Cotoami

Cotoami is a note-taking application that helps your personal and team knowledge naturally evolve into a concept-based knowledge base. It is a cross-platform standalone application with offline support. The application structures your input as Cotos (information units) and connects them using Itos (links between Cotos). By building these connections, you transform isolated notes into an interconnected knowledge network. A distinctive feature is the integrated world map, which allows you to associate any information with geographical locations even offline, as the map is completely included within the application.

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• Coto Structure. Fundamental unit of information in Cotoami. Each Coto represents an individual concept, idea, or piece of knowledge. Cotos can contain text, links, or references to other elements in the system. This modular structure allows knowledge to be organized into discrete components that maintain their unique identity within the knowledge base.
• Ito Connections. Linking mechanism between Cotos that establishes semantic relationships. Itos create a directed knowledge network where each connection has a specific context. This linking system transforms independent notes into an interconnected structure that reflects the natural relationships between concepts.
• Integrated world map. Geolocation system that works without an internet connection. The map allows associating Cotos with specific geographic coordinates, creating a spatial dimension for knowledge organization. The application includes basic cartographic data within the distribution package to ensure permanent functionality.
• Conceptual knowledge base. Architecture that emerges from the systematic connection of Cotos using Itos. This structure facilitates the discovery of implicit relationships between concepts and promotes the organic evolution of knowledge. The base dynamically adapts as new content and connections are added.
• Collaborative work. Ability to connect with other users' databases for cooperative editing. The system allows maintaining synchronized remote nodes where multiple users can contribute to the same body of knowledge. This functionality preserves the individual identity of each participant while building collective knowledge.
• Cross-platform support. Technical implementation guaranteeing compatibility with different operating systems. The application maintains functional and interface consistency across versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux. This feature ensures continuity in the user experience regardless of the device.
• Local storage. Data management model where each user maintains complete control over their information. Data is stored locally on the user's device, providing privacy and immediate access without dependence on external servers. This approach prioritizes user security and autonomy.
• Plugin system. Extensible architecture based on WebAssembly to expand functionalities. Plugins are installed per database and can be developed in multiple programming languages. This system allows customizing and adapting the application to specific needs without modifying the core code.
• Automatic summarization. Function of the ChatGPT plugin that generates summaries of extensive content. When a Coto exceeds a defined character threshold, the plugin processes the text and produces a structured summary. This feature helps manage large volumes of information while maintaining conceptual clarity.
• Conversational context. Capability of the ChatGPT plugin to analyze chains of connected Cotos. When posting a #chatgpt Coto linked to another via the ＋ button, the plugin traverses the directed graph backward, collecting relevant Cotos as context. This mechanism allows providing elaborated and edited context for AI interactions.
• Multilingual interface. Localization system that adapts the interface to the operating system language. The application automatically detects the regional settings and presents texts in the corresponding language. The implementation includes support for Spanish, English, Japanese, German, French, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
• Higher Cotonomas. Hierarchical visualization showing the parent categories of a selected Cotonoma. The screen is organized in two layers: the upper one shows Higher Cotonomas of the current Cotonoma, and the lower one shows Higher Cotonomas of pinned Cotos. This structure facilitates understanding of categories and organizational context.
• Cloud map. High-resolution cartographic service accessible when the application has an internet connection. This system complements the integrated local map, providing complete geographic details during online use. In offline mode, the application automatically resorts to the map included in the distribution package.
• Event log. Logging system that captures and displays plugin activity in real time. Log, info, error, and plugin cancellation events appear in the message log in the bottom-right corner of the interface. This mechanism provides operational transparency and aids in debugging extensions.

Cotoami was created by an independent development team led by Japanese programmer Yasuaki Takebe. The project began development in 2017 as a personal application for knowledge management. The first public version was released in 2018 after a year of internal development. The application is built primarily using Elm for the frontend and Elixir for the backend, with plugin implementation via WebAssembly. The technological architecture selects functional languages to ensure code stability and maintainability.

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