Refactoring zettels is the process of improving the contents and structure of an existing zettel or set of zettels for a better outcome. Scenarios for refactoring include: (1) rewriting zettel contents; (2) splitting zettels covering too many things; (3) merging zettels which are too granular in one zettel; (4) grouping zettels for a better structure; (5) renaming zettels for conciseness; (6) deprecating old zettels and adding new versions; (7) deleting zettels that are not valid anymore.
1. Rewriting zettels (changing contents)
When ingesting the knowledge contained in permanent notes, the user may face the need to change it, rewrite it, make it simpler, or just more expressive. The atomic unit of knowledge contained in that zettel must be concise, accurate, and objective. Well written zettels express the original text's ideas, concepts, central points, and arguments concisely and coherently while digging beneath the surface to convey the underlying meaning and intent. Unless the user is writing a new permanent note, the zettel under review must continue providing the correct overview of the original text. Therefore, users must maintain strict care and objectivity when rewriting permanent notes.
2. Splitting zettels
Permanent notes should be atomic untis of knowledge — ideally each zettels should contain one single concept, idea, or central point. When making a permanent note it's not difficult to combine two or more central points from the original source, from literature notes or from Fleeting notes in one single zettel. During review, the user must split the zettel in one or more zettels to achieve the ideal granularity.
3. Merging zettels
Scenario: there are many small, fine-grained fleeting notes defining or expressing the same idea, concept, or central point, and they can live together in one fleeting note or become a permanent note. Merging zettels is also a decluttering tool used to keep the Zettelkasten, up-to-date, clean and efficient.
4. Grouping
There are many ways to group zettels: (1) tagging all zettels of the same group; (2) creating a hub note that group them together; (3) interconnect them with hyperlinks.
5. Renaming zettels
Under development/review
6. Deprecating zettels and adding new versions
Under development/review
7. Deleting zettels
Under development/review