https://github.com/ksaifstack/docktask
Desktop task manager with millisecond-accurate deadlines and real-time countdowns. Built with JavaFX for students who need precision, not just reminders.
https://github.com/ksaifstack/docktask
Last synced: 3 months ago
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Desktop task manager with millisecond-accurate deadlines and real-time countdowns. Built with JavaFX for students who need precision, not just reminders.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/ksaifstack/docktask
- Owner: KSaifStack
- License: mit
- Created: 2025-08-28T03:16:33.000Z (10 months ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2025-12-19T09:31:48.000Z (6 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-01-13T19:41:14.437Z (5 months ago)
- Language: Java
- Homepage:
- Size: 131 MB
- Stars: 5
- Watchers: 0
- Forks: 1
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
DockTask
Desktop task management with millisecond-accurate deadlines and intelligent notifications
Built for students and professionals who need precision, not just reminders
---
## Why DockTask?
I built DockTask to solve my own problem of managing multiple classwork deadlines while learning JavaFX development. What started as a simple to-do list evolved into a full-featured task management system as I explored UI/UX design, data persistence strategies, and memory optimization techniques.
The core challenge? Basic calendar apps treat "3 PM" and "3:00:47 PM" the same, but when you have multiple assignments due at midnight, lab reports due minutes apart, and group project submissions with precise timing requirements, **seconds matter**.
This project pushed me to think beyond basic functionality and focus on creating a polished, user-friendly experience. **Now it's the tool I use daily to keep my academic life neat and organized.**
---
## Demo
> **Watch DockTask in action!** [See the demo video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5oVhOg2F70) or download the installer below to try it yourself.
https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/67e9159e-ff12-4f21-9128-568c9d12a31a
---
## Download
| Platform | Download | Status |
|----------|----------|--------|
| **Windows** | [DockTask-Setup-0.5.exe](https://github.com/KSaifStack/DockTask/releases/download/0.5/DockTask-Setup-v0.5.exe) | ✅ Available |
| **MacOS** | Coming Soon | 🚧 In Development |
| **Linux** | Coming Soon | 🚧 In Development |
> **Self-contained installer** — No JDK installation required. Everything is bundled.
> **NOTE!** If you run the installer in administration mode, DockTask can only save data with administration!
---
## Features
### Task Management
- **Priority-based auto-sorting** with color-coded groups for instant visual scanning
- **Real-time countdown timers** tracking tasks down to the second
- **Multi-stage notifications** at 24h, 5h, 1h, 30m, 10m, 1m, and overdue intervals
- **Integrated calendar view** with automatic synchronization when tasks are created or modified
- **Precise task timing** allows scheduling tasks within seconds of each other
### User Experience
- **System tray integration** — Minimize to tray and keep DockTask running in the background
- **Adaptive theming** — Dark/light modes with persistent preferences across sessions
- **Native window controls** — Platform-integrated UI using [NFX library](https://github.com/xdsswar/nfx-lib)
- **Keyboard shortcuts** — Power user features (Ctrl+Shift+C for instant task creation)
- **Seamless theme switching** with theme-adaptive styling
### Data Management
- **Auto-save functionality** with unsaved changes detection
- **Export/Import capabilities** for data portability and backup
- **Multi-user support** with separate task databases and built-in authentication
- **Local-first storage** — All data stays on your machine
- **Confirmation dialogs** protecting against accidental data loss
---
## Interface
### Light Mode
### Dark Mode
---
## Tech Stack
| Component | Technology | Purpose |
|-----------|-----------|---------|
| **Language** | Java 23 | Core application logic |
| **UI Framework** | JavaFX 21 | Cross-platform GUI rendering |
| **Styling** | CSS3 | Theme implementation and visual design |
| **Native Integration** | [NFX Library](https://github.com/xdsswar/nfx-lib) | Platform-native window controls and title bar |
| **Architecture** | MVC Pattern | Separation of concerns for maintainability |
| **Data Storage** | File-based serialization | Local persistence with custom separator-based format |
| **Concurrency** | JavaFX Timeline API | Real-time UI updates without blocking |
| **System Integration** | Java AWT TrayIcon | OS-level notifications and system tray |
---
## Architecture
DockTask implements **Model-View-Controller (MVC)** architecture for maintainable, testable code:
### Model Layer
- **UserData.java** — Centralized data access handling all CRUD operations
- **Data/** directory — File-based storage for user databases and settings (Settings.txt)
- Responsibilities: Data validation, serialization with `` separators, persistence operations
### View Layer
- **TaskUi.java** — Main dashboard with task list and real-time countdown timers
- **CalendarUi.java** — Monthly calendar with task indicators and synchronization
- **CreateTaskUi / UpdateTaskUi** — Task creation and editing interfaces with auto-save
- **Settings.java** — Application configuration panel with export/import, data management
- Responsibilities: UI rendering, user input collection, visual feedback, theme adaptation
### Controller Layer
- Event handlers connecting user actions to data operations
- **ThemeManager** — Coordinating theme state and color adaptation across components
- **Notification System** — Managing system tray alerts based on task deadlines
- **Timeline Controllers** — Orchestrating concurrent countdown updates
- **Navigation Guards** — Preventing accidental data loss during transitions
- Responsibilities: Business logic, state management, component coordination
**Benefits of this approach:**
- Data layer modifications (e.g., migrating to database) require zero UI changes
- UI redesigns proceed independently of data operations
- Individual components can be unit tested in isolation
- New features integrate cleanly without cascading modifications
---
## What I Learned
Building DockTask taught me valuable software engineering lessons:
### Memory Optimization (63% Reduction)
In version 0.1, countdown timers for completed or removed tasks continued running in the background, accumulating on the memory stack. This caused memory usage to grow from ~500MB to over 1000MB during extended sessions.
**Solution implemented:**
- Pause all Timeline threads when the application is minimized or closed
- Clear expired task entries from the active monitoring list after removal
- Implement proper cleanup of countdown timers for non-visible tasks
**Result:** Reduced idle memory footprint from 500MB to 60MB (85% improvement from peak) with sustained performance during long-running sessions. The application now becomes more efficient over time as resources are garbage collected.
### Other Key Learnings
- **Concurrent State Management:** Designed timeline system tracking multiple countdown timers simultaneously without data races or UI freezes
- **Data Persistence:** Built custom file-based serialization with `` separators enabling support for embedded links and preventing parsing errors. Added validation to prevent corruption, auto-save with change detection, and safe import/export functionality
- **UI/UX Design:** Created theme-aware component system with instant propagation across 5+ view classes, responsive layouts, and intuitive information hierarchy with color-coded visual distinctions
- **Event-Driven Architecture:** Mastered JavaFX event system, listeners, and callback patterns for responsive interactions. Implemented navigation guards to prevent accidental data loss
- **Software Distribution:** Built self-contained Windows installer with bundled Java runtime for zero-dependency deployment
---
## Changelog
### v0.5 – December 2025
**Architecture & Data Layer**
- Implemented centralized data storage system with dedicated "Data" folder structure
- Migrated from simple file I/O to robust data serialization with validation
- Created persistent settings storage via Settings.txt configuration file
- Built foundation for modular plugin system with configuration management
- Replaced legacy data parsing with scalable `` separator-based system for embedded link support
**User Safety & Data Integrity**
- Designed and implemented modal confirmation dialog system for destructive operations
- Developed auto-save mechanism with unsaved changes detection when creating tasks
- Created navigation guard system to prevent accidental data loss
- Implemented data export/import functionality with comprehensive error handling
- Added validation for all data manipulation operations to prevent corruption
**UI/UX Enhancements**
- Redesigned application interface for improved visual hierarchy and clarity
- Implemented dynamic theme-aware window chrome with color adaptation
- Developed Settings panel with centralized application controls (export/import, refresh, exit)
- Refined interface by removing redundant UI elements
**Feature Additions**
- Dark mode preference persistence across sessions
- Manual data refresh capability
- Graceful application exit with cleanup operations
- Import/export functionality for data portability
**Technical Debt & Refactoring**
- Improved error handling across file operations
- Enhanced data validation to prevent corruption scenarios
- Optimized memory usage for large datasets
- Strengthened separation of concerns in data access layer
### v0.3 – November 2025
**Performance & Optimization**
- **Reduced memory usage by 63%** by identifying and fixing Timeline leak — implemented pause/resume for background countdowns
Enhanced task sorting algorithm for faster rendering with large datasets
- Refactored legacy codebase for better maintainability
**UI/UX Improvements**
- Redesigned CreateTask UI with cleaner layout and improved responsiveness
- Enhanced calendar refresh logic with instant update propagation
- Fixed Sun & Moon icon reset issue with live theme synchronization
- Revamped clock system with improved real-time accuracy
- Added keyboard shortcuts for power users (Ctrl+Shift+C for quick task creation)
**Bug Fixes & Quality of Life**
- UpdateTask changes now instantly reflected in calendar view
- Improved due date validation and edge case handling
- Smoother theme transitions between dark/light modes
---
## Installation
### Windows
1. Download [DockTask-Setup-0.5.exe](https://github.com/KSaifStack/DockTask/releases/download/0.5/DockTask-Setup-v0.5.exe)
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts (administrator privileges recommended)
3. Launch DockTask from your Desktop or Start Menu
**System Requirements:**
- Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
- 512 MB RAM minimum
- 100 MB free disk space
- 1024x768 display resolution minimum
> **Note:** Installer includes bundled Java runtime. No external dependencies or JDK installation required.
---
## Building from Source
### Prerequisites
- **Java 17+** (JDK 23 recommended)
- **Maven 3.6+** or your IDE with Maven support (IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, VSCode)
- **[NFX Library](https://github.com/xdsswar/nfx-lib)** (Needed to build window)
### Quick Start
#### 1. Clone the Repository
```bash
git clone https://github.com/KSaifStack/DockTask.git
cd DockTask
```
#### 2. Build with Maven
```bash
mvn clean package
```
### Development Setup
#### IntelliJ IDEA
1. Open the project folder (`File` → `Open`)
2. Maven dependencies will auto-import
3. Run the `Main.java` class
#### Eclipse
1. Import as Maven project (`File` → `Import` → `Maven` → `Existing Maven Projects`)
2. Right-click project → `Maven` → `Update Project`
3. Run `Main.java`
#### VS Code
1. Open project folder
2. Install "Java Extension Pack" and "Maven for Java"
3. Maven will auto-detect `pom.xml` and download dependencies
4. Run via the Run button or `F5`
### Project Structure
```
DockTask/
├── pom.xml # Maven configuration
├── src/
│ ├── main/
│ │ ├── java/
│ │ │ └── com/ksaifstack/docktask/
│ │ │ ├── Main.java # Application entry point
│ │ │ ├── model/ # Data models (Task, User, UserData)
│ │ │ ├── ui/ # UI components (LoginUI, TaskUI, etc.)
│ │ │ └── util/ # Utilities (ThemeManager, etc.)
│ │ └── resources/
│ │ ├── images/ # Icons and graphics
│ │ └── fonts/ # Custom fonts
│ └── test/ # Unit tests (coming soon)
├── Data/ # User data storage
└── README.md
```
### Common Build Issues
**Issue:** `JAVA_HOME not set`
**Fix:** Set your JDK path:
```bash
# Windows
set JAVA_HOME=C:\Program Files\Java\jdk-23
# Mac/Linux
export JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/java-23-openjdk
```
**Issue:** JavaFX modules not found
**Fix:** Maven handles JavaFX dependencies automatically via `pom.xml`.
Make sure you are building the project with Maven (`mvn clean package`) and **not** using `javac` directly.
If the error mentions **NFX**, ensure that the NFX JAR is correctly downloaded and included in the project.
Refer to the official repository for setup details: https://github.com/xdsswar/nfx-lib
**Issue:** `Unsupported class file major version 67`
**Fix:** You need Java 17+ to build. Update your JDK.
---
## Contributing
Contributions are welcome! Here's how you can help:
- **Report Bugs** — Open an issue with detailed reproduction steps and environment information
- **Suggest Features** — Share ideas via GitHub Discussions with use cases
- **Submit Pull Requests** — Fork, implement with tests, and submit for review
Please ensure all contributions adhere to the existing code style and architectural patterns.
---
## License
This project is licensed under the **MIT License** — see [LICENSE](LICENSE) file for complete terms and conditions.
---
## Author
**KSaifStack**
- GitHub: [@KSaifStack](https://github.com/KSaifStack)
- For questions or feature requests, [open an issue](https://github.com/KSaifStack/DockTask/issues)
---
Built with Java 23 and JavaFX 21