72-Hour Paths
Three types of apps that can be planned, built, and running locally in 72 hours. Pick the one that matches what you actually want to make.
Household Inventory Brain
Know what you own. Find it when you need it.
A local app for scanning, storing, and searching physical items in your home. SQLite-backed, barcode-optional, runs entirely offline.
Screenshot: Item list view with search bar and category filters
Drop real screenshot in /public/artifacts/
Goal
Build a searchable, local database of your household items — no cloud, no subscription, no privacy compromise.
What you'll learn
- ·SQLite CRUD from scratch (no ORM to hide the SQL)
- ·Building a search UI that feels fast on local data
- ·Handling image storage for item photos
- ·Running a web server from your terminal
- ·Mobile-browser compatibility for your local network
What "done" looks like
- App loads at localhost:8080 in your browser
- You can add, edit, delete items
- Search returns results as you type
- Photos stored in a local /uploads folder
- You can access it from your phone on the same WiFi
Stack
Personal Automation Agent
Your machine runs tasks. You get notified.
A lightweight task runner that executes scheduled jobs on your computer and sends you alerts when something happens or goes wrong.
Screenshot: Log dashboard showing task history and last-run status
Drop real screenshot in /public/artifacts/
Goal
Replace the mental overhead of manual checks with a local agent that runs on your schedule and reports back.
What you'll learn
- ·Scheduling tasks with cron-like patterns
- ·Sending notifications via Telegram bot or email (SMTP)
- ·Writing idempotent task scripts
- ·Building a simple log dashboard
- ·Structuring a multi-module Python project
What "done" looks like
- At least 2 scheduled tasks running
- Telegram or email notifications arriving on trigger
- A log viewer at localhost:8080/logs
- A config file you can edit without touching code
- Restart-persistent (survives machine reboot via launchd/systemd)
Stack
Micro-SaaS Preview
One idea. One feature. LAN-shareable.
A minimal web app for one specific paid-worthy idea, shared with others on your local network. Validates the concept before any cloud costs.
Screenshot: Core feature UI shown from a mobile browser on local network
Drop real screenshot in /public/artifacts/
Goal
Test whether people will actually use your idea before you spend money on a domain, hosting, or marketing.
What you'll learn
- ·Multi-user session handling (simple token auth)
- ·LAN server setup and network sharing
- ·Designing one core feature tightly
- ·Collecting basic usage feedback
- ·Structuring code for later cloud migration
What "done" looks like
- App accessible at your IP:PORT from another device
- At least 2 users can log in with different sessions
- One core feature works end-to-end
- A simple admin view to see usage
- A feedback form or note-taking flow for testers
Stack
The starter kit includes checklists for all three paths.
Get the Starter Kit