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Application

Image Format Converter

Convert any image format with zero quality loss (i.e., where pixels go to change their clothes).

Image Format Converter

Convert any image format with zero quality loss (i.e., where pixels go to change their clothes).

Drop your image here

or click to browse • JPG, PNG, WebP, BMP, GIF, TIFF, ICO

Quick Start

  1. Upload - Drag & drop your image or click to browse
  2. Choose format - Select your desired output format
  3. Convert - Click the convert button
  4. Download - Save your converted image

Supported Formats

Input: JPG, PNG, WebP, BMP, GIF, TIFF, ICO
Output: PNG, JPEG, WebP, BMP, ICO

Features

  • No installation required - Works directly in your browser
  • Privacy-focused - Images are processed locally, never uploaded
  • Quality control - Adjustable quality slider for JPEG/WebP formats
  • File information - Shows dimensions, size, and current format
  • Free to use - No limits or subscriptions

Format Guide

Format Best For Notes
PNG Logos, screenshots, transparency Larger files, lossless compression
JPEG Photos, web images Smaller files, adjustable quality
WebP Modern websites Best compression, not universal
BMP Uncompressed storage Large files, maximum quality
ICO Website favicons Multiple sizes in one file

Quality Settings

For JPEG and WebP conversions:

  • 90-100% - Best quality, larger files
  • 70-90% - Balanced (recommended)
  • Below 70% - Smaller files, visible quality loss

Tips

  • Original files are never modified
  • Converted files are saved with "_converted" suffix
  • For web use, 80-85% quality is usually optimal
  • WebP offers best size/quality ratio for modern browsers

Common Use Cases

  • Converting PNG screenshots to JPEG for smaller email attachments
  • Creating WebP versions of images for faster website loading
  • Converting various formats to PNG for transparency support
  • Making ICO files for website favicons

Troubleshooting

Image won't upload? Check it's under 50MB and a supported format
Blurry output? Increase quality slider above 90%
Need batch conversion? Process images one at a time using "Convert Another"

,   &  Illya Starikov
Application, Technology

AI Trivia Game

These are today's contestants... Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini

Today at work, we got into a conversation about what was the best AI chatbot. Everyone had their own camp and their reasons for which one was best. Best is subjective, so what do you think is the best chatbot? Prompt:

We're going to be writing a web application for my personal blog: https://starikov.co. My website is a black website with white text. My website is a ghost site. This application should be self contained to a single div, it shouldn't leak design into the greater website/on the main feed. It should be very modern, clean, and sleek. It should be good all around, scaleable in every way. It should be generally accessible. It should use modern web standards, and work great in Chrome and Safari. Again, don't like into the greater sit: it should be a single div with all of it's style and such contained, injectable into a Ghost post. It should be fully text-width.
This is going to be a fully interactive trivia game. I should be able to hardcode a javascript dictionary with quiz show questions. It can be anywhere between 1 (a freebie, you get free points) to 10 options. It should keep track of how many you get correct. You should be able to specify bonus rounds, by default make the last two bonus. It should be interactive with animations, especially congrulatory messages. You should be able to click any option but only accept answers when the user clicks a submit button.
At the end please show a congratulatory messages with their final score. It should break down every question they got right or wrong through the quiz. The more questions they get right the more grandiose the congrats animation.
Preload this game show with Google trivia, heavily focusing on ChromeOS questions. Please make it scaling in difficulty. 10 questions.
It should be a modern website with modern styling. Please keep it a div self contained to a ghost site.

I choose ChromeOS in honor of my bff Stefan.

Claude Opus

ChatGPT

4o

o3

o4-mini-high

Gemini 2.5 Pro

,   &  Illya Starikov
Application, Code

Unicodex

Gotta glyph 'em all!

Unicodex

Gotta glyph 'em all!

🔍
⚡ Glyph captured!
,   &  Illya Starikov
Application

YourTube History

Like and subscribe to find out what you've subscribed to!

YourTube History

Like and subscribe to find out what you've subscribed to!

Drop your watch-history.html file here

or click to browse from your device

⚙️ Parameters

Number of top videos to display in results
Filter videos with minimum number of plays
Filter videos watched after this date
Filter videos watched before this date
Filter videos by channel name
Choose how to sort the results
Filter out YouTube Music entries from results

📈 Watch Statistics

Your YouTube journey at a glance

🎬 Top Videos

Rank Video Title Channel Plays First Watched

Upload your watch history to see your top videos

What This Tool Does

This parser processes your YouTube watch history to reveal:

  • Your most-watched videos with play counts
  • Favorite channels based on total views
  • Viewing statistics (total videos watched, daily average, estimated hours)
  • Peak viewing hours
  • Date range of your watch history

Requirements

  • A web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
  • Your YouTube watch history file from Google Takeout

Getting Your YouTube History

Step 1: Access Google Takeout

  1. Go to https://takeout.google.com
  2. Sign in to your Google account if not already signed in

Step 2: Select YouTube Data

  1. Scroll down and find "YouTube and YouTube Music"
  2. Check the box next to it (if not already selected)
  3. Click "All YouTube data included" to customize
  4. Ensure "history" is selected
  5. Click "OK"

Step 3: Configure Export

  1. Click "Next step"
  2. Choose delivery method: "Send download link via email"
  3. Choose frequency: "Export once"
  4. Choose file type: ".zip"
  5. Choose file size: 2 GB should be sufficient
  6. Click "Create export"

Step 4: Download Your Data

  1. Wait for an email from Google (may take minutes to hours)
  2. Click the download link in the email
  3. Extract the ZIP file
  4. Navigate to: Takeout/YouTube and YouTube Music/history/
  5. Locate the file named watch-history.html

Using the Parser

Step 1: Upload Your File

  1. Open the YouTube History Parser webpage
  2. Click the upload area or drag your watch-history.html file onto it
  3. The file will be validated automatically

Step 2: Configure Analysis Parameters

  • Number of Top Videos: How many videos to display (default: 100)
  • Minimum Play Count: Filter out videos watched fewer times
  • Date Range: Analyze specific time periods (optional)
  • Channel Filter: Search for specific channels
  • Sort By: Choose ordering method
  • Exclude YouTube Music: Toggle to filter out music content

Step 3: Analyze

  1. Click "Analyze History"
  2. Wait for processing to complete
  3. Review your statistics and top videos

Step 4: Export Results (Optional)

  • Export CSV: Download spreadsheet-compatible file
  • Export JSON: Download structured data file

Understanding Your Results

Statistics Section

  • Data Period: Date range of your watch history
  • Total Watch Events: Number of times you've watched any video
  • Unique Videos: Different videos you've watched
  • Unique Channels: Different channels you've watched
  • Estimated Hours: Rough viewing time (assumes 10-minute average)
  • Daily Average: Videos watched per day
  • Favorite Channel: Most-watched channel by play count
  • Most Rewatched: Single video with highest play count
  • Peak Viewing Hour: When you watch most videos

Top Videos Table

  • Rank: Position by play count
  • Video Title: Name of the video with link
  • Channel: Creator's channel name
  • Plays: Number of times watched
  • First Watched: Earliest viewing date

Privacy Notice

All processing occurs locally in your browser. Your watch history file never leaves your device. No data is uploaded to any server.

Troubleshooting

File Won't Upload

  • Ensure file is named watch-history.html or has .html extension
  • Verify file is from Google Takeout YouTube export
  • Check file isn't corrupted (should open in browser)

No Data Showing

  • Confirm you selected the correct date range
  • Check minimum play count isn't too high
  • Verify YouTube history was included in your Takeout export

Missing Videos

  • Some deleted videos may not display properly
  • YouTube Music content is excluded by default (toggle setting to include)
  • Very old entries might have incomplete data

Tips

  • Use the search box to find specific videos or channels
  • Click column headers to sort differently
  • Adjust date filters to analyze specific periods
  • Export data for further analysis in spreadsheet software

Multiple YouTube Accounts?

The YouTube History Merger tool bleow combines multiple watch-history.html files from different Google accounts into a single unified timeline. This is useful when you have multiple YouTube accounts (personal, work, legacy accounts) and want to analyze your complete viewing history across all accounts. The tool processes files of any size (tested up to 35MB+) and automatically removes exact duplicate entries that occur within 10 seconds of each other, while preserving legitimate re-watches of the same video at different times.

To use the merger, simply drag and drop or select multiple watch-history.html files from your various Google Takeout exports. The tool will parse each file, extract all watch entries with their timestamps, sort them chronologically (newest first), remove duplicates, and generate a single merged watch-history.html file that maintains the exact same format as the original exports. This merged file can then be used with the YouTube History Parser above to analyze your complete viewing history across all accounts. The merger displays statistics showing total entries processed, unique entries retained, duplicates removed, and the date range of your combined history.

Drop YouTube watch-history.html files here

or

Supports large files (35MB+)

Processing large files, please wait...
,   &  Illya Starikov
Application, Technology

Color Clipper

When hue need the exact colour.

Drop an image here or click to select

Supports JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP

HEX: #000000
RGB: rgb(0, 0, 0)
RGBA: rgba(0, 0, 0, 1)
HSL: hsl(0, 0%, 0%)
HSV: hsv(0, 0%, 0%)

Click on any color format to copy it

Drag, hover, click a pixel.
Color's copied to your clipboard!

Drop an image, hover any pixel, click once to copy its HEX. Four more formats (RGB, RGBA, HSL, HSV) are ready if you need them.

What is this?

A self‑contained, browser‑side colour inspector that:

  • Accepts JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP.
  • Magnifies 10× under the cursor so you never miss the right pixel.
  • Shows five colour formats in real time.
  • Copies any value to your clipboard with a single click.
  • Stays entirely client‑side—images never leave your machine.

Why might I care?

  • Design QA: Verify that exported assets match the brand palette.
  • Accessibility audits: Check contrast hotspots.
  • Development shortcuts: Skip the screenshot → Photoshop loop.
  • Palette mining: Turn vintage posters into modern UI themes.

How might I use this?

1  Load an image

  • Drop a file anywhere inside the dashed zone, or
  • Click the zone to open a file picker.
Tip: Huge RAWs are fine—the script auto‑scales them to fit your viewport.

2  Hover to inspect

The circular loupe follows your cursor and zooms 10×. A crosshair marks the exact pixel.

3  Click to lock

Click anywhere on the image. The current HEX value is copied straight to your clipboard, and the button flashes a confirmation.

4  Grab any format

Need RGBA for CSS or HSL for Tailwind? Just click the label beside the value—copied.

5  Start over

Load another image and repeat. No refresh needed.

,   &  Illya Starikov
Application

Pomodoro Timer 🍅

A Pomodoro a day keeps the procrastination away.

25:00
WORK
🍅 0 Work
🌴 0 Short Breaks
💤 0 Long Breaks
Work Time
00:00:00
+
Break Time
00:00:00
=
Total Time
00:00:00
Session log will appear here...

The Pomodoro Technique is a simple time-management method for organizing focused work and breaks. In practice, you pick a task, set a timer for a fixed work interval (commonly 25 minutes), and work on that task without interruption. When the timer goes off, you take a short break (usually 5 minutes). This cycle of 25-minute work sessions ("pomodoros") followed by 5-minute breaks continues. After completing four pomodoros, you take a longer break (typically 15–30 minutes) before starting again.

This alternating work-rest structure helps train your attention and prevents burnout. By committing to just 25 minutes of concentrated work, tasks feel less overwhelming, which can reduce procrastination. The planned breaks act as built-in mental rests—research shows that short pauses like these can significantly boost energy and reduce fatigue. In other words, the Pomodoro Technique breaks the workday into manageable chunks, giving you permission to rest regularly and maintain high focus over longer periods.

The Basics

What is the Pomodoro Technique? The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method where you work in fixed intervals of focused effort (traditionally 25 minutes) separated by short breaks. Each 25-minute work interval is called a "pomodoro" (Italian for "tomato"), and after each pomodoro you take a 5-minute break. This cycle repeats, with a longer break (15–30 minutes) after every four pomodoros.
How does the Pomodoro Technique work? You choose a task to work on, set a timer for one pomodoro (usually 25 minutes), and then work on that task without any interruptions. When the timer rings, you stop working and take a short break (about 5 minutes). After the break, you start another pomodoro on either the same task or a new one. After doing four pomodoros, you take a longer break. This pattern of focused work and rest helps structure your day.
What exactly is a pomodoro? In this context, a "pomodoro" simply means one work interval of the set length (typically 25 minutes). It is the basic unit of the technique. After each pomodoro, you take a short break. Tracking the number of pomodoros can help you monitor progress on tasks.
Why is it called the Pomodoro Technique? Pomodoro is the Italian word for "tomato." The name comes from the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that the technique's creator used when he first developed this method. In practice, that's why you often see a little tomato icon in Pomodoro apps and resources. The tomato itself isn't mystical—it's just a nickname, like saying "work session."

Timing and Structure

How long are the work intervals and breaks? The classic Pomodoro setup is 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break. After four such cycles, you take a longer break of 15–30 minutes. The 25/5 split is a guideline, not a law. The idea is to have work intervals short enough to sustain full concentration, and breaks long enough to rest but not so long that you lose momentum.
Why 25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of break? The 25/5 rule comes from experience: 25 minutes is often just long enough to make meaningful progress but short enough to stay sharply focused without fading energy. This limit helps focus the brain for intense intervals without mental fatigue. Short breaks after each session prevent burnout and maintain a steady work rhythm.
Why take a longer break after 4 pomodoros? After roughly 100 minutes of work (four pomodoros and three short breaks), your brain needs more substantial recovery time. A longer break (15–30 minutes) lets you recharge more fully. Research on breaks indicates that longer pauses can significantly boost performance on demanding tasks. In practice, you might use a long break for lunch, a walk, or another relaxing activity to reset before the next set of pomodoros.
Do I have to strictly use 25 and 5 minutes, or can I change it? You can definitely adjust the timing. The original method suggests 25/5, but many people tweak these intervals. If 25 minutes feels too short to make progress, try 45 or 50 minutes of work with a 10-minute break. If 25 feels too long to stay focused, you could try 20/5 or even 15/5. The important thing is the alternation of work and rest. Adjust the lengths until they fit your attention span and task type.
What if 25 minutes feels too short or too long? If 25 minutes is too short to get into a project, extend your sessions until it feels right. Some people find 50 or 90 minutes better for deep work. Conversely, if 25 minutes feels exhausting, try shorter bursts like 10 or 15 minutes. The goal is finding a balance: work long enough to make progress and short enough to sustain focus.

Managing Breaks

What should I do during the short breaks? Use breaks to relax and recharge. Stand up, stretch, take a quick walk, grab water or a snack, or do deep breathing. The key is to step away from intense thinking—don't dive into another work task or get lost in social media. Even a brief stroll or a few simple stretches can clear your mind and prepare you for the next pomodoro.
What should I do during the longer breaks? During longer breaks (15–30 minutes), engage in more substantial rest or non-work activities. You might have lunch, chat with a colleague, take a longer walk outside, or do something enjoyable. The goal is to give your brain a real rest: avoid thinking about work during these longer breaks. This helps prevent burnout and keeps you fresh for the next round of pomodoros.
Why are short breaks important? Short breaks are crucial because our brains cannot maintain peak focus indefinitely. Studies show that taking regular micro-breaks (5–10 minutes) can boost energy and reduce fatigue during tasks. Those 5-minute pauses help you return to work feeling recharged. Skipping breaks tends to make you feel drained sooner, whereas brief rests help sustain concentration over hours.

Handling Interruptions and Challenges

What if I get interrupted or distracted during a pomodoro? Ideally, you minimize interruptions (turn off notifications, close irrelevant tabs, tell coworkers not to disturb you). But if something urgent comes up, you have options: you can pause or discard the current pomodoro and deal with the interruption, then reset the timer and start anew. Some users treat an interruption as "breaking the pomodoro" and simply begin the next one when ready. The technique isn't meant to cause stress—just do your best to focus, and if reality intervenes, move on without guilt.
What if I finish my task before the timer ends? You can use the remaining time productively. If you wrap up early, you might review your work, plan the next steps, or start a small part of another task. You can also extend into a related task until the timer goes off. Finishing early can be a morale boost—you get some bonus break time. Alternatively, you may simply take the scheduled break a bit sooner. The goal is focus, not rigidly enforcing idle time.
What if I'm in the middle of a task when time's up? Common advice is to stop working and take your break when the timer rings, even if you haven't finished the task. Treat the timer as an unconditional signal to pause. You can quickly jot down where you are so you can resume easily after the break. If it's a critical situation (like a meeting starting), handle it as needed—but then restart the pomodoro sequence afterward. The break is important, so try not to skip it just to finish a few more minutes of work.

Effectiveness and Science

Does the Pomodoro Technique really work? Is there science behind it? There's supportive evidence that scheduled breaks improve well-being and can enhance efficiency. For example, one study found that students who used fixed break schedules (like the Pomodoro approach) completed tasks in similar or shorter time and reported better mood compared to students who took breaks whenever they wanted. Research on "micro-breaks" (short, informal rests) has found they significantly increase vigor and reduce fatigue. Many users of Pomodoro find that it helps them focus and get tasks done, though personal results can vary.
Why is it effective? The Pomodoro Technique works because it leverages how our brains handle focus and rest. By committing to short, predictable bursts of work, it limits the chance to procrastinate or get overwhelmed. The technique helps "demolish the tendency to procrastinate," "reduce distractions born of multitasking," and "push individuals toward completing tasks." Knowing you only have to concentrate for a set time makes it easier to dive in. Frequent breaks then help your brain recover so you can maintain high-quality focus throughout the day.
How does Pomodoro help with focus and concentration? Knowing you have a strict time limit encourages you to work intensely without distraction. During a pomodoro you typically silence notifications and ignore emails or phone calls. This creates a "focus bubble" where only the current task gets attention. Over time, this trains your mind to resist interruptions. Also, because breaks are coming, there's a clear endpoint—you won't have to work indefinitely. Working in blocks with planned breaks helps keep cognitive resources from draining, preserving focus.
How does it help with procrastination? Breaking work into bite-sized blocks makes tasks feel less intimidating. Instead of staring at a huge to-do list, you think "I just need to work for 25 minutes." This can overcome the inertia of procrastination. The technique makes it easier to "get started" because the effort feels finite. Also, the satisfaction of completing a pomodoro and taking a break can create positive momentum: once you finish one interval, you often find it easier to start the next.

Who Should Use It

Who is the Pomodoro Technique best suited for? It works well for a wide range of people: students, writers, programmers, designers, researchers, and generally anyone doing mentally demanding tasks. If you have trouble concentrating, tend to procrastinate, or often lose track of time, the technique's structure can be very helpful. Many students and knowledge workers find it particularly useful. That said, it's adaptable—anyone can tweak it to their needs.
Are there people or tasks for which Pomodoro is not recommended? Some tasks or individuals might need longer uninterrupted focus. For example, creative work or programming sometimes requires entering a deep "flow" state, which can take more than 25 minutes to achieve. Some users find 25 minutes too short to fully get into a project and extend the method to 90-minute work/20-minute break schedules. Also, jobs with unpredictable interruptions (like customer support or emergency response) might find strict Pomodoro sessions hard to follow. The technique is flexible; if the standard lengths don't fit, you can adjust them.
Can the Pomodoro Technique help with attention issues or ADHD? Some people with attention difficulties find structure helpful, and the short intervals can make tasks feel less overwhelming. The frequent breaks can also keep energy levels steady. However, everyone is different. Some with ADHD might find even 25 minutes too long to focus, or breaks too short; they might adapt with shorter intervals. There's anecdotal support that timer-based methods can help focus, but it's always best to tailor the method to your needs.

Practical Applications

Can it be adapted for different tasks or people? Yes—the core idea is alternating focused work and rest, but the exact timing can change. Some people use longer intervals for tasks that need deeper concentration (for example, 50 minutes of work and 10 minutes of break). Others shorten sessions for very repetitive or low-energy tasks. The exact lengths (25/5) are just a starting point. You can experiment to find what helps you focus best. The key is to keep the rhythm of work and break, even if you shift the timing.
Can it be used for physical tasks or exercise? Yes, the principle can apply to any kind of work, including physical chores or practice. For example, you could do 25 minutes of intensive cleaning or exercise, then rest 5 minutes. Athletes use a similar idea called interval training (work and rest). The Pomodoro timing is flexible, so you can choose intervals that make sense for the physical task (e.g., 40 minutes of gardening, 10-minute break). The important part is not to skip breaks—your body, like your mind, needs recovery time too.
Can it be used for creative work like writing or art? Yes, though creative work sometimes involves entering a deep flow state that can take more than 25 minutes. Some artists and writers use Pomodoro to overcome procrastination (e.g., "I'll just write for 25 minutes"), which can get them started. Others might extend the intervals for creativity (for example, doing 50/10 or 60/15 splits). One approach that works well is using 50-minute pomodoros with 10-minute breaks for tasks like research and writing, which require sustained cognitive effort.
How is it used in workplace or team settings? Primarily as an individual tool. However, some teams adopt Pomodoro collectively: for example, a team might agree that for certain hours everyone focuses without meetings (effectively syncing pomodoros), or they use it during solo work sprints. In agile software teams, the idea of a "sprint" is similar. Some groups even do "Pomodoro sessions" together virtually or physically. But mostly, Pomodoro is about personal rhythm rather than group activity.

Integration and Tools

Can Pomodoro be combined with other productivity methods? Absolutely. A common practice is to combine Pomodoro with task lists. For example, you can make a to-do list and estimate how many pomodoros each task will take. Then you focus on one task per pomodoro. After each session, you check off progress. This way, Pomodoro gives structure to your to-do list. You can also integrate it with planning techniques: start your day by listing tasks and then work through them with pomodoros.
How do I track progress or tasks with Pomodoro? Many people keep a written or digital log of pomodoros. For example, you might list the tasks for the day and put a checkmark or tally (🍅) for each completed pomodoro on that task. This serves two purposes: it shows you how much time each task is taking, and it gives a satisfying visual record of your effort. Some apps and tools count pomodoros automatically. The tracking isn't strictly necessary, but it can help you estimate future tasks and see your productivity over time.
Do I need a special timer (like a tomato-shaped timer)? No, you just need any reliable timer. The tomato story is just the origin of the name. You can use a kitchen timer, a stopwatch, your phone's timer app, or any Pomodoro-specific app. The important part is having a clear, visible countdown so you know when the interval ends.
Can I use my phone or a Pomodoro app as a timer? Absolutely. Many people use smartphone apps or desktop apps designed for Pomodoro, which may include built-in short and long break alarms. There are also simple online timers. Using your phone's timer or a Pomodoro app is convenient. Just be mindful not to get distracted by other phone notifications while timing your work session.

Common Concerns and Variations

What if I find the strict timing too rigid? You don't have to follow it to the second. If strict timing feels stressful, treat the Pomodoro as a flexible guideline. You can pause the timer, take an unscheduled break, or extend the break if needed. The method should work for you, not control you. Many people adapt it: some set 60-minute work periods, others do 10/2 splits for certain tasks. The benefit comes from mixing focused time with regular rests, so feel free to soften the edges if rigidity hurts more than it helps.
How do I stay motivated using Pomodoro? Pomodoro can be motivating because it creates mini-goals. Each pomodoro is a short, achievable target (just 25 minutes of work). Completing it gives a small sense of progress. You might even turn it into a game: for instance, aiming to finish a task within a certain number of pomodoros. Tracking your pomodoros and seeing them add up can also be encouraging. Since frequent breaks are built in, you get frequent "rewards" (your break times) throughout the day, which can help sustain motivation.
Does Pomodoro reduce or increase stress and anxiety? Usually, it helps reduce stress by providing structure. Knowing that a break is always just a few minutes away can relieve the anxiety of "working non-stop." The method can make tasks feel less daunting by breaking them into small parts. However, if you use it too rigidly (for example, never allowing exceptions or stressing about every second), it could cause some pressure. The key is to use Pomodoro to support you, not to make you anxious. Listen to your needs and take extra breaks if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Can it help prevent burnout? It can. Burnout often comes from working too long without rest. Pomodoro forces regular pauses, which can prevent the mental exhaustion that leads to burnout. Research on work breaks suggests that even brief rest helps rebuild your energy. By pacing yourself with pomodoros, you give yourself permission to rest on a schedule, which helps keep you energized for more consistent productivity over days and weeks.

Frequency and Volume

Should I do Pomodoro only once a day or multiple times? You can use as many pomodoros as you need in a day. A full workday might involve 6–12 pomodoros (or more), depending on how much time you have and how demanding your tasks are. The technique is meant to guide your whole day (or study session), not just one interval. Spread it throughout your day around all the tasks you need to do.
How many pomodoros are reasonable in a day? This varies by person and workload. Some people routinely aim for around 8 pomodoros (about 4 hours of focused work), while others might do more if their tasks are very segmented or if they work well in high-concentration bursts. The goal isn't to maximize the count, but to maintain productivity. Listen to your energy: if you consistently do only 4 pomodoros before exhaustion, that might be your sweet spot for now; if you find you can do 10, that's fine too. Quality of focus matters more than sheer quantity of blocks.
What if I don't take breaks or skip them? Skipping breaks defeats the purpose of the method. The breaks are as important as the work intervals. If you try to plow through without breaks, you'll likely feel more tired and less focused over time. It's best to stick to the schedule: even a 5-minute pause can reset your mind. If you feel tempted to skip a short break because you're in a groove, remember you still have a longer break coming after four sessions—and regular short breaks will help you maintain that groove in the long run.

Comparisons and Alternatives

How is it different from other time-management techniques? Pomodoro is all about dividing your time into equal work-rest segments. Unlike to-do-list systems (like Getting Things Done) that focus on what tasks to do, Pomodoro focuses on when to work and when to pause. It's a time-boxing method: you dedicate blocks of time to work. Other methods might encourage multitasking or flexible scheduling; Pomodoro explicitly discourages multitasking during intervals. It's also simpler than some techniques—you just need a timer and a task—which is part of its appeal.
What is the Flowtime technique and how is it different? Flowtime is an alternative to Pomodoro. Instead of using fixed 25-minute sessions, Flowtime lets you work in one long session until you feel fatigue, then take a break of your choosing, then resume and repeat. In other words, you "go with the flow" of your concentration. The advantage is more flexibility, but some people find they end up with overly long work periods. Pomodoro is more regimented, while Flowtime is more flexible. You can try both and see which fits your style.
Are there variations of the Pomodoro Technique? Absolutely. Beyond adjusting the interval lengths, some variations include: tracking how many pomodoros a task takes, having set goals per pomodoro (like "finish two pages"), or using visual indicators (like moving a tomato from one side of your desk to another). People have invented many tweaks—such as pairing Pomodoro with to-do lists, or using point systems. The basic cycle (work/rest) remains the same. There are also other named methods like the 52/17 method (52 minutes work, 17 break); these are all in the same spirit of balancing focus and rest.

Getting Started and Assessment

How do I know if Pomodoro is working for me? Try it for a few days and notice how you feel: Are you completing tasks more reliably? Do you feel more focused during sessions and refreshed after breaks? Are you procrastinating less? Improvement might be subtle, like feeling less drained at the end of the day. You can also measure: maybe you get more done (or the same work in less time). There's no one metric, but increased focus, consistent progress, and reduced mental fatigue are good signs it's helping.
What if I'm not good at sticking to timers? It takes some practice to get used to working with a strict timer. Try to commit to one full pomodoro without letting the clock bother you. Some people find that an audible timer or app alert is easier than checking a watch constantly. If you finish early or need to pause, just reset and start again. Over time, it becomes less about the gadget and more about the habit: you'll begin to internalize the rhythm of work/break without obsessively watching the clock.

Potential Downsides

Are there any downsides or criticisms of the Pomodoro Technique? Some people find the 25/5 schedule too rigid. For certain tasks, constantly stopping can break your concentration. Some professionals note that 25-minute blocks are "too short to get into a productivity zone," and 5-minute breaks "too short to relax," so they experiment with longer intervals. Others point out that if you treat it too strictly, you might feel pressured by the timer. Also, it may not suit jobs that require instant availability (like customer service) or very varied tasks. However, most downsides can be mitigated by adapting the technique to your needs.

Broader Context

Is the Pomodoro Technique only for studying, or can professionals use it too? It's useful in any setting that requires concentrated mental effort. Students often use it for studying or homework, but professionals (like writers, programmers, designers, lawyers, researchers, etc.) use it as well. Pomodoro has been popular in software development and other fields as a simple productivity tool. It's not limited to education—anyone with tasks that benefit from focus can try it.
Do any famous people or companies use it? It's popular in tech and academic circles. Some software development teams and tech companies encourage Pomodoro-style focus periods in their culture. Many well-known productivity experts and bloggers recommend it. While famous corporate use isn't formally documented, countless individuals (from writers to students to entrepreneurs) have publicly shared that Pomodoro works for them. It's widely recommended because it's simple and effective for many.
Where can I find tools or apps for Pomodoro? Many apps and websites exist. You can search for "Pomodoro timer app" and find choices like Focus To-Do, Be Focused, or web timers like Tomato Timer. Even a basic kitchen timer or phone timer works fine. Some productivity apps (like task managers) have Pomodoro features built in. Choose a tool that fits your platform (phone, computer) and style. You don't need anything fancy—the technique's power is in the practice, not the gadget.
Is the Pomodoro Technique a myth or a proven method? It's not a myth, but it's also not magic. It's a practical technique with a mix of anecdotal success and some research backing. Studies on breaks and focused work support its core ideas (e.g., scheduled breaks improve energy, planned focus helps task completion). However, productivity is personal. Some find Pomodoro greatly helps their efficiency and focus, while others prefer different rhythms. It's a proven concept in the sense that many people have used it successfully and studies align with its principles, but like any method it works best when tailored to the individual.
,   &  Illya Starikov
Application, Productivity