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Ask HN: In 2024 what's the best way to manage contacts?

60 points raleighm | 1 comments | 19 Oct 24 04:41 UTC | HN request time: 0.205s | source

How do people sync and manage contacts across so many apps and contexts?

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UPDATE: Thanks for the comments so far. To clarify my situation:

My main use cases are: Gmail (personal): For personal contacts. Gmail (work): For professional contacts related to my role. Outlook (work): For internal and external business communication. LinkedIn: Managing professional connections. Messaging apps (WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.): Keeping in touch with a wide range of contacts.

I’ve tried syncing across these platforms using Google Contacts, vCard exports, and a few automation tools, but the results have been inconsistent. Either the syncing doesn't work as expected, or there’s a lot of manual cleanup involved—especially when contacts change roles or details across different apps.

I’m wondering if anyone has found a more seamless way to manage contacts across all these different contexts? I’d love to hear any recommendations for more advanced tools, automations, or strategies that have worked for you.

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zxexz ◴[22 Oct 24 02:45 UTC] No.41910713[source]▶
I have a master sqlite file with an arbitrary schema that is constantly evolving. I go hard with the constraints and primary keys - so hard, in fact, it's nigh-impossible to add a new contact without cascading changes. I'm always eager to keep my contacts, so this has kept my pretty sharp with sqlite.
replies(1): >>41910902 #
digdugdirk ◴[22 Oct 24 03:19 UTC] No.41910902[source]▶
I can't tell if you're joking or not, but I sympathize regardless.
replies(1): >>41911185 #
1. zxexz ◴[22 Oct 24 04:24 UTC] No.41911185[source]▶
I guess left out the bit where I keep a bunch of text files of contacts to add in the same directory, to add when I have access to a keyboard :)

A contact is just a bunch of fields and context. The context matters the most, as long as you have a single real way to get in touch. So as long as you have a `notees` column, permissions to `readfile`, and a shell you're golden.