org-notes-quartz/example-notes/concepts/atomic-notes.org

Atomic Notes

• Characteristics
• Benefits
• Examples
• Connection to Other Concepts

An atomic note contains exactly one idea, fully expressed.

Characteristics

• Self-contained
• Single focus
• Linkable
• Reusable

Benefits

When notes are atomic:

• Easy to link from multiple contexts
• Simple to reorganize
• Clear to understand
• Quick to write

Examples

Good atomic note titles:

• "Spaced repetition improves long-term retention"
• "Links create unexpected connections"
• "Writing clarifies thinking"

Bad titles:

• "Notes about learning"
• "Stuff I read"

Connection to Other Concepts

Atomic notes are the foundation of Zettelkasten and enable effective Linking.

This principle comes from software engineering - see cite:martin2008 on the Single Responsibility Principle.