When comparing WikidPad vs BookStack, the Slant community recommends WikidPad for most people. In the question“What is the best single-user wiki?” WikidPad is ranked 8th while BookStack is ranked 19th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Free
Pro No remote server needed, or wanted
Pro Export to HTML built in
Export to HTML built in and can work with Dropbox.
Pro Data is stored in standard Text files
Data can be viewed, edited, searched, exported easily, and can work with Git.
Pro Instant cross-referencing methods
On the fly WikiWord linking, as you type.
Pro Quick, auto-saving, and auto-organizing
Auto-organizing with URL and file linking, and instant new-page methods.
Pro Clean & simple default interface
The stock interface design has a modern feel and is simple for new users to use.
Pro Free and open source
Released under the MIT license.
Pro Full role and permissions system built in
Granular permissions can be set up for specific roles on a per-content basis and permissions will waterfall down to child content.
Pro Multilingual
Over 9 different languages are built in to BookStack which can be set at a per-profile level.
Pro Feature rich and stable
Markdown editing, syntax highlighting, WYSIWYG, keyboard shortcuts, versioning, SSO, LDAP, different roles, performant and fast developer response.
Pro Support for domain authentication
Can be deployed within an active directory environment with its features to connect over LDAP.
Pro Supports SSO using Google Apps
Very convenient when you're a company that uses Google Apps, that makes logging into Bookstack more secure and more convenient.
Cons
Con No MarkDown support
Con Limited customisability
Customisation options are limited with only the main theme color, logo and name being customisable.
Con No support for readable markup languages
The content entered through the WYSIWIG editor is stored as HTML. The HTML can be edited directly, but no other markup language is parsed. Speak ReST, Markdown, etc.
Con Limited to 2 levels of content
Bookstack implements a "Book / Chapter / Page" system which works fine, but lacks flexibility when you need to have more levels of imbrication.
Con Complicated installation
The current installation process involves many steps and may be a lot to take in for people not familiar with setting up Laravel applications.