Build a Python productivity timer

To build a simple productivity timer in Python, we can use the time library for tracking the timer and tkinter for creating a graphical user interface (GUI). Here’s an example of a Pomodoro-style productivity timer. This timer works by focusing for a set duration (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by a short break (e.g., 5 minutes). After a few cycles, you can have a longer break.

Steps to create the timer:

1. Set Timer Intervals: You will need a focus session (e.g., 25 minutes) and break intervals (e.g., 5 minutes).

2. Graphical User Interface (GUI): We will use tkinter for a simple interface to start, stop, and reset the timer.

3. Sound Notifications: Optional sound notifications when the timer ends.

Python Code for the Timer

python
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import tkinter as tk
import time
import threading
import winsound  # For sound notifications (Windows only)

# Constants for work and break times
WORK_TIME = 25 * 60  # 25 minutes
BREAK_TIME = 5 * 60  # 5 minutes
LONG_BREAK_TIME = 15 * 60  # 15 minutes (after 4 Pomodoro sessions)

# Timer class to manage the countdown
class Timer:
    def __init__(self, master):
        self.master = master
        self.running = False
        self.session_time = WORK_TIME
        self.pomodoro_count = 0

        # Label to show time remaining
        self.time_label = tk.Label(self.master, text=self.format_time(self.session_time), font=("Helvetica", 30))
        self.time_label.pack(pady=20)

        # Buttons
        self.start_button = tk.Button(self.master, text="Start", width=15, command=self.start_timer)
        self.start_button.pack(pady=10)

        self.stop_button = tk.Button(self.master, text="Stop", width=15, command=self.stop_timer, state=tk.DISABLED)
        self.stop_button.pack(pady=10)

        self.reset_button = tk.Button(self.master, text="Reset", width=15, command=self.reset_timer, state=tk.DISABLED)
        self.reset_button.pack(pady=10)

    def start_timer(self):
        if not self.running:
            self.running = True
            self.start_button.config(state=tk.DISABLED)
            self.stop_button.config(state=tk.NORMAL)
            self.reset_button.config(state=tk.DISABLED)
            threading.Thread(target=self.countdown).start()

    def stop_timer(self):
        self.running = False
        self.start_button.config(state=tk.NORMAL)
        self.stop_button.config(state=tk.DISABLED)
        self.reset_button.config(state=tk.NORMAL)

    def reset_timer(self):
        self.running = False
        self.pomodoro_count = 0
        self.session_time = WORK_TIME
        self.time_label.config(text=self.format_time(self.session_time))
        self.start_button.config(state=tk.NORMAL)
        self.stop_button.config(state=tk.DISABLED)
        self.reset_button.config(state=tk.DISABLED)

    def countdown(self):
        while self.running and self.session_time > 0:
            time.sleep(1)
            self.session_time -= 1
            self.update_time_label()
        
        if self.session_time == 0:
            winsound.Beep(1000, 500)  # Sound notification
            self.change_session()

    def update_time_label(self):
        self.time_label.config(text=self.format_time(self.session_time))

    def format_time(self, seconds):
        minutes = seconds // 60
        seconds = seconds % 60
        return f"{minutes:02d}:{seconds:02d}"

    def change_session(self):
        # Handle switching between work and break periods
        self.pomodoro_count += 1
        if self.pomodoro_count % 4 == 0:
            self.session_time = LONG_BREAK_TIME
        else:
            self.session_time = BREAK_TIME if self.pomodoro_count % 2 == 1 else WORK_TIME
        
        # Update the time label and reset buttons
        self.update_time_label()
        self.start_button.config(state=tk.NORMAL)
        self.stop_button.config(state=tk.DISABLED)
        self.reset_button.config(state=tk.NORMAL)

# Main function to set up the GUI
def main():
    root = tk.Tk()
    root.title("Productivity Timer")
    root.geometry("400x300")
    timer = Timer(root)
    root.mainloop()

if __name__ == "__main__":
    main()

Key Features:

1. Start Button: Starts the timer and counts down.

2. Stop Button: Stops the timer at any time.

3. Reset Button: Resets the timer to the initial state.

4. Pomodoro Cycles: After each Pomodoro (work) session, it switches between work and break periods. After 4 work sessions, a long break is taken.

5. Sound Notification: A sound will play when a session (work or break) finishes.

6. GUI with Tkinter: A simple GUI displays the countdown timer and provides buttons for controlling the timer.

How to Run:

1. Install the necessary libraries (if not already available):

   bash
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   pip install tk
   

2. Simply run the Python file:

   bash
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   python timer.py
   

This code will create a simple Pomodoro timer that alternates between work and break periods. If you need further modifications or enhancements, feel free to ask!