This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Md Shahria Swapno
Short Intro:
As a competitive programmer, missing a contest because of unexpected schedule changes is frustrating. I’m building a mobile app that automatically tracks contests on platforms like Codeforces, AtCoder, and CodeChef, detects time changes, and sets a loud, unmissable alarm before the contest starts(need alarm 30 minute before contest start). I’m looking for suggestions, guidance, and advice from developers who’ve built similar apps or worked with mobile alarms and background tasks.
Hi everyone!
I want to build a mobile app for competitive programmers that ensures I never miss a contest, even if the scheduled time changes unexpectedly.
Project Idea
The app will:
- Automatically fetch upcoming contests from Codeforces, AtCoder, CodeChef, and others.
- Detect schedule changes and reschedule alarms automatically.
- Trigger a loud, full-screen alarm (not just a notification) before the contest.
- Allow users to customize the alarm time (e.g., 15, 20, 30, or 45 minutes before).
- Be extensible to additional contest platforms in the future.
Key Features
Automatic Contest Fetching
- Uses APIs (or scraping if necessary) to get up-to-date schedules.
Time-Change Detection
- - Compares API data with local storage
- Cancels previous alarms if the contest time changes
- Sets new alarms based on updated start time
Customizable Alarm Offsets
- Default: 30 minutes before
- Optional: 15, 20, 45 minutes or any custom interval
Loud, Reliable Alarm
- Full-screen activity
- Rings even if the phone is locked or in silent mode
- Custom sound
Multi-Platform Support
- Designed to support Codeforces, AtCoder, CodeChef, and future platforms
Help Needed
I’m looking for guidance on:
- Best development approach: Native Android (Kotlin) vs Flutter vs React Native
- Background syncing: WorkManager, AlarmManager, foreground services, or hybrid approach
- Reliable alarm scheduling: How to survive app kills, Doze mode, and battery optimization
- Data management: Best practices for local storage, detecting updates, and rescheduling alarms.
Give me overall guidance what should I learn and need.
I’d love advice from developers who have worked on:
- Alarm apps
- Mobile background tasks
- API data syncing
- Android / Flutter architecture for long-running tasks
Thanks in advance for your suggestions! 🚀
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Md Shahria Swapno
Md Shahria Swapno | Sciencx (2025-11-23T13:49:48+00:00) Building a Contest Alarm App for Codeforces & AtCoder — Need Suggestions. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/11/23/building-a-contest-alarm-app-for-codeforces-atcoder-need-suggestions/
Please log in to upload a file.
There are no updates yet.
Click the Upload button above to add an update.