Helm

A minimalistic TUI Pomodoro-like timer designed for pure focus. Protect your focus and time. Customize timers, switch between modes, and control everything with simple keyboard shortcuts; right from your terminal.

Installation/Update

Self-update: Run helm --update anytime to get the latest version.

Homebrew

brew install 0xjuanma/tap/helm

Script

curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/0xjuanma/helm/main/scripts/install.sh | sh

Build from Source

git clone https://github.com/0xjuanma/helm.git
cd helm
go build
./helm

Usage

Start the Helm TUI by running helm in your terminal. From there, you can start, create and customize your own timer workflows to match your needs.

Controls

Key	Action
j/k or ↑/↓ arrows	Navigate
enter	Select
space	Start/Pause
r	Reset
n	Skip to next step
c	Customize workflows
esc	Back
q	Quit

Workflows

• Pomodoro - Classic 25/5 minute work/break cycle
• Design Interview - Structured interview practice (customizable)
• Custom - Create your own workflow
• Quick Timer - helm --quick <minutes> for a single-stage timer, no menu

Sound

• Toggle alerts on/off and switch between the terminal bell or the default macOS system sound from the workflow editor (c → pick a workflow, then adjust the sound lines).

Settings are stored in ~/.helm/settings.json. Press c to customize workflows (sound settings live inside each editor).

Author: @0xjuanma