# File over app principle
Principle described by [[Steph Ango]].
The idea behind it is to use open file standards, and separate the applications from the data they operate on, leaving it under full control of the user.
For instance, [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md) applies this principle. Notes created with Obsidian are saved as [[Markdown]] files. Those can be stored anywhere, and can be edited with any text editor. That is *true* freedom. If Obsidian disappears tomorrow, its users will still have all their data, and will still be able to modify it.
## References
- https://stephango.com/file-over-app