> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://imsaikirann.in/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 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

```bash theme={null}
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

```powershell theme={null}
setx GROQ_API_KEY "your_api_key_here"
```

Close and reopen PowerShell after running `setx`.

Then check that the variable exists:

```powershell theme={null}
echo $env:GROQ_API_KEY
```

## Test coaching

Complete a few focus sessions first:

```bash theme={null}
pomodoro start
pomodoro sessions
```

Then run:

```bash theme={null}
pomodoro coach
```

If there are no sessions yet, the command prints:

```text theme={null}
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:

```bash theme={null}
pomodoro coach
```

## Use without AI

You can ignore AI setup completely and still use:

```bash theme={null}
pomodoro start
pomodoro status -w
pomodoro pause
pomodoro resume
pomodoro stop
pomodoro sessions
```

AI is an optional layer, not a requirement.