Anki (software)

Anki

Developer(s)	Damien Elmes
Stable release	0.9.9.6
Repository	github.com/ankitects/anki
Written in	Python
Operating system	Windows, Linux, Mac OS X
Platform	Cross-Platform
Available in	English, Japanese, German, French, Spanish, Czech, Korean, Italian
Type	Flashcard spaced repetition
License	GPL v3
Website	http://ichi2.net/anki/

Anki (from the Japanese word 暗記 meaning "memorizing"; 暗記 although pronounced [ànjì] in Mandarin the actual Chinese words for memorize are 熟记 or 默记　) is a spaced repetition flashcard program. The software is similar to SuperMemo, a commercial product for the same purpose, and Mnemosyne, a minimalist free software alternative.

The SM2 algorithm, created for SuperMemo in the late 80s, forms the basis of the spaced repetition methods employed in the program. Anki's implementation of the algorithm has been modified to allow priorities on cards, and to show cards in order of their urgency.

Unique features

Facts

Anki stores data in a different way to other flashcard programs. Within Anki, data is held in two forms: "facts" and "cards". Facts are like database entries and can have an arbitrary number of fields. For example, for learning a language, a fact may have the following fields and example entries:

• Field 1: Expression in target language - "gâteau"
• Field 2: Pronunciation - [sound file with the word "gâteau" pronounced]
• Field 3: Meaning in your own language - "cake"

The user can then design cards that test the information contained in each fact. One card may have a question: (expression) and an answer (pronunciation, meaning).

By keeping the separate cards linked to the same fact, spelling mistakes can be adjusted against all cards at the same time, and Anki can make sure related cards are not shown in too short a spacing.

Syncing

Anki supports synchronization with a free online server. This allows you to keep your deck synchronized across multiple computers, and to study online or on a cell phone.

Japanese and Chinese reading generation

Anki will automatically fill in the reading of Japanese and Chinese text.

Comparisons

SuperMemo appears to be one of the earliest Spaced Repetition Systems programs. As of mid-2008, it remains the most advanced, although in terms of usability it has been far surpassed by its open-source successors, Anki and Mnemosyne. Mnemosyne is much closer to SuperMemo in functionality and look-and-feel. It is simple and effective. Anki is in comparison not quite as stable but more feature rich. Anki is in active development and as it matures it will likely be a bit different from both SuperMemo and Mnemosyne.

Anki's scheduling algorithm is based on an older version of the SuperMemo algorithm. The Anki author claims that newer versions of the Supermemo algorithm are more susceptible to incorrect scheduling.

External links

• Anki website
• SM2 Algorithm
• Anki Algorithm