Generate a unique identifier for plain text file names, including optional title and opening in target app

zettel_identifier_note_creator.bash

#!/bin/bash
#
# Bash script to generate a unique identifier for file name 
# Used for a Plain Text Writing, Knowledge or Notes System
#
# Allows for following Options: 
# -o: opening file in a target program
# Additional Title or name appended to end of file name
#
# Examples
# ./zettelnote.bash # creates file like 201902111415.md
# ./zettelnote.bash -o # create and open file
# ./zettelnote.bash test # creates file like 201902111415_test.md

file_date=$( date '+%Y%m%d%H%M' )


if  [[ $1 = "-o" ]]; then
  TARGET_NAME=${2}
else
  TARGET_NAME=${1}
fi

if [[ -z "$TARGET_NAME" ]]; then
    filename="$file_date.md"
  else
    filename="$file_date""_$TARGET_NAME.md"
fi

if [ -f $filename ]
  then
    echo "File already exists. Skipping."
else
   echo "Creating Note File: " $filename
   touch $filename
fi

if  [[ $1 = "-o" ]]; then
  echo "Opening file"
  open -a typora $filename
fi