Taking effective notes is an essential skill in tech, whether for coding or general knowledge retention. I take note-taking seriously because it helps me organize my thoughts, track progress, and document solutions for future reference. In this post, I’ll share my approach to note-taking and how I use Obsidian to streamline my workflow.
Why I Take Notes
1. Knowledge Retention
Technical concepts can be complex, and it’s easy to forget details over time. Writing things down helps reinforce my understanding and makes it easier to recall information when needed.
2. Efficient Problem-Solving
When troubleshooting issues in coding or reviewing knowledge, past notes act as a personal knowledge base. Instead of searching for solutions online repeatedly, I refer to my own documented experiences.
3. Reviewing and Certification Prep
I use my notes to review and reinforce my knowledge. In the past, my structured notes helped me pass the AWS Solution Architect certification by consolidating key concepts and best practices.
4. Collaboration and Documentation
Good notes allow me to share knowledge with others, whether through blog posts, documentation, or team discussions. This improves efficiency and reduces redundant problem-solving.
You can learn more about the benefits of note-taking by watching this YouTube video:
My Note-Taking Workflow in Obsidian
Obsidian is my go-to tool. It operates on markdown files, offers a flexible and powerful way to manage notes.
Here’s how I use it:
1. Folder and Tag Structure
I categorize notes into structured folders, such as:
- Programming (Python, Terraform, JavaScript)
- AWS (EC2, S3, IAM, Lambda)
- Errors & Fixes (Documenting issues and solutions)
- Project Notes (Personal and work-related projects)
I also use tags to link related topics across different categories, making retrieval easier.
2. Daily Notes and Journaling
Every day, I create a new note to track:
- Tasks I worked on
- Problems I encountered
- Solutions or commands I used
- Ideas for future improvements
This habit helps me reflect on progress and identify recurring challenges.
3. Linking Notes for Context
One of Obsidian’s strengths is its ability to create connections between notes. For example, if I take notes on setting up an AWS Lambda function, I link it to related notes on IAM permissions and API Gateway configurations. This builds a web of knowledge rather than isolated documents.
4. Syncing and Backup
To ensure I never lose my notes, I regularly back them up to my private Git repository and restore them as needed.
My Thoughts
Taking notes isn’t just about writing things down—it’s about creating a system that enhances learning, problem-solving, and productivity.
With Obsidian, I have a structured way to capture and organize my technical knowledge, making me more efficient in my work.
If you’re serious about improving your note-taking, I highly recommend giving Obsidian a try and building a system that works for you.