The Vision: Productivity Without Compromise

In a world dominated by subscription-based productivity tools, we set out to build something different: Torganise. This isn't just another to-do app—it's a comprehensive task management system designed for self-hosting, with features that make productivity engaging rather than tedious.

The core philosophy behind Torganise is simple: productivity tools should be fast, intuitive, and completely under your control. No monthly fees, no data mining, no artificial limitations—just pure, focused productivity.

Key Features That Set Torganise Apart

🚀 PWA-First Design

Torganise is built as a Progressive Web App from the ground up. This means it works seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices, can be installed like a native app, and functions offline when needed.

// Service Worker implementation for offline functionality
self.addEventListener('fetch', event => {
    if (event.request.url.includes('/api/')) {
        // Cache API responses for offline access
        event.respondWith(
            caches.match(event.request)
                .then(response => response || fetch(event.request))
        );
    }
});

🧠 XP-Based Progression System

One of Torganise's most unique features is its built-in XP (experience point) system. Completing tasks awards points, creating streaks unlocks bonuses, and consistent productivity leads to cosmetic rewards. It's gamification done right—subtle, motivating, but never intrusive.

// XP calculation based on task complexity and completion time
calculateTaskXP(task) {
    let baseXP = 10;
    let complexityMultiplier = this.getComplexityMultiplier(task.priority);
    let streakBonus = this.getStreakBonus(task.user_id);
    
    return Math.round(baseXP * complexityMultiplier * streakBonus);
}

⚡ Inline Editing Excellence

The editing system in Torganise follows a "single active edit" philosophy. Only one item can be edited at a time, which eliminates confusion and ensures data consistency. This approach makes the interface feel snappy and predictable.

// Unified editing system across all views
enterEditMode(itemId, itemType) {
    // Exit any existing edit mode
    this.exitAllEditModes();
    
    // Enable editing for the specific item
    const element = document.querySelector(`[data-id="${itemId}"]`);
    element.classList.add('editing');
    
    // Focus the appropriate input field
    this.focusEditField(element, itemType);
}

Technical Architecture

Modular JavaScript Design

The application is built with a modular architecture that separates concerns while maintaining performance:

  • AppManager.js - Centralized state management and DOM references
  • tasks.js - Task-specific operations and rendering
  • projects.js - Project management and categorization
  • categories.js - Category system with colors and emojis
  • http.js - RESTful API communication with optimistic updates
// Centralized state management example
class AppManager {
    constructor() {
        this.state = {
            currentView: 'tasks',
            activeEditId: null,
            userXP: 0,
            projects: new Map(),
            categories: new Map(),
            tasks: new Map()
        };
    }
    
    updateState(key, value) {
        this.state[key] = value;
        this.notifyStateChange(key, value);
    }
}

Database Schema Design

Moving from CSV-based relationships to proper foreign keys was a crucial architectural decision. The new schema supports complex relationships while maintaining query performance:

CREATE TABLE tasks (
    id INT AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
    title VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL,
    description TEXT,
    project_id INT,
    category_id INT,
    priority ENUM('low', 'medium', 'high', 'urgent'),
    status ENUM('pending', 'in_progress', 'completed'),
    xp_awarded INT DEFAULT 0,
    created_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
    completed_at TIMESTAMP NULL,
    FOREIGN KEY (project_id) REFERENCES projects(id),
    FOREIGN KEY (category_id) REFERENCES categories(id)
);

Progressive Web App Implementation

Manifest Configuration

The PWA manifest makes Torganise installable on any device, providing a native app experience:

{
    "name": "Torganise Task Manager",
    "short_name": "Torganise",
    "description": "Self-hosted task management with XP progression",
    "start_url": "/TaskList/",
    "display": "standalone",
    "background_color": "#ffffff",
    "theme_color": "#2196F3",
    "icons": [
        {
            "src": "assets/icon-192.png",
            "sizes": "192x192",
            "type": "image/png"
        }
    ]
}

Offline-First Approach

The service worker implements intelligent caching strategies, ensuring Torganise remains functional even without an internet connection:

// Cache-first strategy for static assets
const CACHE_NAME = 'torganise-v1';
const urlsToCache = [
    '/',
    '/styles.css',
    '/AppManager.js',
    '/tasks.js'
];

self.addEventListener('install', event => {
    event.waitUntil(
        caches.open(CACHE_NAME)
            .then(cache => cache.addAll(urlsToCache))
    );
});

User Experience Philosophy

Fast & Snappy Interactions

Every interaction in Torganise prioritizes low-latency feedback. Actions feel immediate through optimistic updates, inline animations, and minimal full re-renders.

// Optimistic updates for better UX
async updateTask(taskId, updates) {
    // Update UI immediately (optimistic)
    this.renderTaskUpdate(taskId, updates);
    
    try {
        // Send to server
        await this.http.modify('tasks', taskId, updates, { noRender: true });
    } catch (error) {
        // Revert on error
        this.revertTaskUpdate(taskId);
        this.showError('Failed to update task');
    }
}

Consistent UI Patterns

Across all views (Tasks, Projects, Categories), the interface follows consistent patterns. Add, Edit, and Delete actions always appear in the same order and behave similarly, reducing cognitive load.

Self-Hosting Benefits

Unlike cloud-based alternatives, Torganise gives you complete control over your data:

  • Privacy First - Your tasks and projects never leave your server
  • No Subscriptions - One-time setup, lifetime usage
  • Unlimited Users - Add team members without per-seat fees
  • Custom Integrations - Full API access for automations
  • Data Ownership - Export, backup, or migrate anytime

ChatGPT Integration

Torganise includes optional ChatGPT integration for intelligent task management:

// Natural language task creation
app.post('/api/chatgpt_tasks', async (req, res) => {
    const { prompt, user_id } = req.body;
    
    const completion = await openai.createCompletion({
        model: "gpt-3.5-turbo",
        messages: [{
            role: "system", 
            content: "Convert natural language into structured tasks..."
        }],
        max_tokens: 150
    });
    
    // Parse AI response and create tasks
    const tasks = parseAIResponse(completion.data.choices[0].message.content);
    return res.json({ tasks });
});

Future Roadmap

Version 2.0 Features

The upcoming major release focuses on performance and user experience improvements:

  • File Consolidation - Reducing from 8+ JavaScript files to 3-4 optimized modules
  • Enhanced Mobile UX - Touch-optimized gestures and responsive design
  • Undo System - Comprehensive undo/redo functionality with trash buffer
  • Team Collaboration - Real-time updates and task assignment
  • Advanced XP System - Achievements, badges, and productivity insights

Performance Optimizations

The v2.0 rework addresses current technical debt while adding powerful new features:

// Planned virtual scrolling for large task lists
class VirtualTaskList {
    constructor(container, itemHeight = 60) {
        this.container = container;
        this.itemHeight = itemHeight;
        this.visibleItems = Math.ceil(container.clientHeight / itemHeight) + 2;
    }
    
    render(tasks, startIndex = 0) {
        const visibleTasks = tasks.slice(startIndex, startIndex + this.visibleItems);
        // Render only visible tasks for performance
        return visibleTasks.map(task => this.createTaskElement(task));
    }
}

Getting Started

Ready to try Torganise? The setup process is straightforward:

  1. Clone the repository from our GitHub
  2. Configure your database using the provided SQL schema
  3. Set up authentication (integrates with existing BloodWeb auth system)
  4. Deploy to your server - works on any PHP/MySQL hosting
  5. Install as PWA on your devices for the best experience

Conclusion

Torganise represents a new approach to task management—one that puts user control, privacy, and genuine productivity first. By combining modern web technologies with thoughtful UX design, we've created a tool that grows with your needs without locking you into a subscription model.

Whether you're a solo developer managing personal projects or a team looking for a self-hosted productivity solution, Torganise offers the flexibility and features you need to stay organized and motivated.

The future of productivity tools is self-hosted, privacy-focused, and designed around real user needs. Try Torganise today and experience task management that actually makes you more productive.