An open, extensible AI knowledge system
This is Donkey, the thing I'm building — a local tool built around your knowledge base, open to both humans and AI. Its open plugin system lets you extend any capability yourself, free from the limits of closed-source apps. If you've used Obsidian, you'll get it in minutes.
User interface
Humans open, read and reshape the local knowledge base.
AI / CLI / MCP
Agents enter the same files through commands and protocols.
Rust engine
Indexing, links, tags and plugins share one core.
Local Markdown
Everything lands back in readable, portable files.
$ donkey open ~/knowledge-vault
✓ same docs for humans and agentsThree things that define Donkey
An open plugin box — extend anything
Donkey's power comes from an open plugin system. Missing a feature? Write it or tweak it yourself, unconstrained by a closed app's official API — even the most niche need can ship.
An agent OS built around your knowledge base
Your KB isn't just for reading and writing — it's the AI's workbench. Agents search, tag, link and rename right inside your notes, like a teammate who actually does the work. You lead, AI executes.
Native Rust, fast and small
No Electron, no bundled Chromium. Fast startup, low memory, tiny installer. Open an existing Obsidian vault directly, so you get up to speed fast.
Humans in the UI, AI on the CLI, same files
The interface and AI / CLI / MCP share one Rust engine writing to the same local Markdown folder.
User interface
Humans open, read and reshape the local knowledge base.
AI / CLI / MCP
Agents enter the same files through commands and protocols.
Rust engine
Indexing, links, tags and plugins share one core.
Local Markdown
Everything lands back in readable, portable files.
If you know Obsidian, here's how to read Donkey
| Obsidian | Donkey | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Notes / knowledge base | Open, extensible AI knowledge system |
| Plugin extensibility | Closed, bound by official API | Open, write your own without limits |
| Direct AI access | No | Native CLI + MCP |
| Core tech | Electron | Rust + Tauri |
Used Obsidian? Just open your existing vault
Point Donkey at your notes folder and start. The format stays the same; links and tags keep working — treat Obsidian as a starting point for understanding Donkey, not the destination.
donkey open ~/obsidian-vaultDownload Donkey now
For Windows, macOS and Linux. Pick your platform, copy the command or download directly.
macOS
Recommended$ brew install --cask donkeySHA256 f2c2c40092e9eeffb9939fbf480c208a2cf9869ca499e2c90847d94521d75982
Windows
Linux
Subscribe to updates
Releases and dev progress. Occasional, never spam.