Merge pull request #25 from overcuriousity/claude/improve-visual-design-9hCsu

Claude/improve visual design 9h csu

CLAUDE.md

@@ -9,20 +9,75 @@ This file provides guidance to Claude Code (claude.ai/code) when working with co
 ## Development Commands
 
 ### Running the Application
+
+#### Launching TUI
 ```bash
-# Run directly from source
+# Launch TUI (default behavior)
 python3 main.py
 
-# Quick CLI note addition (requires active case/evidence set in TUI)
-python3 main.py "Your note content here"
-
-# Export to markdown
-python3 main.py --export --output report.md
-
 # Open TUI directly at active case/evidence
 python3 main.py --open
 ```
 
+#### Context Management
+```bash
+# Show current active case and evidence
+python3 main.py --show-context
+
+# List all cases and evidence in hierarchy
+python3 main.py --list
+
+# Switch active case (by case number or UUID)
+python3 main.py --switch-case 2024-001
+
+# Switch active evidence (by name or UUID, within active case)
+python3 main.py --switch-evidence "disk-image-1"
+```
+
+#### Creating Cases and Evidence
+```bash
+# Create new case (automatically sets as active)
+python3 main.py --new-case 2024-001
+
+# Create case with metadata
+python3 main.py --new-case 2024-001 --name "Ransomware Investigation" --investigator "John Doe"
+
+# Create evidence in active case (automatically sets as active)
+python3 main.py --new-evidence "Laptop HDD"
+
+# Create evidence with description
+python3 main.py --new-evidence "Server Logs" --description "Apache access logs from compromised server"
+```
+
+#### Adding Notes
+```bash
+# Quick note to active context
+python3 main.py "Observed suspicious process at 14:32"
+
+# Read note from stdin (for piping command output)
+echo "Network spike detected" | python3 main.py --stdin
+ps aux | grep malware | python3 main.py --stdin
+tail -f logfile.txt | grep error | python3 main.py --stdin
+
+# Add note to specific case without changing active context
+python3 main.py --case 2024-002 "Found malware in temp folder"
+
+# Add note to specific evidence without changing active context
+python3 main.py --evidence "disk-image-2" "Bad sectors detected"
+
+# Add note to specific case and evidence (both overrides)
+python3 main.py --case 2024-001 --evidence "Laptop HDD" "Recovered deleted files"
+```
+
+#### Export
+```bash
+# Export all data to markdown
+python3 main.py --export --output report.md
+
+# Export with default filename (trace_export.md)
+python3 main.py --export
+```
+
 ### Building Binary
 ```bash
 # Install dependencies first
@@ -90,6 +145,14 @@ The codebase is organized into focused, single-responsibility modules to make it
 
 **Integrity System**: Every note automatically gets:
 1. SHA256 hash of `timestamp:content` (via `Note.calculate_hash()`)
+   - **Timestamp Format**: Unix epoch timestamp as float (seconds since 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC)
+   - **Hash Input Format**: `"{timestamp}:{content}"` where timestamp is converted to string using Python's default str() conversion
+   - **Example**: For content "Suspicious process detected" with timestamp 1702345678.123456, the hash input is:
+     ```
+     1702345678.123456:Suspicious process detected
+     ```
+   - This ensures integrity of both WHAT was said (content) and WHEN it was said (timestamp)
+   - The exact float precision is preserved in the hash, making timestamps forensically tamper-evident
 2. Optional GPG clearsign signature (if `pgp_enabled` in settings and GPG available)
 
 **Tag System**: Regex-based hashtag extraction (`#word`)

README.md

@@ -20,7 +20,77 @@ trace "IR team gained shell access. Initial persistence checks running."
 trace "Observed outbound connection to 192.168.1.55 on port 80. #suspicious #network"
 ```
 
-**System Integrity Chain:** Each command-line note is immediately stamped, concatenated with its content, and hashed using SHA256 before storage. This ensures a non-repudiable log entry.
+**System Integrity Chain:** Each command-line note is immediately stamped with a Unix epoch timestamp (seconds since 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC as float, e.g., `1702345678.123456`), concatenated with its content in the format `"{timestamp}:{content}"`, and hashed using SHA256 before storage. This ensures a non-repudiable log entry with forensically tamper-evident timestamps.
+
+## CLI Command Reference
+
+### Context Management
+
+View and switch between cases and evidence without opening the TUI:
+
+```bash
+# Show current active case and evidence
+trace --show-context
+
+# List all cases and evidence in hierarchy
+trace --list
+
+# Switch active case (by case number or UUID)
+trace --switch-case 2024-001
+
+# Switch active evidence (by name or UUID, within active case)
+trace --switch-evidence "disk-image-1"
+```
+
+### Case and Evidence Creation
+
+Create new cases and evidence directly from the command line:
+
+```bash
+# Create new case (automatically becomes active)
+trace --new-case 2024-001
+
+# Create case with full metadata
+trace --new-case 2024-001 --name "Ransomware Investigation" --investigator "Jane Doe"
+
+# Create evidence in active case (automatically becomes active)
+trace --new-evidence "Laptop HDD"
+
+# Create evidence with description
+trace --new-evidence "Server Logs" --description "Apache logs from compromised server"
+```
+
+### Advanced Note-Taking
+
+Beyond basic hot logging, trace supports stdin piping and context overrides:
+
+```bash
+# Pipe command output directly into notes
+ps aux | grep malware | trace --stdin
+tail -f /var/log/auth.log | grep "Failed password" | trace --stdin
+netstat -an | trace --stdin
+
+# Add note to specific case without changing active context
+trace --case 2024-002 "Found malware in temp folder"
+
+# Add note to specific evidence without changing active context
+trace --evidence "Memory Dump" "Suspicious process identified"
+
+# Override both case and evidence for a single note
+trace --case 2024-001 --evidence "Disk Image" "Recovered deleted files"
+```
+
+**Identifiers:** All commands accept both human-friendly identifiers (case numbers like `2024-001`, evidence names like `Laptop HDD`) and UUIDs. Use `--list` to see available identifiers.
+
+### Export
+
+```bash
+# Export all data to markdown (GPG-signed if enabled)
+trace --export --output investigation-report.md
+
+# Export with default filename (trace_export.md)
+trace --export
+```
 
 ## Installation & Deployment
 
@@ -125,7 +195,7 @@ After this, you can log with just: `t "Your note here"`
 
 | Feature | Description | Operational Impact |
 | :--- | :--- | :--- |
-| **Integrity Hashing** | SHA256 applied to every log entry (content + timestamp). | **Guaranteed log integrity.** No modification possible post-entry. |
+| **Integrity Hashing** | SHA256 applied to every log entry using format `"{unix_timestamp}:{content}"`. Timestamp is Unix epoch as float (e.g., `1702345678.123456`). | **Guaranteed log integrity.** No modification possible post-entry. Timestamps are forensically tamper-evident with full float precision. |
 | **GPG Signing** | Optional PGP/GPG signature applied to notes. | **Non-repudiation** for formal evidence handling. |
 | **IOC Extraction** | Automatic parsing of IPv4, FQDNs, URLs, hashes, and email addresses. | **Immediate intelligence gathering** from raw text. |
 | **Tag System** | Supports `#hashtags` for classification and filtering. | **Efficient triage** of large log sets. |
@@ -138,20 +208,33 @@ After this, you can log with just: `t "Your note here"`
 ### Layer 1: Note-Level Integrity (Always Active)
 
 **Process:**
-1. **Timestamp Generation** - Precise Unix timestamp captured at note creation
+1. **Timestamp Generation** - Precise Unix epoch timestamp (float) captured at note creation
-2. **Content Hashing** - SHA256 hash computed from `timestamp:content`
+   - Format: Seconds since 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC (e.g., `1702345678.123456`)
+   - Full float precision preserved for forensic tamper-evidence
+2. **Content Hashing** - SHA256 hash computed from `"{timestamp}:{content}"`
 3. **Optional Signature** - Hash is signed with investigator's GPG private key
 
 **Mathematical Representation:**
 ```
-hash = SHA256(timestamp + ":" + content)
+timestamp = Unix epoch time as float (e.g., 1702345678.123456)
+hash_input = "{timestamp}:{content}"
+hash = SHA256(hash_input)
 signature = GPG_Sign(hash, private_key)
 ```
 
+**Example:**
+```
+Content: "Suspicious process detected"
+Timestamp: 1702345678.123456
+Hash input: "1702345678.123456:Suspicious process detected"
+Hash: SHA256 of above = a3f5b2c8d9e1f4a7b6c3d8e2f5a9b4c7d1e6f3a8b5c2d9e4f7a1b8c6d3e0f5a2
+```
+
 **Security Properties:**
 - **Temporal Integrity**: Timestamp is cryptographically bound to content (cannot backdate notes)
 - **Tamper Detection**: Any modification to content or timestamp invalidates the hash
 - **Non-Repudiation**: GPG signature proves who created the note (if signing enabled)
+- **Hash Reproducibility**: Exported markdown includes Unix timestamp for independent verification
 - **Efficient Storage**: Signing only the hash (64 hex chars) instead of full content
 
 ### Layer 2: Export-Level Integrity (On Demand)
@@ -258,6 +341,26 @@ Individual note signatures are embedded in the markdown export. To verify a spec
 - The GPG signature proves who created that hash
 - Together: Proves this specific content was created by this investigator at this time
 
+**Hash Verification (Manual):**
+
+To independently verify a note's hash from the markdown export:
+
+1. Locate the note in the export file and extract:
+   - Unix Timestamp (e.g., `1702345678.123456`)
+   - Content (e.g., `"Suspicious process detected"`)
+   - Claimed Hash (e.g., `a3f5b2c8...`)
+
+2. Recompute the hash:
+   ```bash
+   # Using Python
+   python3 -c "import hashlib; print(hashlib.sha256(b'1702345678.123456:Suspicious process detected').hexdigest())"
+
+   # Using command-line tools
+   echo -n "1702345678.123456:Suspicious process detected" | sha256sum
+   ```
+
+3. Compare the computed hash with the claimed hash - they must match exactly
+
 ### Cryptographic Trust Model
 
 ```

trace/cli.py

@@ -1,11 +1,204 @@
 import argparse
 import sys
 import time
-from .models import Note, Case
+from typing import Optional, Tuple
+from .models import Note, Case, Evidence
 from .storage import Storage, StateManager
 from .crypto import Crypto
 
-def quick_add_note(content: str):
+def find_case(storage: Storage, identifier: str) -> Optional[Case]:
+    """Find a case by case_id (UUID) or case_number."""
+    for case in storage.cases:
+        if case.case_id == identifier or case.case_number == identifier:
+            return case
+    return None
+
+def find_evidence(case: Case, identifier: str) -> Optional[Evidence]:
+    """Find evidence by evidence_id (UUID) or name within a case."""
+    for evidence in case.evidence:
+        if evidence.evidence_id == identifier or evidence.name == identifier:
+            return evidence
+    return None
+
+def show_context():
+    """Display the current active context."""
+    state_manager = StateManager()
+    storage = Storage()
+
+    state = state_manager.get_active()
+    case_id = state.get("case_id")
+    evidence_id = state.get("evidence_id")
+
+    if not case_id:
+        print("No active context set.")
+        print("Use --switch-case to set an active case, or open the TUI to select one.")
+        return
+
+    case = storage.get_case(case_id)
+    if not case:
+        print("Error: Active case not found in storage.")
+        return
+
+    print(f"Active context:")
+    print(f"  Case: {case.case_number}", end="")
+    if case.name:
+        print(f" - {case.name}", end="")
+    print(f" [{case.case_id[:8]}...]")
+
+    if evidence_id:
+        evidence = find_evidence(case, evidence_id)
+        if evidence:
+            print(f"  Evidence: {evidence.name}", end="")
+            if evidence.description:
+                print(f" - {evidence.description}", end="")
+            print(f" [{evidence.evidence_id[:8]}...]")
+        else:
+            print(f"  Evidence: [not found - stale reference]")
+    else:
+        print(f"  Evidence: [none - notes will attach to case]")
+
+def list_contexts():
+    """List all cases and their evidence in a hierarchical format."""
+    storage = Storage()
+
+    if not storage.cases:
+        print("No cases found.")
+        print("Use --new-case to create one, or open the TUI.")
+        return
+
+    print("Cases and Evidence:")
+    for case in storage.cases:
+        # Show case
+        print(f"  [{case.case_id[:8]}...] {case.case_number}", end="")
+        if case.name:
+            print(f" - {case.name}", end="")
+        if case.investigator:
+            print(f" (Investigator: {case.investigator})", end="")
+        print()
+
+        # Show evidence under this case
+        for evidence in case.evidence:
+            print(f"    [{evidence.evidence_id[:8]}...] {evidence.name}", end="")
+            if evidence.description:
+                print(f" - {evidence.description}", end="")
+            print()
+
+        # Add blank line between cases for readability
+        if storage.cases[-1] != case:
+            print()
+
+def create_case(case_number: str, name: Optional[str] = None, investigator: Optional[str] = None):
+    """Create a new case and set it as active."""
+    storage = Storage()
+    state_manager = StateManager()
+
+    # Check if case number already exists
+    existing = find_case(storage, case_number)
+    if existing:
+        print(f"Error: Case with number '{case_number}' already exists.", file=sys.stderr)
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    # Create new case
+    case = Case(case_number=case_number, name=name, investigator=investigator)
+    storage.cases.append(case)
+    storage.save_data()
+
+    # Set as active case
+    state_manager.set_active(case.case_id, None)
+
+    print(f"✓ Created case '{case_number}' [{case.case_id[:8]}...]")
+    if name:
+        print(f"  Name: {name}")
+    if investigator:
+        print(f"  Investigator: {investigator}")
+    print(f"✓ Set as active case")
+
+def create_evidence(name: str, description: Optional[str] = None):
+    """Create new evidence and attach to active case."""
+    storage = Storage()
+    state_manager = StateManager()
+
+    state = state_manager.get_active()
+    case_id = state.get("case_id")
+
+    if not case_id:
+        print("Error: No active case set. Use --switch-case or --new-case first.", file=sys.stderr)
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    case = storage.get_case(case_id)
+    if not case:
+        print("Error: Active case not found in storage.", file=sys.stderr)
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    # Check if evidence with this name already exists in the case
+    existing = find_evidence(case, name)
+    if existing:
+        print(f"Error: Evidence named '{name}' already exists in case '{case.case_number}'.", file=sys.stderr)
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    # Create new evidence
+    evidence = Evidence(name=name, description=description)
+    case.evidence.append(evidence)
+    storage.save_data()
+
+    # Set as active evidence
+    state_manager.set_active(case.case_id, evidence.evidence_id)
+
+    print(f"✓ Created evidence '{name}' [{evidence.evidence_id[:8]}...]")
+    if description:
+        print(f"  Description: {description}")
+    print(f"✓ Added to case '{case.case_number}'")
+    print(f"✓ Set as active evidence")
+
+def switch_case(identifier: str):
+    """Switch active case context."""
+    storage = Storage()
+    state_manager = StateManager()
+
+    case = find_case(storage, identifier)
+    if not case:
+        print(f"Error: Case '{identifier}' not found.", file=sys.stderr)
+        print("Use --list to see available cases.", file=sys.stderr)
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    # Set as active case, clear evidence
+    state_manager.set_active(case.case_id, None)
+
+    print(f"✓ Switched to case '{case.case_number}' [{case.case_id[:8]}...]")
+    if case.name:
+        print(f"  {case.name}")
+
+def switch_evidence(identifier: str):
+    """Switch active evidence context within the active case."""
+    storage = Storage()
+    state_manager = StateManager()
+
+    state = state_manager.get_active()
+    case_id = state.get("case_id")
+
+    if not case_id:
+        print("Error: No active case set. Use --switch-case first.", file=sys.stderr)
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    case = storage.get_case(case_id)
+    if not case:
+        print("Error: Active case not found in storage.", file=sys.stderr)
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    evidence = find_evidence(case, identifier)
+    if not evidence:
+        print(f"Error: Evidence '{identifier}' not found in case '{case.case_number}'.", file=sys.stderr)
+        print("Use --list to see available evidence.", file=sys.stderr)
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    # Set as active evidence
+    state_manager.set_active(case.case_id, evidence.evidence_id)
+
+    print(f"✓ Switched to evidence '{evidence.name}' [{evidence.evidence_id[:8]}...]")
+    if evidence.description:
+        print(f"  {evidence.description}")
+
+def quick_add_note(content: str, case_override: Optional[str] = None, evidence_override: Optional[str] = None):
     storage = Storage()
     state_manager = StateManager()
 
@@ -17,31 +210,43 @@ def quick_add_note(content: str):
     state = state_manager.get_active()
     settings = state_manager.get_settings()
 
+    # Handle case override or use active case
+    if case_override:
+        case = find_case(storage, case_override)
+        if not case:
+            print(f"Error: Case '{case_override}' not found.", file=sys.stderr)
+            print("Use --list to see available cases.", file=sys.stderr)
+            sys.exit(1)
+    else:
         case_id = state.get("case_id")
-    evidence_id = state.get("evidence_id")
-
         if not case_id:
-        print("Error: No active case set. Open the TUI to select a case first.", file=sys.stderr)
+            print("Error: No active case set. Use --switch-case, --new-case, or open the TUI to select a case.", file=sys.stderr)
             sys.exit(1)
 
         case = storage.get_case(case_id)
         if not case:
-        print("Error: Active case not found in storage. Ensure you have set an active case in the TUI.", file=sys.stderr)
+            print("Error: Active case not found in storage.", file=sys.stderr)
             sys.exit(1)
 
+    # Handle evidence override or use active evidence
     target_evidence = None
 
+    if evidence_override:
+        target_evidence = find_evidence(case, evidence_override)
+        if not target_evidence:
+            print(f"Error: Evidence '{evidence_override}' not found in case '{case.case_number}'.", file=sys.stderr)
+            print("Use --list to see available evidence.", file=sys.stderr)
+            sys.exit(1)
+    elif not case_override:  # Only use active evidence if not overriding case
+        evidence_id = state.get("evidence_id")
         if evidence_id:
             # Find and validate evidence belongs to active case
-        for ev in case.evidence:
+            target_evidence = find_evidence(case, evidence_id)
-            if ev.evidence_id == evidence_id:
-                target_evidence = ev
-                break
 
             if not target_evidence:
                 # Evidence ID is set but doesn't exist in case - clear it
                 print(f"Warning: Active evidence not found in case. Clearing to case level.", file=sys.stderr)
-            state_manager.set_active(case_id, None)
+                state_manager.set_active(case.case_id, None)
 
     # Create note
     note = Note(content=content)
@@ -67,10 +272,6 @@ def quick_add_note(content: str):
     if target_evidence:
         target_evidence.notes.append(note)
         print(f"✓ Note added to evidence '{target_evidence.name}'")
-    elif evidence_id:
-        print("Warning: Active evidence not found. Adding to case instead.")
-        case.notes.append(note)
-        print(f"✓ Note added to case '{case.case_number}'")
     else:
         case.notes.append(note)
         print(f"✓ Note added to case '{case.case_number}'")
@@ -163,9 +364,14 @@ def export_markdown(output_file: str = "export.md"):
         sys.exit(1)
 
 def format_note_for_export(note: Note) -> str:
-    """Format a single note for export (returns string instead of writing to file)"""
+    """Format a single note for export (returns string instead of writing to file)
+
+    Includes Unix timestamp for hash reproducibility - anyone can recompute the hash
+    using the formula: SHA256("{unix_timestamp}:{content}")
+    """
     lines = []
     lines.append(f"- **{time.ctime(note.timestamp)}**\n")
+    lines.append(f"  - Unix Timestamp: `{note.timestamp}` (for hash verification)\n")
     lines.append(f"  - Content:\n")
     # Properly indent multi-line content
     for line in note.content.splitlines():
@@ -182,25 +388,93 @@ def format_note_for_export(note: Note) -> str:
     return "".join(lines)
 
 def main():
-    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="trace: Forensic Note Taking Tool")
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(
-    parser.add_argument("note", nargs="?", help="Quick note content to add to active context")
+        description="trace: Forensic Note Taking Tool",
-    parser.add_argument("--export", help="Export all data to Markdown file", action="store_true")
+        epilog="Examples:\n"
-    parser.add_argument("--output", help="Output file for export", default="trace_export.md")
+               "  trace 'Found suspicious process'     Add note to active context\n"
-    parser.add_argument("--open", "-o", help="Open TUI directly at active case/evidence", action="store_true")
+               "  trace --stdin < output.txt           Add file contents as note\n"
+               "  trace --list                         List all cases and evidence\n"
+               "  trace --new-case 2024-001            Create new case\n"
+               "  trace --switch-case 2024-001         Switch active case\n",
+        formatter_class=argparse.RawDescriptionHelpFormatter
+    )
 
-    # We will import TUI only if needed to keep start time fast
+    # Note content (positional or stdin)
+    parser.add_argument("note", nargs="?", help="Quick note content to add to active context")
+    parser.add_argument("--stdin", action="store_true", help="Read note content from stdin")
+
+    # Context management
+    parser.add_argument("--show-context", action="store_true", help="Show active case and evidence")
+    parser.add_argument("--list", action="store_true", help="List all cases and evidence")
+    parser.add_argument("--switch-case", metavar="IDENTIFIER", help="Switch active case (by ID or case number)")
+    parser.add_argument("--switch-evidence", metavar="IDENTIFIER", help="Switch active evidence (by ID or name)")
+
+    # Temporary overrides for note addition
+    parser.add_argument("--case", metavar="IDENTIFIER", help="Use specific case for this note (doesn't change active)")
+    parser.add_argument("--evidence", metavar="IDENTIFIER", help="Use specific evidence for this note (doesn't change active)")
+
+    # Case and evidence creation
+    parser.add_argument("--new-case", metavar="CASE_NUMBER", help="Create new case")
+    parser.add_argument("--name", metavar="NAME", help="Name for new case")
+    parser.add_argument("--investigator", metavar="INVESTIGATOR", help="Investigator name for new case")
+    parser.add_argument("--new-evidence", metavar="EVIDENCE_NAME", help="Create new evidence in active case")
+    parser.add_argument("--description", metavar="DESC", help="Description for new evidence")
+
+    # Export
+    parser.add_argument("--export", action="store_true", help="Export all data to Markdown file")
+    parser.add_argument("--output", metavar="FILE", default="trace_export.md", help="Output file for export")
+
+    # TUI
+    parser.add_argument("--open", "-o", action="store_true", help="Open TUI directly at active case/evidence")
 
     args = parser.parse_args()
 
+    # Handle context management commands
+    if args.show_context:
+        show_context()
+        return
+
+    if args.list:
+        list_contexts()
+        return
+
+    if args.switch_case:
+        switch_case(args.switch_case)
+        return
+
+    if args.switch_evidence:
+        switch_evidence(args.switch_evidence)
+        return
+
+    # Handle case/evidence creation
+    if args.new_case:
+        create_case(args.new_case, name=args.name, investigator=args.investigator)
+        return
+
+    if args.new_evidence:
+        create_evidence(args.new_evidence, description=args.description)
+        return
+
+    # Handle export
     if args.export:
         export_markdown(args.output)
         return
 
-    if args.note:
+    # Handle note addition
-        quick_add_note(args.note)
+    if args.stdin:
+        # Read from stdin
+        content = sys.stdin.read().strip()
+        if not content:
+            print("Error: No content provided from stdin.", file=sys.stderr)
+            sys.exit(1)
+        quick_add_note(content, case_override=args.case, evidence_override=args.evidence)
         return
 
-    # Check for first run and run GPG wizard if needed
+    if args.note:
+        quick_add_note(args.note, case_override=args.case, evidence_override=args.evidence)
+        return
+
+    # No arguments - check for first run and launch TUI
     from .gpg_wizard import check_and_run_wizard
     check_and_run_wizard()
 

trace/crypto.py

@@ -43,12 +43,25 @@ class Crypto:
             return False, "Not a GPG signed message"
 
         try:
+            # Force English output for consistent parsing across locales
+            # Linux/macOS: LC_ALL/LANG variables control GPG's output language
+            # Windows: GPG may ignore these, but encoding='utf-8' + errors='replace' provides robustness
+            import os
+            env = os.environ.copy()
+            # Use C.UTF-8 for English messages with UTF-8 encoding support
+            # Falls back gracefully via errors='replace' if locale not available
+            env['LC_ALL'] = 'C.UTF-8'
+            env['LANG'] = 'C.UTF-8'
+
             proc = subprocess.Popen(
                 ['gpg', '--verify'],
                 stdin=subprocess.PIPE,
                 stdout=subprocess.PIPE,
                 stderr=subprocess.PIPE,
-                text=True
+                text=True,
+                encoding='utf-8',
+                errors='replace',  # Handle encoding issues on any platform
+                env=env
             )
             stdout, stderr = proc.communicate(input=signed_content, timeout=10)
 
@@ -61,9 +74,9 @@ class Crypto:
                         parts = line.split('"')
                         if len(parts) >= 2:
                             signer_info = parts[1]
-                        break
+                            break  # Only break after successfully extracting signer info
                     elif "using" in line:
-                        # Try to get key ID
+                        # Try to get key ID as fallback
                         if "key" in line.lower():
                             signer_info = line.strip()
 
@@ -171,5 +184,25 @@ class Crypto:
 
     @staticmethod
     def hash_content(content: str, timestamp: float) -> str:
+        """Calculate SHA256 hash of timestamp:content.
+
+        Hash input format: "{timestamp}:{content}"
+        - timestamp: Unix epoch timestamp as float (seconds since 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC)
+          Example: 1702345678.123456
+        - The float is converted to string using Python's default str() conversion
+        - Colon (':') separator between timestamp and content
+        - Ensures integrity of both WHAT was said and WHEN it was said
+
+        Args:
+            content: The note content to hash
+            timestamp: Unix epoch timestamp as float
+
+        Returns:
+            SHA256 hash as hexadecimal string (64 characters)
+
+        Example:
+            >>> hash_content("Suspicious process detected", 1702345678.123456)
+            Computes SHA256 of: "1702345678.123456:Suspicious process detected"
+        """
         data = f"{timestamp}:{content}".encode('utf-8')
         return hashlib.sha256(data).hexdigest()

trace/models/__init__.py

@@ -12,6 +12,9 @@ from .extractors import TagExtractor, IOCExtractor
 @dataclass
 class Note:
     content: str
+    # Unix timestamp: seconds since 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC as float
+    # Example: 1702345678.123456
+    # This exact float value (with full precision) is used in hash calculation
     timestamp: float = field(default_factory=time.time)
     note_id: str = field(default_factory=lambda: str(uuid.uuid4()))
     content_hash: str = ""
@@ -28,7 +31,16 @@ class Note:
         self.iocs = IOCExtractor.extract_iocs(self.content)
 
     def calculate_hash(self):
-        # We hash the content + timestamp to ensure integrity of 'when' it was said
+        """Calculate SHA256 hash of timestamp:content.
+
+        Hash input format: "{timestamp}:{content}"
+        - timestamp: Unix epoch timestamp as float (e.g., "1702345678.123456")
+        - The float is converted to string using Python's default str() conversion
+        - Colon separator between timestamp and content
+        - Ensures integrity of both WHAT was said and WHEN it was said
+
+        Example hash input: "1702345678.123456:Suspicious process detected"
+        """
         data = f"{self.timestamp}:{self.content}".encode('utf-8')
         self.content_hash = hashlib.sha256(data).hexdigest()
 

trace/tui/handlers/export_handler.py

@@ -222,15 +222,23 @@ class ExportHandler:
 
     @staticmethod
     def _write_note_markdown(f, note: Note):
-        """Helper to write a note in markdown format"""
+        """Helper to write a note in markdown format
+
+        Includes Unix timestamp for hash reproducibility - anyone can recompute the hash
+        using the formula: SHA256("{unix_timestamp}:{content}")
+        """
         f.write(f"- **{time.ctime(note.timestamp)}**\n")
-        f.write(f"  - Content: {note.content}\n")
+        f.write(f"  - Unix Timestamp: `{note.timestamp}` (for hash verification)\n")
+        f.write(f"  - Content:\n")
+        # Properly indent multi-line content
+        for line in note.content.splitlines():
+            f.write(f"    {line}\n")
         if note.tags:
             tags_str = " ".join([f"#{tag}" for tag in note.tags])
             f.write(f"  - Tags: {tags_str}\n")
-        f.write(f"  - Hash: `{note.content_hash}`\n")
+        f.write(f"  - SHA256 Hash (timestamp:content): `{note.content_hash}`\n")
         if note.signature:
-            f.write("  - **Signature Verified:**\n")
+            f.write("  - **GPG Signature of Hash:**\n")
             f.write("    ```\n")
             for line in note.signature.splitlines():
                 f.write(f"    {line}\n")

trace/tui/rendering/colors.py

@@ -39,5 +39,5 @@ def init_colors():
         curses.init_pair(ColorPairs.TAG, curses.COLOR_MAGENTA, curses.COLOR_BLACK)
         # IOCs on selected background (red on cyan)
         curses.init_pair(ColorPairs.IOC_SELECTED, curses.COLOR_RED, curses.COLOR_CYAN)
-        # Tags on selected background (yellow on cyan)
+        # Tags on selected background (magenta on cyan)
-        curses.init_pair(ColorPairs.TAG_SELECTED, curses.COLOR_YELLOW, curses.COLOR_CYAN)
+        curses.init_pair(ColorPairs.TAG_SELECTED, curses.COLOR_MAGENTA, curses.COLOR_CYAN)

trace/tui/rendering/text_renderer.py

@@ -113,15 +113,15 @@ class TextRenderer:
                     screen.addstr(y, x_pos, text)
                     screen.attroff(curses.color_pair(ColorPairs.ERROR) | curses.A_BOLD)
             else:  # tag
-                # Tag highlighting: yellow on cyan if selected, yellow on black otherwise
+                # Tag highlighting: magenta on cyan if selected, magenta on black otherwise
                 if is_selected:
                     screen.attron(curses.color_pair(ColorPairs.TAG_SELECTED))
                     screen.addstr(y, x_pos, text)
                     screen.attroff(curses.color_pair(ColorPairs.TAG_SELECTED))
                 else:
-                    screen.attron(curses.color_pair(ColorPairs.WARNING))
+                    screen.attron(curses.color_pair(ColorPairs.TAG))
                     screen.addstr(y, x_pos, text)
-                    screen.attroff(curses.color_pair(ColorPairs.WARNING))
+                    screen.attroff(curses.color_pair(ColorPairs.TAG))
 
             x_pos += len(text)
             last_pos = end

trace/tui/visual_constants.py

@@ -0,0 +1,88 @@
+"""Visual constants for consistent TUI layout and styling"""
+
+
+class Layout:
+    """Screen layout constants"""
+    HEADER_Y = 0
+    HEADER_X = 2
+    CONTENT_START_Y = 2
+    CONTENT_INDENT = 4
+    FOOTER_OFFSET_FROM_BOTTOM = 3
+    BORDER_OFFSET_FROM_BOTTOM = 2
+    STATUS_LINE_OFFSET_FROM_BOTTOM = 1  # height - 1 for status bar
+    NOTE_DETAIL_BOTTOM_RESERVE = 6  # height - 6 for note detail view
+
+
+class Spacing:
+    """Spacing and padding constants"""
+    SECTION_VERTICAL_GAP = 2
+    ITEM_VERTICAL_GAP = 1
+    DIALOG_MARGIN = 4
+    HORIZONTAL_PADDING = 6  # width - 6 for truncation
+    HASH_DISPLAY_PADDING = 20  # width - 20
+    HASH_SHORT_PADDING = 12  # width - 12 for shorter hash displays
+    EMPTY_STATE_PADDING = 8  # width - 8 for empty state boxes
+    STATUS_BAR_PADDING = 2  # width - 2 for status bar
+
+
+class ColumnWidths:
+    """Column widths for list displays - can be percentage-based"""
+    TAG_COLUMN_MIN = 30
+    IOC_COLUMN_MIN = 50
+    CONTENT_PREVIEW_MIN = 50
+    NOTE_PREVIEW_MIN = 60
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def get_tag_width(terminal_width):
+        """Get responsive tag column width (40% of terminal or min 30)"""
+        return max(ColumnWidths.TAG_COLUMN_MIN, int(terminal_width * 0.4))
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def get_ioc_width(terminal_width):
+        """Get responsive IOC column width (50% of terminal or min 50)"""
+        return max(ColumnWidths.IOC_COLUMN_MIN, int(terminal_width * 0.5))
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def get_content_preview_width(terminal_width):
+        """Get responsive content preview width (50% of terminal or min 50)"""
+        return max(ColumnWidths.CONTENT_PREVIEW_MIN, int(terminal_width * 0.5))
+
+
+class DialogSize:
+    """Standard dialog dimensions (width, height)"""
+    SMALL = (40, 8)   # Confirm dialogs
+    MEDIUM = (60, 15)  # Settings, single input
+    LARGE = (70, 20)   # Multiline, help
+
+
+class Icons:
+    """Unicode symbols used throughout UI"""
+    ACTIVE = "●"
+    INACTIVE = "○"
+    DIAMOND = "◆"
+    SQUARE = "■"
+    SMALL_SQUARE = "▪"
+    ARROW_RIGHT = "▸"
+    WARNING = "⚠"
+    HASH = "⌗"
+    FILTER = "◈"
+    VERIFIED = "✓"
+    FAILED = "✗"
+    UNSIGNED = "?"
+    SEPARATOR_H = "─"
+    SEPARATOR_V = "│"
+    SEPARATOR_GROUP = "│"  # For grouping footer commands
+    BOX_TL = "┌"
+    BOX_BL = "└"
+    # Box drawing for improved empty states
+    BOX_DOUBLE_TL = "╔"
+    BOX_DOUBLE_TR = "╗"
+    BOX_DOUBLE_BL = "╚"
+    BOX_DOUBLE_BR = "╝"
+    BOX_DOUBLE_H = "═"
+    BOX_DOUBLE_V = "║"
+
+
+class Timing:
+    """Timing constants"""
+    FLASH_MESSAGE_DURATION = 3  # seconds