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Deploying POMjs

Introduction

POMjs is a self-hosted Pomodoro timer application that helps you boost productivity through time-boxing techniques. Built with JavaScript and modern web technologies, POMjs provides a clean, distraction-free interface for managing your work sessions and breaks.

The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo, involves working in focused 25-minute intervals (called “pomodoros”) followed by short breaks. POMjs implements this methodology while giving you full control over your data and customization options.

Key highlights of POMjs:

  • Customizable Timers: Adjust work session and break durations to match your productivity style
  • Session Tracking: Keep track of completed pomodoros and productivity patterns
  • Clean Interface: Minimalist design that keeps you focused on the task at hand
  • Audio Notifications: Get alerted when sessions end without constantly watching the timer
  • Self-Hosted: Your productivity data stays on your own infrastructure
  • Lightweight: Minimal resource requirements make it easy to deploy anywhere
  • Mobile Friendly: Responsive design works across devices
  • Open Source: Full access to the source code for customization

This guide walks through deploying POMjs on Klutch.sh using Docker, configuring the application for your workflow, and setting up persistent storage for your session data.

Why Deploy POMjs on Klutch.sh

Deploying POMjs on Klutch.sh provides several advantages for your productivity workflow:

Simplified Deployment: Klutch.sh automatically detects your Dockerfile and builds POMjs without complex orchestration. Push to GitHub, and your timer deploys automatically.

Always Available: Access your Pomodoro timer from any device, anywhere, without relying on third-party services that may track your usage.

HTTPS by Default: Klutch.sh provides automatic SSL certificates, ensuring secure access to your productivity data.

GitHub Integration: Connect your configuration repository directly from GitHub. Updates trigger automatic redeployments.

Persistent Storage: Keep your session history and settings across container restarts and redeployments.

Custom Domains: Use a memorable domain for quick access to your timer.

Prerequisites

Before deploying POMjs on Klutch.sh, ensure you have:

Preparing Your Repository

Create a GitHub repository containing your Dockerfile for POMjs deployment.

Repository Structure

pomjs-deploy/
├── Dockerfile
└── .dockerignore

Creating the Dockerfile

Create a Dockerfile in the root of your repository:

FROM node:18-alpine
WORKDIR /app
# Clone POMjs repository
RUN apk add --no-cache git && \
git clone https://github.com/nicokempe/pomjs.git . && \
npm install
# Build the application
RUN npm run build
# Expose the application port
EXPOSE 3000
# Start the application
CMD ["npm", "start"]

Creating the .dockerignore File

Create a .dockerignore file:

.git
.github
*.md
LICENSE
.gitignore
*.log
.DS_Store
node_modules/
.env
.env.local

Deploying POMjs on Klutch.sh

    Push Your Repository to GitHub

    Initialize your repository and push to GitHub with your Dockerfile and configuration files.

    Create a New Project on Klutch.sh

    Navigate to the Klutch.sh dashboard and create a new project. Give it a descriptive name like “pomjs” or “pomodoro-timer”.

    Create a New App

    Within your project, create a new app. Connect your GitHub account if you haven’t already, then select the repository containing your POMjs Dockerfile.

    Configure HTTP Traffic

    In the deployment settings:

    • Select HTTP as the traffic type
    • Set the internal port to 3000

    Deploy Your Application

    Click Deploy to start the build process. Klutch.sh will:

    • Detect your Dockerfile automatically
    • Build the container image
    • Start the POMjs container
    • Provision an HTTPS certificate

    Access POMjs

    Once deployment completes, access your POMjs instance at https://your-app-name.klutch.sh and start your first Pomodoro session.

Using POMjs

Starting a Pomodoro Session

  1. Navigate to your POMjs instance
  2. Click the start button to begin a 25-minute work session
  3. Focus on your task until the timer ends
  4. Take a short break when prompted
  5. Repeat for maximum productivity

Customizing Timer Settings

POMjs allows you to customize various timer parameters:

  • Work Duration: Default 25 minutes, adjustable to your preference
  • Short Break: Default 5 minutes between pomodoros
  • Long Break: Default 15-30 minutes after completing a set of pomodoros
  • Sound Notifications: Enable or disable audio alerts

Additional Resources

Conclusion

Deploying POMjs on Klutch.sh gives you a private, always-accessible Pomodoro timer without relying on third-party productivity apps. The self-hosted approach ensures your productivity data remains under your control while Klutch.sh handles the infrastructure complexity.

With automatic HTTPS, easy deployment from GitHub, and reliable hosting, you can focus on what matters most: getting your work done one pomodoro at a time.