Why I Built a Local-First Time Tracker in Chrome Manifest V3 (And How It Works)

Taranaz — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:34:01 +0000

Most time-tracking apps for knowledge workers suffer from two primary issues:

Corporate surveillance: Keystroke loggers or invasive cloud telemetry sending your browsing habits to external servers.
Manual overhead: Needing to click "Start" and "Stop" every single time you switch tasks, which breaks developer flow state.

I wanted an automated, distraction-free tracker that lives entirely inside Chrome and respects developer privacy. That led me to engineer ProductivityPulse.

Here is a quick look under the hood at how Manifest V3 handles automatic time tracking and focus controls:

1. Distinguishing Active Work from Open Tabs
Leaving a documentation tab open for 4 hours does not equal 4 hours of reading. To measure genuine engagement, ProductivityPulse pairs Chrome’s idle API with a lightweight content script that detects interaction: keypresses, mouse movements, and scrolls. Storage writes are strictly debounced to keep the browser responsive and eliminate CPU overhead.

2. Intercepting Distractions at document_start
Standard site blockers often suffer from a noticeable delay where the target website loads before the redirect triggers. ProductivityPulse intercepts distracting domains at document_start before network resources fully resolve, seamlessly replacing the destination with a dark-mode focus timer.

3. Visualizing Rhythm with GitHub-Style Heatmaps
Instead of confusing data tables, the dashboard compiles daily sessions into a 30-day GitHub-style intensity heatmap, letting you visually spot peak cognitive hours and streak consistency.

4. 100% Local-First Storage
The entire session engine, domain breakdown, and Pomodoro logs reside locally on your device via chrome.storage.local. There is zero tracking telemetry. Optional cloud sync exists via Firebase only if you choose to back up data across machines.

Try It Free & Unlock Lifetime Pro:
I recently published ProductivityPulse on the Chrome Web Store.

If you want to test it during your next coding sprint:
Install from the Chrome Web Store
Open Settings → Subscription
Enter promo code PPLIFETIME to unlock all Pro features permanently

Note:
When signing in for Cloud Sync, you may see a Google warning screen. This is because our app is pending Google's verification review. Click 'Advanced' → 'Go to ProductivityPulse (unsafe)' to proceed — this is safe, it's a standard step for new apps awaiting verification.

Drop your thoughts, edge-case bugs, or feedback in the comments below!

How to Choose the Best Website Development Company

Taranaz — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 10:41:45 +0000

In today’s digital age, having a well-designed and functional website is essential for any business to thrive. Whether you’re launching a startup, running an e-commerce store, or managing a personal brand, choosing the right website development company can make all the difference. With countless options available, it can be overwhelming to identify the perfect partner for your project. This guide will walk you through key factors to consider when selecting the best website development company for your needs.

1. Understand Your Requirements

Before reaching out to potential website development companies, it’s important to clearly define your goals and requirements. Ask yourself:

What is the primary purpose of your website? (e.g., e-commerce, portfolio, informational)
What features and functionalities do you need? (e.g., contact forms, payment gateways, blogs)
Do you have a specific design style in mind?
What is your budget and timeline?

Having a clear vision will help you communicate effectively with potential developers and ensure you choose a company that aligns with your objectives.

2. Evaluate Their Portfolio

A company’s portfolio is one of the best indicators of their capabilities. Review their past projects to assess:

Design quality and consistency
Variety of industries they’ve worked with
Complexity of websites they’ve developed
User experience (UX) and responsiveness of their designs For example, if you’re looking for an e-commerce website, ensure the company has experience in building similar platforms.

3. Check Reviews and Testimonials

Client feedback provides valuable insights into a company’s reliability, professionalism, and work quality. Look for reviews on platforms like Google, Clutch, or LinkedIn. If possible, reach out to previous clients to get a firsthand account of their experience. Pay attention to:

Timeliness of project delivery
Communication and responsiveness
Post-launch support

4. Assess Their Technical Expertise

The right website development company should have a strong command of various technologies and platforms, including:

Content Management Systems (CMS): WordPress, Joomla, Drupal
Programming Languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python
Frameworks: ReactJS, Angular, Node.js
E-commerce Platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento

Discuss your project requirements and ensure the company’s technical expertise aligns with your needs.

5. Prioritize Customization Over Templates

A custom-designed website tailored to your brand stands out in today’s competitive digital landscape. While templates may seem like a quick and cost-effective solution, they often come with limitations in terms of design flexibility and scalability. Opt for a company that offers personalized solutions to create a unique and memorable online presence for your busine

6. Evaluate Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication is crucial for a successful project. During the initial interactions, evaluate the company’s:

Responsiveness to inquiries
Clarity in explaining technical concepts
Willingness to understand your vision and provide suggestions

A company that values collaboration and maintains transparent communication throughout the process is more likely to deliver a satisfactory result.

7. Consider Their Pricing Structure

While cost shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor, it’s essential to choose a company that offers value for money. Compare pricing models and ensure there are no hidden charges. Common pricing models include:

Fixed Price: Ideal for projects with well-defined requirements.
Hourly Rate: Suitable for projects with flexible or evolving scopes.
Retainer: Best for ongoing support and maintenance.

8. Check for Post-Launch Support

Website development doesn’t end at launch. Regular updates, maintenance, and troubleshooting are essential for keeping your site functional and secure. Ensure the company offers post-launch support services, including:

Bug fixes
Security updates
Performance optimization
Feature enhancements

9. Evaluate Their SEO and Digital Marketing Expertise

A great website is one that not only looks good but also drives traffic and conversions. Check if the company offers:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services
Integration of analytics tools
Digital marketing strategies

An SEO-friendly website with fast load times, mobile responsiveness, and optimized content can significantly boost your online visibility.

10. Trust Your Instincts

Finally, trust your instincts when choosing a website development company. If a company ticks all the boxes but you don’t feel confident about working with them, it’s okay to explore other options. Building a website is a collaborative process, so it’s important to work with a team you feel comfortable with.

Conclusion

Selecting the right website development company is a critical decision that can impact your business’s online presence and growth. By understanding your requirements, evaluating portfolios, checking reviews, and prioritizing communication, you can find a partner that aligns with your goals. At Taranaz Digital Solutions, the best website development company in Nagpur, India, specialize in creating custom, SEO-friendly websites that deliver results. Contact us today to turn your vision into reality!

DEV Community: Taranaz