AI Coaching

Set up optional AI break tips and productivity coaching.

AI Coaching

go-pomodoro works without AI. The core timer commands do not require an API key.

If you set GROQ_API_KEY, the CLI can use AI for coaching and break guidance.

What AI is used for

AI can help with:

• Break tips after focus sessions.
• Deep work break guidance.
• Productivity advice from pomodoro coach.

If AI is not configured, go-pomodoro uses built-in fallback tips where possible.

Set GROQ_API_KEY

macOS and Linux

export GROQ_API_KEY="your_api_key_here"

To make it permanent, add the export line to your shell profile, such as .zshrc, .bashrc, or .profile.

Windows PowerShell

setx GROQ_API_KEY "your_api_key_here"

Close and reopen PowerShell after running setx.

Then check that the variable exists:

echo $env:GROQ_API_KEY

Test coaching

Complete a few focus sessions first:

pomodoro start
pomodoro sessions

Then run:

pomodoro coach

If there are no sessions yet, the command prints:

No sessions yet. Complete some focus sessions first.

Coaching cache

go-pomodoro can reuse recent coaching output for a short time. This keeps the command fast and avoids asking the AI service for new advice every time.

If you want fresh advice, complete more sessions and run:

pomodoro coach

Use without AI

You can ignore AI setup completely and still use:

pomodoro start
pomodoro status -w
pomodoro pause
pomodoro resume
pomodoro stop
pomodoro sessions

AI is an optional layer, not a requirement.