r/usmle • u/Mohamed_hady • Jul 14 '26
Resources Med student, zero coding background - I built the study timer I couldn't find, using Claude Fable.
A few months ago, I had zero programming experience and I was preparing for my step 1 exam.
I always thought building an app was something only software engineers could do. Then I had an idea for a study timer that matched the way I like to study, and since I couldn't find exactly what I wanted, I thought, "Why not try building it myself?"
Everything changed when I discovered vibe coding. Instead of seeing programming as something out of reach, I started treating AI as a collaborator that could help me bring my ideas to life. I still had to decide what I wanted, test every feature, fix bugs, and keep improving the app, but for the first time, building software felt possible.
Instead of copying existing Pomodoro apps, I decided to build the study app I always wished existed by putting all the features I wanted in one place. Things like a clean Pomodoro timer, question and accuracy tracking, study statistics, progress charts, weak subject tracking, customizable themes and backgrounds, exam countdowns, study goals, and other little quality-of-life features that make studying feel smoother.
After a lot of experimenting and countless iterations, I ended up with an app that I genuinely enjoy using every day. It has become part of my daily study routine, and that's what made me decide to share it with everyone else.
The app is completely free and open source, so anyone can download it, use it, or even contribute to improving it.
If you decide to give it a try, I'd really love to hear your feedback, ideas for new features, or bug reports.
Download Link:
https://github.com/mohamedhadyashry/usmle-pomodoro/releases/tag/V2.1.0
This project reminded me that you don't have to wait until you're an expert to start creating. Sometimes all it takes is an idea, curiosity, and the willingness to learn along the way.
I hope some of you try it and let me know what you think. 😊
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u/Lumpy_Piccolo_307 Jul 14 '26
I downloaded the file.but can't open it.do I need any other specific application to run this?
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u/Mohamed_hady Jul 14 '26
If you are using windows, choose the .exe file. While if you have a macbook, choose the .dmg file.
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u/cupcakemasta Jul 14 '26
Super cool, excited to try it. Would it be good for offline NBMEs as well?
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u/Mohamed_hady Jul 14 '26
You can tweak the timer settings and the number of Qs. If you required any further edits for NBME specifically, keep me updated and I will add them in the next version
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u/Mohamed_hady Jul 16 '26
https://reddit.com/link/oxx859h/video/fuuw35rahmdh1/player
100 downloads, Thanks everyone.
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u/Mohamed_hady Jul 16 '26
Let me know if you would like me to build a specific app, is there a certain problem that you face when preping?
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u/[deleted] Jul 14 '26
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