buku is a command-line bookmark manager that stores bookmarks in a private, portable, merge-able database with optional web interface access.
The tool addresses the need for a flexible bookmark management solution that prioritizes privacy and portability. It works by maintaining bookmarks in a local database that can be searched, tagged, and organized entirely from the terminal. The tool can import bookmarks from browsers, automatically fetch titles and descriptions from URLs, and support editing through your preferred text editor. Search capabilities include regex matching and a deep scan mode for URL-based lookups. Additional features include checking for broken links via the Wayback Machine and a random bookmark revisit function. The project explicitly avoids tracking, hidden history, analytics, or external communication.
The tool suits developers and privacy-conscious users who prefer command-line workflows and want full control over their bookmark data. It works well for anyone managing a large collection of bookmarks who values portability and the ability to merge databases across systems. The project also provides bukuserver, a web interface for those preferring graphical access to the same underlying database. buku functions as a library, enabling integration into other tools and browser extensions.
Development activity shows consistent maintenance with documentation coverage including a man page with examples and operational notes. The project maintains an active build pipeline and is packaged across multiple distribution channels. The codebase demonstrates attention to edge cases through features like deep scan mode and Wayback Machine integration. The tool's design reflects consideration for both standalone terminal use and integration scenarios through its library interface.
