Sidejot screenshot

What is Sidejot?

Sidejot is an open-source task planner and Pomodoro timer designed to help you break down large projects into manageable steps and maintain focus during work sessions. It combines AI-assisted task breakdown with a customisable timer, making it particularly useful for developers and people who struggle with task initiation or focus management. The tool focuses on practical productivity rather than complex workflows. It runs offline, keeps your data private, and can be modified or self-hosted since it's open-source. Built with TypeScript and Next.js, it's lightweight and designed to minimise distractions while you work.

Key Features

AI task breakdown

Automatically splits complex projects into smaller, actionable steps

Smart Pomodoro timer

Customisable work and break intervals to suit your rhythm

Offline functionality

Works without an internet connection; no reliance on cloud services

Privacy-focused

Your data stays local; no tracking or analytics

Open-source codebase

Modify, extend, or self-host the application

Distraction-minimising interface

Clean design that keeps you focused on the task

Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Free and open-source with no vendor lock-in
  • Helps people with ADHD or task paralysis by breaking work into smaller chunks
  • Works offline and respects privacy
  • Can be customised or deployed on your own infrastructure

Limitations

  • As an open-source project, support and updates may be limited compared to commercial tools
  • Requires some technical knowledge to self-host or modify
  • Smaller ecosystem and fewer integrations than established commercial alternatives

Use Cases

Breaking down large coding projects into implementable features

Managing ADHD-related task avoidance by creating clear, small action items

Structuring deep work sessions with time-boxed intervals

Tracking personal projects without relying on subscription services

Self-hosting a productivity tool on private infrastructure