Show HN: Epiq – Distributed Git based issue tracker TUI

Epiq, a new distributed issue tracker designed for terminal enthusiasts, has been announced on Hacker News. It operates entirely within the command line, leveraging Git for synchronization and storing work as an immutable event log, eliminating the need for SaaS or browser-based interfaces. This development offers a novel approach to project management tailored for developers prioritizing local-first workflows.

Epiq is a vim-inspired, ASCII-based issue tracker that integrates directly with Git repositories. It allows users to create, move, filter, close, and reopen issues using keyboard commands, with navigation similar to vim’s hjkl keys. The system emphasizes local interaction, enabling instant edits and flexible synchronization—either manual or automatic—without relying on central servers.

The tool uses Git’s isolated worktrees and state branches to facilitate distributed collaboration, storing changes as append-only event logs. This structure ensures traceability, conflict-awareness, and deterministic replay of issue history, making it suitable for agent workflows and complex project management scenarios.

Installation is straightforward: users install Epiq globally via npm, enter any Git repository, and run the command to initialize the setup. The project provides ASCII kanban boards that can be navigated, filtered, and edited quickly within the terminal environment. Additionally, Epiq supports interactions with AI tools through a dedicated MCP server, aiming to streamline developer workflows further.

Why It Matters

This development matters because it offers a new paradigm for issue tracking that prioritizes developer control, privacy, and speed. By removing dependencies on cloud services and browser interfaces, Epiq caters to developers seeking a lightweight, integrated, and conflict-aware project management tool that fits seamlessly into their existing Git workflows. It also introduces a novel way to visualize and manage work using ASCII boards directly in the terminal, potentially increasing productivity and reducing context-switching.

Background

Traditional issue trackers are often cloud-based and rely on web interfaces, which can introduce latency and dependency on external services. Developers who prefer command-line tools have limited options for integrated, local-first solutions. Recent projects have explored terminal-based productivity tools, but fully Git-integrated, ASCII visual boards for issue management are rare. Epiq builds on this trend, combining vim-like navigation with event-sourced collaboration, and is part of a broader movement toward decentralized, developer-controlled project management tools.

“Epiq is designed to bring devX to project management, focusing on flow with keyboard navigation, command history, filters, autocompletion, and plain Git synchronization.”

— Epiq developer (via Hacker News post)

“It’s a vim-inspired issue tracker that renders as ASCII, stores work as an immutable event log, and synchronizes through Git, with no SaaS ceremony or browser required.”

— Epiq creator (via Hacker News post)

What Remains Unclear

Details about the full feature set, stability, and scalability of Epiq are still emerging. It is unclear how well the tool handles large projects or complex conflicts in practice, and user adoption is still in early stages. Additionally, integration with existing issue trackers or workflows has not been fully demonstrated.

What’s Next

Next steps include broader testing by early adopters, gathering user feedback, and developing additional features such as enhanced conflict resolution and integrations. The project’s maintainers may also release updates to improve usability and performance, and potentially expand documentation and community support.

Key Questions

How do I install Epiq?

Install globally via npm with the command: npm install --global epiq. Then, enter any Git repository and run epiQ to initialize.

Can Epiq be used with existing issue trackers?

Currently, Epiq is designed as a standalone, Git-based solution. Integration with other issue trackers has not been announced.

Is Epiq suitable for large teams or complex projects?

Its suitability for large-scale use is still uncertain. Early testing suggests it works well for smaller teams and projects, but scalability features are under development.

Does Epiq support automated synchronization?

Yes, it supports both explicit and automatic synchronization modes, allowing flexible collaboration workflows.