<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Rahma’s Dev Journal]]></title><description><![CDATA[Rahma’s Dev Journal]]></description><link>https://study-tracker-pro.hashnode.dev</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 02:41:57 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://study-tracker-pro.hashnode.dev/rss.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><ttl>60</ttl><item><title><![CDATA[Why I Built My Own Study Tracker (And How a Simple Heatmap Changed My Productivity)]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Struggle is Real As a solo developer and a student, I’ve always faced the same monster: Inconsistency. I tried dozens of apps, but they were either too bloated or didn't give me that "visual dopamine" I needed to keep going. I realized I didn't n...]]></description><link>https://study-tracker-pro.hashnode.dev/why-i-built-my-own-study-tracker-and-how-a-simple-heatmap-changed-my-productivity</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://study-tracker-pro.hashnode.dev/why-i-built-my-own-study-tracker-and-how-a-simple-heatmap-changed-my-productivity</guid><category><![CDATA[productivity tools]]></category><category><![CDATA[webdev, developers, showdev, productivity, tools]]></category><category><![CDATA[extensions]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rahma Khaled]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 21:08:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1770497322895/56c62ab5-c82b-4df9-a109-104fbd207f29.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>The Struggle is Real</strong> As a solo developer and a student, I’ve always faced the same monster: <strong>Inconsistency.</strong> I tried dozens of apps, but they were either too bloated or didn't give me that "visual dopamine" I needed to keep going. I realized I didn't need a complex project management tool; I just needed to see my progress.</p>
<p><strong>The "GitHub Effect"</strong> If you are a coder, you know the feeling of seeing those green squares on your profile. It’s addictive. So, I thought: <em>Why not bring this to my study sessions?</em> I decided to build <a target="_blank" href="https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/mldpkafolfgdaakkgnpnpddepmjlhokd"><strong>Study Tracker Pro</strong></a>, a lightweight Edge extension that lives where I work. Its core feature is a <strong>GitHub-style Heatmap</strong> that tracks every minute you spend focusing. Seeing the squares turn green as the days go by is the ultimate motivation to not break the streak.</p>
<p><strong>More Than Just Code: The Spiritual Balance</strong> As a Muslim developer, keeping my "Dhikr" (mindfulness/reminders) alive while working is crucial. Most productivity apps ignore the spiritual side of a user's day. That’s why I integrated <strong>Customizable Dhikr Notifications</strong>. You can set your own reminders to pop up while you study, keeping you centered and productive at the same time.</p>
<p><strong>The Tech Stack</strong> I kept it clean and efficient:</p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>JavaScript:</strong> To handle the timer logic and streak calculations.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>CSS:</strong> For a minimal, distraction-free UI.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Edge Add-ons API:</strong> For seamless browser integration.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Conclusion</strong> Building this as a <strong>Solo Developer</strong> taught me that sometimes the best tool is the one you build for yourself. I’m planning to share it with the world soon on Product Hunt! Stay tuned</p>
<p>You can try Study Tracker Pro for free on the Edge Add-ons store here:<br /><a target="_blank" href="https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/mldpkafolfgdaakkgnpnpddepmjlhokd">https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/mldpkafolfgdaakkgnpnpddepmjlhokd</a></p>
<p>I’d love for you to check it out, give me your honest feedback, and maybe support my launch!</p>
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