Lightwave – Real-time notes app, 3.5 years of hand-rolled JavaScript

In plain words

Lightwave is a real-time notes app designed for users who prefer plain text simplicity but need structure as projects grow. Built as a desktop application, it combines a text editor feel with collaborative features like live cursors and shared editing. The tool uses a custom JavaScript implementation with Laravel backend and WebSocket support for real-time synchronization. It's designed for anyone tired of switching between specialized productivity tools.

written from the facts on this page · September 2026

From the sources

In the maker’s words, at launch

Hi HN! I've been building this solo for about three and a half years. I kept trying every new project/notes tool (Notion, Asana, Trello, etc.) and always ended up back in a plain text file. I wanted something that felt like a text editor on first touch but could grow into real structure when you needed it.…

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