# MarkdownTaskManager ## Overview MarkdownTaskManager is a local-first Kanban task management application contained entirely within a single HTML file. It transforms local Markdown files into an interactive Kanban board without requiring any database, server, or cloud infrastructure. Specifically designed for developers working with AI assistants like Claude, GitHub Copilot, and ChatGPT, it provides native integration capabilities while maintaining full git compatibility for distributed team collaboration. The tool prioritizes privacy and portability by keeping all task data in plain Markdown format on the user's local machine. ## Key Features - **Single HTML File Application**: Entire application runs from task-manager.html with zero installation or dependencies - **Local-First Architecture**: All data stored as plain Markdown files (kanban.md, archive.md) on local filesystem - **Interactive Kanban Board**: Visual drag-and-drop interface for moving tasks through workflow columns - **Rich Task Metadata**: Support for priority levels, tags, categories, user assignments, due dates, and subtasks - **AI Assistant Integration**: Pre-configured templates for Claude, GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, and other AI coding assistants - **Git-Friendly Format**: Markdown structure works seamlessly with version control and team synchronization - **Advanced Filtering**: Cumulative filtering by priority, tags, categories, and users with global search - **Archive System**: Automatic archiving of completed tasks with completion timestamps - **Multi-Project Support**: Remembers last 10 projects for easy switching between different task boards - **Multi-Language Support**: English and French localization - **Privacy-Focused**: Data never leaves the user's machine, works completely offline ## Use Cases - **AI-Assisted Development**: Developers working with AI coding assistants need a task manager that assistants can read and write to automatically - **Distributed Teams**: Small teams using git for collaboration can sync tasks through version control without additional infrastructure - **Privacy-Conscious Workflows**: Users who want complete data ownership and offline functionality without cloud dependencies - **Markdown-Native Projects**: Teams already working in Markdown want task management integrated with their existing documentation - **Solo Developers**: Individual developers managing multiple projects need simple, portable task tracking - **Rapid Prototyping**: Projects requiring quick task management setup without infrastructure investment ## Platform Support - **Desktop**: Runs in modern web browsers (Chrome 86+, Microsoft Edge 86+, Opera 72+) on Windows, macOS, and Linux - **Web**: Not applicable - runs locally in browser, not hosted - **Mobile**: Limited support - requires browsers with File System Access API (not available on iOS Safari or Firefox) - **Self-Hosted**: Single HTML file can be placed in project directories or centralized location - **API**: Direct file manipulation through browser's File System Access API - **Limitations**: No Firefox or Safari support due to browser API requirements ## Pricing - **Open Source**: Completely free under Mozilla Public License 2.0 (MPL-2.0) - **No Commercial Plans**: Project is open source with no paid tiers or enterprise offerings - **Self-Contained**: No subscription, hosting costs, or vendor lock-in ## Integrations - **AI Assistants**: Native configuration templates for Claude/Anthropic, GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT/OpenAI, Google Gemini, Alibaba Qwen, and Codeium/Windsurf - **Version Control**: Git-compatible Markdown format for team synchronization and conflict resolution - **Text Editors**: Markdown files can be edited directly in any text editor alongside the visual interface - **Workflow Tools**: Task metadata structure designed for AI agent interaction and automation ## Installation 1. Download task-manager.html from the GitHub repository 2. Open the HTML file in a compatible browser (Chrome 86+, Edge 86+, Opera 72+) 3. Click "Select Folder" to choose a directory for your task files 4. Application automatically creates kanban.md and archive.md if they don't exist 5. (Optional) Copy AI assistant configuration files (CLAUDE.md, .github/copilot-instructions.md) to enable assistant integration 6. Start creating and managing tasks through the visual interface or directly in Markdown **AI Assistant Configuration**: - Place CLAUDE.md in project root for Claude integration - Copy .github/copilot-instructions.md for GitHub Copilot - Reference AI_WORKFLOW.md for task formatting guidelines - AI assistants can now read and write tasks following standardized format ## Technical Details - **Architecture**: Client-side JavaScript application with no backend requirements - **Storage Format**: Plain text Markdown files (kanban.md for active tasks, archive.md for completed) - **Browser API**: File System Access API for direct local file read/write operations - **Task Structure**: Markdown checklist items with indented metadata fields (priority, tags, category, users, due dates, subtasks) - **Column Organization**: Customizable Kanban columns defined by Markdown H2 headings (default: Todo, In Progress, Review, Done) - **File Size**: Minimal footprint as single HTML file application - **Dependencies**: None - standalone application with no external libraries - **Browser Requirements**: Chromium-based browsers (Chrome/Edge/Opera) version 86 or higher - **Offline Capability**: Full functionality without internet connection after initial HTML file download ## Remarks MarkdownTaskManager fills a unique niche for developers who want the simplicity of Markdown-based task management combined with modern Kanban visualization and AI assistant integration. Its local-first architecture and git-friendly format make it particularly valuable for distributed development teams who already use version control for collaboration, eliminating the need for separate cloud-based task management infrastructure. While browser compatibility limitations and the newness of the project (launched [[2025-11-10|November 10, 2025]]) mean it may not suit every use case, its zero-configuration approach and complete privacy make it an excellent choice for developers seeking a lightweight, portable, and AI-native task management solution that respects data ownership and works seamlessly with modern development workflows.