Case study · Tool

Coffee.

A small Windows tray app that keeps the PC awake while a long job runs.

Year: 2026
Role: Solo: Windows integration, tray app and interface.
Stack: Python · WebView2 · JavaScript

Problem

I left an experiment running over lunch and came back to a sleeping laptop. It had stopped minutes into the first of five passes. I wanted the PC awake for the job, then back to normal.

How it works

Python runs the tray and asks Windows to stay awake. A small web interface draws the timer and the steaming cup.

The Coffee running window: a Coffee title bar, a large amber countdown ring around a steaming cup reading 59:50 remaining, a row of duration buttons (15m/30m/1h/2h/3h, ∞, +), and a Keep screen on toggle. — The running window, taken apart. Hover a tick to read what each part is doing.

Collapsed, it becomes a floating pill with a live countdown. That's the view I actually use.

The honest part

What didn't work

I first tried to make it unconditional. It can't be: lock screens, company policy and battery saver can all overrule it. So Coffee now says so, instead of letting a running timer promise more than it can.

Outcome

I use it for every long job on my laptop. Small tool, one real annoyance gone.

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