📝 ToDoHelper

ToDoHelper is a web application designed to assist users with task planning by breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps using AI. The project follows an MVC architecture and consists of a frontend built with vanilla JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, and a backend powered by Node.js and Express.

💡 Purpose & Background

ToDoHelper was created with the goal of supporting users who experience cognitive or executive functioning challenges. The application uses AI to break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps — a feature that can be especially helpful for users with ADHD, autism, or stress-related difficulties.

As someone with a professional background in social work, I’ve seen firsthand how digital tools can either empower or exclude. With this project, I wanted to combine my technical skills with my understanding of accessibility and neurodiversity to create a meaningful, supportive interface.

This is an ongoing project and a personal passion — aimed at making technology more inclusive.

✨Features

✅ Breaks down tasks into manageable steps using OpenAI ✅ Supports different levels of detail for task breakdown ✅ Simple and intuitive UI for seamless interaction ✅ Modular code structure following MVC principles

🚀Installation & Setup

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/ToDoHelper.git

2. Navigate to the project directory:

   cd ToDoHelper

3. Install the dependencies:

   npm install

4. Add your OpenAI key to your .env file:

   OPENAI_API_KEY=your_api_key_here

📌Usage

1. Start the application:

   npm run dev

2. Open your browser and go to http://localhost:3000

📂 Project Structure

ToDoHelper/
│
├── frontend/
│   ├── js/
│   │   ├── app.js         # Main application entry point
│   │   ├── tasks.js       # Task management logic
│   │   └── ui.js          # UI rendering and DOM manipulation
│   ├── css/
│   │   └── styles.css     # Application styles
│   └── index.html         # Main HTML file
│
└── backend/
    ├── config/
    │   └── config.js      # Configuration settings
    ├── controllers/
    │   └── taskController.js
    ├── routes/
    │   └── api.js         # API route definitions
    ├── middleware/
    │   └── errorHandler.js
    ├── utils/
    │   └── aiHelper.js    # OpenAI integration
    └── server.js          # Express server setup

🛠️ Technologies Used

• Frontend:
  • HTML5
  • CSS (with responsive design)
  • Vanilla JavaScript (ES Modules)
• Backend:
  • Node.js
  • Express.js
  • OpenAI API (using the openai Node.js package)

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.