Skip to Content
View all events

Obsidian for Connected Thinking

Published by O'Reilly Media, Inc.

Intermediate content levelIntermediate

From mind maps to automated Zettelkasten

What you’ll learn and how you can apply it

  • Build a connected-note system in Obsidian using linked notes, brackets, hashtags, namespaces, and categories
  • Create visual maps of knowledge using Obsidian’s graph view, mind-map-style structures, and linkage strategies
  • Apply Zettelkasten principles in Obsidian to organize, connect, and retrieve ideas more effectively
  • Design a practical knowledge architecture for technical subjects using peer links, namespaces, synchronization, and structured note relationships

Course description

In one hour, Neal Ford teaches you how to use Obsidian to build a powerful connected-note system that goes beyond simple outlines and mind maps. You’ll compare outlines, mind maps, and Zettelkasten methods, then learn how Obsidian can function as an automated Zettelkasten for organizing ideas, projects, and technical knowledge.

The course covers linked notes, brackets, hashtags, graphical maps, peer links, namespaces, categories, and practical linkage strategies. You’ll also see how namespaces and categories appear in Obsidian’s graph view, how to keep notes synchronized, and how to apply these techniques through a case study on software architecture patterns, antipatterns, and pitfalls.

This live event is for you because...

  • You’re a software architect, developer, engineer, technical lead, or technology professional.
  • You work with technical concepts, research notes, design decisions, architecture patterns, project knowledge, or learning materials.
  • You want to become more effective at building a personal knowledge base.

Prerequisites

  • The free version of Obsidian downloaded for context
  • Basic familiarity with using a computer, files, folders, and text documents
  • Some experience taking digital notes or organizing information
  • No prior experience with Obsidian or Zettelkasten required
  • Basic familiarity with software development or software architecture concepts (useful but not required

Recommended follow-up:

Schedule

The time frames are only estimates and may vary according to how the class is progressing.

  • Outlines versus mind maps
  • Mind maps versus Zettelkasten
  • Obsidian as an automated Zettlekasten
  • Linked notes: Brackets, hashtags
  • Graphical maps
  • Linkage strategies: Peer links; namespaces—categories; how namespaces appear on maps
  • Bases: Filtered view of data; from table to mini-spreadsheet
  • Synchronization
  • Case study: Software architecture patterns, antipatterns, and pitfalls

Your Instructor

  • Neal Ford

    Neal Ford is an independent software consultant, best-selling author, speaker, and innovator in building concrete verification mechanisms for software architecture, for humans or agents. He’s an internationally recognized expert on software development and delivery, especially at the intersection of agile engineering techniques and software architecture. Neal has authored magazine articles, nine books (and counting), and dozens of video presentations, and has spoken at hundreds of developers’ conferences worldwide. His topics include software architecture, continuous delivery, functional programming, cutting-edge software engineering, and improving technical presentations. Check out his web site at Nealford.com.

Skill covered

Cloud Native