xenoinc / pomodoro

Tiny desktop Pomodoro timer for productivity 🍅 by Xeno Innovations

Desktop Pomodoro

Simple desktop Pomodoro timer that sits in your system tray's icons.

Features

• 25 min pomodoro count down
• 15 min long break
• 5 min short break
• Pause/Stop/Start

Pomodoro Technique

Pomodoro (/Po-mo`-do-ro/)simply means, tomato in Italian.

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. The technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 20 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. These intervals are called pomodoros, the plural in English of the Italian word pomodoro, which means tomato. The method is based on the idea that frequent breaks can improve mental agility.

More information can be found at PomodoroTechnique.com, or just read about it on Wikipedia.

Six stages in the technique:

1. Decide on the task to be done
2. Set the pomodoro timer to n minutes (traditionally n = 25)
3. Work on the task until the timer rings. If a distraction pops into your head, write it down, but immediately get back on task.
4. After the timer rings, put a checkmark on a piece of paper
5. If you have less than four checkmarks, take a short break (3–5 minutes), then go to step 1
6. Else (i.e. after four pomodoros) take a longer break (15–30 minutes), reset your check mark count to zero, then go to step 1

Change Log

1.3.53

• Added single app-instance only
• Added base framework for settings engine
• Fixed sound chime on transition change
• Preparing to move to ToolsHub

1.2.52

• Updated namespace and refactored code

1.1.51

• Updated Version system to use SemVer (Major.Minor.Patch). More info at, http://semver.org/.
• Fully integrated Squirrel updater.
• Improperly setting update folder (for initial testing).

1.1.17091.48

• Chime fixes
• Added some lost code from late January and February. Forgot to PUSH & drive became corrupted.
• Holy crap this thing is much more pretty now!
• Added GUI notifications to flash symbols on the screen during state changes.
  • Useful for when audio is unavailable. The old MsgBox was an annoying modal.
  • Notification window is topmost during flashes

1.1.17011.3

• Added chime sounds to end of 25min run.

1.0 - 2016

• Basic features. Needed a quick timer project pronto

0.x - 2016:

• Fixed TrayIcon to an easy to view color w/ backdrop
• Fixed initial application launch TrayIcon (unset previously)

pomodoro's Issues

[tech-debt] Minor code cleanup before new features

As a developer, I'd like for the code to be cleaned up before new development begins

Acceptance

• Remove duplicate 'constants' classes
• Refactor code via CodeMaid
• Clean-up notes & gitignore file

[enhance] Add option to modify timer lengths

As a user, I'd like to be able to customize the timer lengths. Currently, the system is hard-coded to default durations for work-time (25min), short break (5min), and long break (15min).

Acceptance:

• Option to modify timer durations
• Setting to reset back to defaults

[enhance] Utilize installer and uninstaller

As a user, I'd like for the auto-updater system to be fully functional and download from the official website. Upon uninstalling, remove user's saved settings.

Currently, user's must download the app via Zip or compile from source to use.

Acceptance:

• Point installer to main XenoInc.com website
• OnUninstall, remove user's settings file & folder

Out of Scope:

• Signing the application

Create an installer and auto-updater

As a user, I would like to be able to easily install and update the software seamlessly.

Acceptance

• Use Squirrel for installs and updates
• MSBuild command line for generating installer

Out of Scope

• Splash screen
• Code signing

[enhance] Create settings save/load system

As a user, I'd like to be able to save settings to my current user's profile

Acceptance

• Save and load settings to current logged-in user's profile

Out of Scope

• Creating options window

Get a code signing certificate

As a user, it's annoying when browsers and Windows both warn about this open sourced project, even when it was built on a clean environment.

Acceptance

• Research code signing for open sourced projects
• Consider, https://www.certum.eu/en/cert_offer_en_open_source_cs/ (€25)

[tool][design] Design plugin for Abstractspoon's ToDoList

As a user, I'd like for a Pomodoro timer to be included inside of the application, ToDolist by AbstractSpoon.

[design] Design specifications for mobile app

As a user, I'd like to have a mobile application and have it sync up with my wearable device (Tizen included).

Acceptance:

• Create requirements & specs for moble app
• Create requirements & specs for the wearable device (i.e. Tizen watch)
• Design layout for mobile and wearable devices
• Specify release milestones

Out of Scope:

• Actual development