Nodus
A local-first software architecture demonstration. Real-time graph layouts via WebAssembly, client-side state synchronization without server overhead, and sovereign data patterns where all computation stays on-device.
This application is still evolving. macOS is the main development and testing environment. Windows and Linux support is secondary and may be less polished. The software comes without guarantees. If you encounter issues or have ideas, feedback is welcome.
Architecture Patterns
Edge Compute via WASM
Typst rendering compiled to WebAssembly for sub-second math compilation entirely on-device. Zero server round-trips for typesetting operations.
Embedded Database
LibSQL (SQLite fork) provides ACID-compliant persistence with zero external dependencies. Full relational queries without database server overhead.
Client-Side State Sync
Bi-directional Obsidian vault synchronization without cloud infrastructure. File system watchers trigger incremental updates preserving edit history.
Real-Time Graph Layout
PixiJS WebGL canvas with force-directed algorithms running at 60fps. Handles thousands of nodes without server-side computation.
Native Shell Architecture
Tauri v2 provides native OS integration with Rust backend. Smaller binary size and lower memory footprint than Electron-based alternatives.
Optional AI Integration
Pluggable LLM support via Ollama (local) or cloud providers. Architecture supports on-device inference for air-gapped environments.
Semantic Data Model
Notes, citations, tags, and file nodes with typed edges (related, cites, supports, contradicts). Ontology import for domain-specific hierarchies.
Document Export Pipeline
Storylines create linear document sequences through the knowledge graph. Export to markdown preserving structure and relationships.
Reference Integration
Zotero sync and BibTeX import with DOI resolution. Citation nodes link to source materials with automatic metadata extraction.
Data Sovereignty
All data stored locally. No cloud accounts required. Full data portability with standard file formats (Markdown, JSON, BibTeX).
Screenshots
Download
macOS Installation
The app is not signed with an Apple Developer certificate. On first launch, macOS will block it. To open:
- Right-click the app and select Open
- Click Open in the dialog
Alternatively, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and click "Open Anyway" next to the blocked app message.
Windows Installation
Windows Defender SmartScreen may show "Windows protected your PC" or "Unknown publisher" warning. To proceed:
- Click More info
- Click Run anyway
Alternatively, right-click the installer → Properties → check Unblock → Apply, then run.