summaryrefslogtreecommitdiff
path: root/doc/gnosis.info
blob: ddae27de7881ede15bc9db808b3945631662d9b9 (about) (plain)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
This is gnosis.info, produced by makeinfo version 7.1 from gnosis.texi.

INFO-DIR-SECTION Emacs misc features
START-INFO-DIR-ENTRY
* Gnosis (γνῶσις): (gnosis). Spaced Repetition System For Note Taking And Self-Testing.
END-INFO-DIR-ENTRY


File: gnosis.info,  Node: Top,  Next: Introduction,  Up: (dir)

Gnosis User Manual
******************

Gnosis (γνῶσις), pronounced "noh-sis", _meaning knowledge in Greek_, is
a spaced repetition system implementation for note taking and self
testing.

This manual is written for Gnosis version 0.1.4, released on 2023-01-19.

   • Official manual: <https://thanosapollo.org/user-manual/gnosis>
   • Git repositories:
        • main: <https://git.thanosapollo.org/gnosis>
        • sourcehut (mirror): <https://git.sr.ht/~thanosapollo/gnosis>

* Menu:

* Introduction::
* Installation::
* Adding notes::
* Note Types::
* Customization & Development::

-- The Detailed Node Listing --

Installation

* Using straight.el: Using straightel.
* Installing manually from source::

Note Types

* Cloze::
* Basic Type::
* Double::
* MCQ (Multiple Choice Question)::
* y-or-n::

Customization & Development

* Creating Custom Note Types::
* Customizing Gnosis Algorithm::

Customizing Gnosis Algorithm

* Gnosis Algorithm Initial Interval::
* Gnosis Algorithm Easiness Factor::
* Gnosis Algorithm Forgetting Factor::



File: gnosis.info,  Node: Introduction,  Next: Installation,  Prev: Top,  Up: Top

1 Introduction
**************

Gnosis is a spaced repetition note taking and self testing system, where
notes are taken in a Question/Answer/Explanation-like format & reviewed
in spaced intervals.

   Gnosis can help you better understand and retain the material by
encouraging active engagement.  It also provides a clear structure for
your notes & review sessions, making it easier to study.


File: gnosis.info,  Node: Installation,  Next: Adding notes,  Prev: Introduction,  Up: Top

2 Installation
**************

Gnosis is not currently available in any ELPA, the recommended way to
install gnosis is via straight.el:

   <https://github.com/radian-software/straight.el>

* Menu:

* Using straight.el: Using straightel.
* Installing manually from source::


File: gnosis.info,  Node: Using straightel,  Next: Installing manually from source,  Up: Installation

2.1 Using straight.el
=====================

If you have not installed straight.el, follow the instructions here:

   <https://github.com/radian-software/straight.el>

   Once you have installed straight.el, you can install gnosis using the
following emacs lisp snippet:

     (straight-use-package
      '(gnosis :type git
               :host nil
               :repo "https://git.thanosapollo.org/gnosis"))


File: gnosis.info,  Node: Installing manually from source,  Prev: Using straightel,  Up: Installation

2.2 Installing manually from source
===================================

Gnosis depends on the ‘compat’ & ‘emacsql’ libraries which are available
from MELPA.  Install them using ‘M-x package-install RET <package> RET’
or you may also install them manually from their repository.

   • Clone gnosis repository

          $ git clone https://git.thanosapollo.org/gnosis ~/.emacs.d/site-lisp/gnosis

   • Add this to your emacs configuration

          (add-to-list 'load-path "~/.emacs.d/site-lisp/gnosis")
          (load-file "~/.emacs.d/site-lisp/gnosis/gnosis.el")


File: gnosis.info,  Node: Adding notes,  Next: Note Types,  Prev: Installation,  Up: Top

3 Adding notes
**************

Creating notes for gnosis can be done interactively with: ‘M-x
gnosis-add-note’

   Advanced/Power users may prefer to use ‘gnosis-add-note--TYPE’

   Example:

     (gnosis-add-note--basic :deck "DECK-NAME"
                             :question "Your Question"
                             :answer "Answer"
                             :hint "hint"
                             :extra "Explanation"
                             :image "Image displayed before user-input" ;; Optional
                             :second-image "Image displayed after user-input" ;; Optional
                             :tags '("tag1" "tag2"))

   By default, the value of image and second image is nil.  Their value
must a string, the path of an image, from inside ‘gnosis-images-dir’.

   Each note type has a ‘gnosis-add-note-TYPE’ that is used
interactively & a "hidden function" ‘gnosis-add-note--TYPE’ that handles
all the logic.

   Every note type has these values in common:

   • ‘extra’ string value, extra information/explanation displayed after
     user-input
   • ‘image’ Image displayed _before_ user input
   • ‘second-image’ Image displayed _after_ user input

   The following sections will cover the important differences you have
to know when creating new notes.


File: gnosis.info,  Node: Note Types,  Next: Customization & Development,  Prev: Adding notes,  Up: Top

4 Note Types
************

* Menu:

* Cloze::
* Basic Type::
* Double::
* MCQ (Multiple Choice Question)::
* y-or-n::


File: gnosis.info,  Node: Cloze,  Next: Basic Type,  Up: Note Types

4.1 Cloze
=========

A cloze note type is a format where you create sentences or paragraphs
with "missing" words.  Almost all note types can be written as a cloze
type in a way.  Ideal type for memorizing definitions.

   To get the most out of gnosis, you have to become familiar with cloze
type notes.

   You can create a cloze note type using ‘M-x gnosis-add-note’ and
selecting ‘Cloze’, the question should be formatted like this:

     {c1:Cyproheptadine} is a(n) {c2:5-HT2} receptor antagonist used to
     treat {c2:serotonin syndrome}

   You can also format clozes like Anki if you prefer; e.g
‘{{c1::Cyproheptadine}}’

   • For each 'cX'-tag there will be created a cloze type note, the
     above example creates 2 cloze type notes.

   • Each 'cX' tag can have multiple clozes, but each cloze must be a
     *UNIQUE* word (or a unique combination of words) in given note.


File: gnosis.info,  Node: Basic Type,  Next: Double,  Prev: Cloze,  Up: Note Types

4.2 Basic Type
==============

Basic note type is a simple question/answer note, where the user first
sees a "main" part, which is usually a question, and he is prompted to
input the answer.


File: gnosis.info,  Node: Double,  Next: MCQ (Multiple Choice Question),  Prev: Basic Type,  Up: Note Types

4.3 Double
==========

Double note type, is essentially a note that generates 2 basic notes.
The second one reverses question/answer.

   Ideal for vocabulary acquisition, creating vocabulary/translation
notes for a foreign language.


File: gnosis.info,  Node: MCQ (Multiple Choice Question),  Next: y-or-n,  Prev: Double,  Up: Note Types

4.4 MCQ (Multiple Choice Question)
==================================

MCQ note type, consists of a "stem" part that is displayed, and
"options" for the user to select the right one.

   Answer must be the index NUMBER of the correct answer from OPTIONS.

   Ideal for self testing & simulating exams


File: gnosis.info,  Node: y-or-n,  Prev: MCQ (Multiple Choice Question),  Up: Note Types

4.5 y-or-n
==========

y-or-n (yes or no) note type, user is presented with a question and
prompted to enter character "y" or "n".

   When using the hidden function ‘gnosis-add-note--y-or-n’, note that
the ANSWER must be either 121 (‘y’) or 110 (‘n’), as those correspond to
the character values used to represent them.


File: gnosis.info,  Node: Customization & Development,  Prev: Note Types,  Up: Top

5 Customization & Development
*****************************

To make development and customization easier, gnosis comes with
‘gnosis-dev’ module, that should be used to create a custom database for
testing.

   To use ‘gnosis-dev’, first you have to ‘(require 'gnosis-dev)’ & run
‘M-x gnosis-dev-test’.  This will create a new directory 'testing' with
a new database.

   To exit the testing environment, rerun ‘M-x gnosis-dev-test’ and then
enter ‘n’ (no) at the prompt "Start development env?"

* Menu:

* Creating Custom Note Types::
* Customizing Gnosis Algorithm::


File: gnosis.info,  Node: Creating Custom Note Types,  Next: Customizing Gnosis Algorithm,  Up: Customization & Development

5.1 Creating Custom Note Types
==============================

Creating custom note types for gnosis is a fairly simple thing to do

   • First add your NEW-TYPE to ‘gnosis-note-types’

          (add-to-list 'gnosis-note-types 'new-type)

   • Create 2 functions; ‘gnosis-add-note-TYPE’ &
     ‘gnosis-add-note--TYPE’

   Each note type has a ‘gnosis-add-note-TYPE’ that is used
interactively & a "hidden function" ‘gnosis-add-note--TYPE’ that handles
all the logic.

   Refer to ‘gnosis-add-note-basic’ & ‘gnosis-add-note--basic’ for a
simple example of how this is done.

   • Create ‘gnosis-review-TYPE’

   This function should handle the review process, displaying it's
contents and updating the database depending on the result of the review
(fail/pass).  Refer to ‘gnosis-review-basic’ for an example of how this
should be done.

   • Optionally, you might want to create your own custom
     ‘gnosis-display’ functions


File: gnosis.info,  Node: Customizing Gnosis Algorithm,  Prev: Creating Custom Note Types,  Up: Customization & Development

5.2 Customizing Gnosis Algorithm
================================

* Menu:

* Gnosis Algorithm Initial Interval::
* Gnosis Algorithm Easiness Factor::
* Gnosis Algorithm Forgetting Factor::


File: gnosis.info,  Node: Gnosis Algorithm Initial Interval,  Next: Gnosis Algorithm Easiness Factor,  Up: Customizing Gnosis Algorithm

5.2.1 Gnosis Algorithm Initial Interval
---------------------------------------

‘gnosis-algorithm-interval’ is a list of 2 numbers, representing the
first two initial intervals for successful reviews.

   Example:

     (setq gnosis-algorithm-interval '(1 3))

   Using the above example, after first successfully reviewing a note,
you will see it again tomorrow, if you successfully review said note
again, the next review will be after 3 days.


File: gnosis.info,  Node: Gnosis Algorithm Easiness Factor,  Next: Gnosis Algorithm Forgetting Factor,  Prev: Gnosis Algorithm Initial Interval,  Up: Customizing Gnosis Algorithm

5.2.2 Gnosis Algorithm Easiness Factor
--------------------------------------

‘gnosis-algorithm-ef’ is a list that consists of 3 items.

   The first item is the increase factor, used to increase the easiness
factor upon successful review.

   Second item refers to the decrease factor, used to decrease the
easiness factor upon an unsuccessful review.

   The third item is the initial total easiness factor, used to
calculate the next interval.

   The basic's of how this is used is that it's being multiplied with
the last interval upon a successful review, e.g if you last reviewed a
note 6 days ago, and the easiness factor of this note is 2.0, your next
interval would be 6 * 2.0 & the total easiness factor would be 2.0 +
increase-factor as well.

   Example:

     (setq gnosis-algorithm-ef '(0.3 0.3 1.3))


File: gnosis.info,  Node: Gnosis Algorithm Forgetting Factor,  Prev: Gnosis Algorithm Easiness Factor,  Up: Customizing Gnosis Algorithm

5.2.3 Gnosis Algorithm Forgetting Factor
----------------------------------------

‘gnosis-algorithm-ff’ is a floating number below 1.

   It's used to calculate the next interval upon an unsuccessful review,
by being multiplied with last interval.

   Example:

     (setq gnosis-algorithm-ff 0.5)

   For a note with a value of last-interval of 6 days and a ff of 0.5,
upon an unsuccessful review the next interval will be 6 * 0.5



Tag Table:
Node: Top246
Node: Introduction1372
Node: Installation1852
Node: Using straightel2221
Node: Installing manually from source2737
Node: Adding notes3426
Node: Note Types4856
Node: Cloze5082
Node: Basic Type6055
Node: Double6333
Node: MCQ (Multiple Choice Question)6679
Node: y-or-n7088
Node: Customization & Development7514
Node: Creating Custom Note Types8195
Node: Customizing Gnosis Algorithm9299
Node: Gnosis Algorithm Initial Interval9617
Node: Gnosis Algorithm Easiness Factor10208
Node: Gnosis Algorithm Forgetting Factor11212

End Tag Table


Local Variables:
coding: utf-8
End: