsLab + +[SnippetsLab](https://www.renfei.org/snippets-lab/) is a polished, native macOS snippet manager with deep integration into Apple's ecosystem. massCode is a free, open-source workspace that runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, and stores everything as plain Markdown files on your own disk. + +Both tools are free. The real question is whether you live entirely on macOS and want a native Mac feel, or you work across platforms and want one app for snippets, notes, HTTP, and math. + +## At a glance + +| | massCode | SnippetsLab | +| --- | --- | --- | +| License | Open source (AGPL v3) | Proprietary | +| Pricing | Free | Free — "no ads, no in-app purchases, and no subscriptions" | +| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS only (13.5+) | +| Data location | Local Markdown Vault on your disk | Local library, with iCloud Sync between Macs | +| Snippets | Yes, with folders, tags, and fragments | Yes, with nesting folders, tags, smart groups, shortcuts | +| Imports | SnippetsLab JSON, VS Code snippets JSON, Raycast snippets JSON, public GitHub Gist URLs, Obsidian markdown folders | SnippetsLab library import/export | +| Syntax languages | 160+ grammars (600+ via `.tmLanguage`) | 600+ languages and text formats | +| Language detection | Manual selection from a dropdown (default "Plain text") | Automatic detection for 50 most popular languages via Core ML | +| Markdown notes | Yes, dedicated notes space | Markdown support inside snippets, with Mermaid and LaTeX | +| HTTP client | Yes, built in | No | +| Math notebook | Yes, built in | No | +| Dev tools | Yes, built in | No | +| Sync | Bring your own — iCloud, Dropbox, Git, Syncthing | iCloud Sync between Macs | +| Themes | Custom JSON themes | "18 beautifully crafted themes" | + +Source for SnippetsLab features: [renfei.org/snippets-lab](https://www.renfei.org/snippets-lab/). + +## Where SnippetsLab fits better + +SnippetsLab is a strong choice if you stay on macOS and want a single-purpose Mac-native snippet manager. + +- **You only use Macs.** SnippetsLab is macOS-only and feels at home there. +- **You want zero-config sync between Macs.** iCloud Sync is built in. +- **You want automatic language detection.** SnippetsLab auto-detects the language for the 50 most popular formats using Apple's Core ML — massCode requires you to pick the language manually. +- **You want a long-running, single-purpose snippet manager** with smart groups, file attachments, a menu bar Assistant, snippet linking, pinned snippets, and 18 built-in themes. +- **You like Alfred or Raycast workflows.** SnippetsLab integrates with both via Alfred Workflow and a Raycast Extension. + +## Where massCode fits better + +massCode is a strong choice when you cross platforms or need more than snippets. + +- **You work on Windows or Linux too.** massCode runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Your snippets travel with you across all three. +- **You want one workspace, not five apps.** massCode includes [Code](/documentation/code/library), [Notes](/documentation/notes/), [HTTP](/documentation/http/), [Math](/documentation/math/), and [Tools](/documentation/tools/). SnippetsLab focuses on snippets. +- **You want plain Markdown files on disk.** massCode's [Markdown Vault](/documentation/storage) keeps everything as `.md` files with frontmatter — readable in any editor, easy to back up, trivial to put in Git. +- **You want a direct import path from SnippetsLab.** Export SnippetsLab JSON, preview it in massCode, then import snippets, folders, tags, descriptions, and fragments into Code. +- **You want sync that is not tied to iCloud.** massCode lets you point [iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, Syncthing, or Git](/documentation/sync) at the vault. That matters if you mix macOS with Windows or Linux machines. +- **You want full transparency.** massCode is open source on [GitHub](https://github.com/massCodeIO/massCode) under AGPL v3. + +## Honest trade-offs + +- **No native Mac feel in massCode.** massCode is built with Electron. It runs well on macOS, but it is a cross-platform app, not a native AppKit app. +- **No iCloud-only sync product in massCode.** You can put your vault inside iCloud Drive, but there is no built-in iCloud sync engine like SnippetsLab's. +- **No automatic language detection in massCode.** When you create a new snippet, the default language is "Plain text" and you pick the actual language from a dropdown. SnippetsLab does this automatically for popular languages. + +## Who should pick which + +- Pick **SnippetsLab** if you only use macOS and want a polished, native, free snippet manager with automatic language detection and iCloud sync between Macs. +- Pick **massCode** if you work across macOS, Windows, and Linux, or if you want a single open-source workspace for snippets, notes, HTTP, and math, with your data as plain Markdown files. + +## Migration tips + +To move from SnippetsLab to massCode: + +1. In SnippetsLab, export your library as JSON. +2. In massCode, open [Code](/documentation/code/library), choose import, and select the SnippetsLab export file. +3. Review the preview and warnings, then import the snippets into your Markdown Vault. +4. Move longer documentation into [Notes](/documentation/notes/) and link between notes and snippets. + +[Download massCode](/download/) and run it alongside SnippetsLab while you migrate.