Bringing Gleam to Obsidian: A Minimal Plugin Journey

Speaker:
Norbert Melzer


Abstract:

Are you curious about using Gleam, a statically typed functional language that compiles to JavaScript, outside its usual backend comfort zone? In this talk, I’ll walk you through my journey as a Gleam newcomer integrating its JavaScript target into the Obsidian plugin system. We’ll build a minimal yet practical plugin, exploring the setup, initial hurdles, and how Gleam’s type safety and functional style translate to the world of note-taking extensions. Whether you’re new to Gleam or just interested in alternative plugin development workflows, this session will share hands-on insights, lessons learned, and tips for getting started with Gleam in the Obsidian ecosystem.

Key Takeaways:

  • First-hand insights into the challenges and surprises encountered as a Gleam newcomer.

  • Practical tips for setting up a development workflow that combines Gleam and Obsidian.

  • Inspiration for trying out new languages and tools, even if you’re not an expert yet.

Target Audience:

  • Obsidian users and plugin authors looking for alternative development workflows.

  • Anyone who enjoys learning from real-world, beginner-friendly journeys into new ecosystems.

Tags:
gleam, obsidian, eco-system-bridging