Seeking a streamlined task management tool for solo developer

Hey everyone,

I’m on the hunt for a simple project management tool that fits my needs as a solo developer working on side projects. I’ve got a few specific things in mind:

  • Something to keep track of my backlog without getting too complicated
  • Ability to manage multiple projects
  • Option to note external tasks (like hiring a designer for graphics)
  • No need for sprint tracking or fancy metrics
  • Prefer not to use Kanban boards (my backlog would be huge!)
  • Compatible with postgres, mysql, or redis (already on my network)
  • Bonus points if it works with authentik for login

I’m not looking for anything too fancy. Just a straightforward way to organize my tasks and ideas. Any suggestions? What do you use for your solo projects?

Thanks for your help!

I’ve been in your shoes, charlottew, and found that TaskWarrior really hit the sweet spot for me. It’s a command-line tool, so it might seem intimidating at first, but hear me out.

TaskWarrior is incredibly lightweight and flexible. You can manage multiple projects, tag tasks, set priorities, and it integrates seamlessly with your existing setup. I use it with a PostgreSQL backend, which works like a charm.

The best part? It’s totally customizable. I’ve set up my own simple reports to track my backlog without getting bogged down in unnecessary features. For external tasks, I just add a tag like ‘external’ or ‘outsource’.

It took me a bit to get used to the command-line interface, but now I find it much faster than clicking around a GUI. Plus, you can easily script it if you’re into that.

As for authentik integration, you might need to do some tinkering, but TaskWarrior’s flexibility means it’s definitely possible with a bit of effort.

Give it a shot – it might be just what you’re looking for.

hey charlottew, have u tried trello? it’s pretty simple but can handle multiple projects. you can make lists instead of kanban if u prefer. not sure about postgres etc but it’s got a nice api. for solo stuff i just use notion tho, keeps everything in one place. good luck finding something that works for ya!

I’ve been using Todoist for my solo dev projects, and it’s been a game-changer. It’s simple enough to not get in your way, but powerful enough to handle multiple projects and external tasks. The best part? You can organize everything with projects, labels, and priorities without getting bogged down in complex workflows.

For your database compatibility needs, Todoist has an API that you could potentially use to integrate with your existing setup. While it doesn’t natively support authentik, you might be able to work around that with some custom integration.

What I particularly like is how it lets me quickly capture ideas and tasks on the go, then organize them later. It’s helped me keep my backlog manageable without feeling overwhelmed. Might be worth giving it a try if you’re looking for something straightforward yet effective.