index-note

Index Note

Principle

An index is an entry point, not a taxonomy. Be selective and keep it short.

Quick start

• Pick an index type (keyword / structure / thinking trail).
• Select only 3–5 best entry notes.
• Immediately add bidirectional links (index ↔ entry notes).

Index types

• Hub note: stable top-level entry for a domain
• Structure note: project outline / argument structure
• Thinking trail: chronological evolution of a line of thought

Workflow

Step 1: Collect

1. Choose index type
2. Search related notes
3. Extract 3–5 core concepts
4. Pick 1–2 best entry notes per concept

Step 2: Shape the structure

• Separate primary vs secondary concepts
• Use indentation to show relationships
• Keep it within one screen

Step 3: Link & maintain

• Index → entries: [[Note]]
• Entries → index: add backlink
• Mark created/updated time

Output template

# Index: [Topic]

## Overview
- **Type**: Hub / Structure / Trail
- **Status**: SEED / EVERGREEN
- **Created**: YYYY-MM-DD

## Core entry points
- [[Best starting note]] — why it’s the best start
- [[Second entry]] — why

## Quick navigation
- **Start here**: [[Best starting note]]
- **Go deeper**: [[Advanced note]]

## Related indexes
- [[Related index]]

Common mistakes

• Treating the index as a full catalog → keep only the best entry points
• Too much hierarchy → keep it readable
• Never updating → review periodically

Quality checks

• Entry points are truly “best starts”
• Navigation is clear
• Fits within one screen