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Can I code Toggl?

A start/stop timer tagged to a project, saved as a row in a table, is about as simple as this register gets. The reporting on top is a handful of grouped queries. This is a genuinely easy evening.

VIBE SCORE 95/100

how this is worked out

Why CanICodeThis says Build it

  • A timer is a start timestamp and a stop timestamp — the whole feature in one sentence
  • Tagging time entries to clients and projects is a foreign key
  • Weekly/monthly summaries grouped by project are a standard aggregation query

Read before building

  • Their browser extension and idle-detection features add real polish beyond the raw timer
  • Team-wide reporting and billable-rate calculations across a company are more than solo use needs
  • Integrations with a dozen other tools (auto-start a timer from your calendar) are per-integration work

Bill of materials

The parts this build actually needs, each rated on its own — the average is the Vibe Score above.

Landing page99
CRUD database95
User login92

The build spec

Build me a time tracker: start/stop a timer tagged to a client and project, or add time manually. A weekly view grouped by project with total hours, and a simple export to CSV. SQLite behind a small API, single-user login, keyboard shortcut to start/stop the current timer.

Standard Parts/Free Alternatives

Don't feel like building it? These are already made, open-source, and free.

categorytime tracking
time to codean evening
Build it
their price$9/mo · $108/yr
last checked2026-08 · source ↗

Questions

Can I code Toggl?

Build it. A start/stop timer tagged to a project, saved as a row in a table, is about as simple as this register gets. The reporting on top is a handful of grouped queries. This is a genuinely easy evening.

How much does Toggl cost?

Toggl costs $9/mo (about $108/yr) as of 2026-08. That's what a working rebuild would save you.

What do I lose by building it myself?

Their browser extension and idle-detection features add real polish beyond the raw timer Team-wide reporting and billable-rate calculations across a company are more than solo use needs Integrations with a dozen other tools (auto-start a timer from your calendar) are per-integration work

Is there a free alternative to Toggl I don't have to build?

Yes — Kimai are open-source options worth trying before you build your own. Details are in the standard parts section on this page.