If you want to get the most out of Marvin, one of the first things to really understand is the difference between a do and due date. But no worries. This is quite simple.
Due dates
Due dates get applied to tasks and projects when they have a strict deadline.
This means a given task or project has to be completed by a certain due date (deadline), but of course want to do the actual work before this due date not on the day of (which is where do dates come in!).
Examples:
Taxes have to be filed by a certain date
The school assignment is due on a specific day
The project at work has to be finished by a deadline
How to add
Due dates are added via the edit (cog) button on a task/project or with the shortcut "due":
"Project due 2d"
"File taxes due 28.11.2018"
"Assignment due X 10/02/2018"
Typing these task will automatically apply the specified due date.
Do Dates
Do dates are not that easy to find in other apps, but they make a lot of sense.
A do date means the day on which you intend to "do" the task. This can also be called a schedule date as you are basically scheduling a task for a certain day.
Think of it like an appointment in your calendar but with an optional time (you can specify an exact time, but don't have to).
Examples:
Making a to-do list for the day with the tasks you want to do
Calling someone for their birthday on their actual birthday
A specific day you need to enroll in something
Taking out the cardboard for the monthly cardboard collection (needs to happen on a specific day)
How to add
Do dates get applied through scheduling. Clicking the little calendar icon on the right of a task or projects let's you schedule your task into a day, giving it a "do date".
You can also use the shortcut "+" to assign do dates:
"Call mom on Birthday +2.11.2018"
"First step of tax filing +11/20/2018"
"Ask boss about new project +Monday"