Why do so many build static site generators, todo, and note-taking apps

My guess is it is good enough MVP (minimum viable product) to demonstrate knowledge of basic async REST with a reactive front-end without spending months crafting business logic. Meaning that building a simple todo/note app proves that you know how to manage state within a SPA. I don't know why people build static site generators, maybe because they need one? I use Hugo CMS and am pretty happy with it.

The common advice when learning is to build something you'll use. I built a static site generator because I wanted a website. I was using Gatsby before, but it was overpowered and it's easier to build simple features than learn the Gatsby way.

Personally, I made mine because I use vim and was sick of switching workflows to check my todo list.

You can read about it here: https://jerseyfonseca.com/projects/bujo

1. They’re easy to conceptualize. When you tell people you built an app for note-taking, they know what you mean.

2. They’re easy to build. Getting from 90%~100% isn’t much harder than getting from 80%~90%, unless almost all real-world apps.

3. Everybody has an opinion about a tweak to the general formula that would make a better to-do app (for them personally).

4. They’ve seen others do it.

1) It scratches an itch every programmer has.

2) Every programmer can build it.