Summary
Stretchly is a useful open source utility. It offers a good range of options, and runs on multiple operating systems. But there are better programs in its class. For example, we give our strongest recommendation to Safe Eyes.
The program has attracted nearly 2,000 GitHub stars. It’s worth appreciating the number of stars a project attracts doesn’t correlate with its quality. We’ve reviewed some amazing open source software that have only attracted a few hundred GitHub stars (or less) and are best-of-breed in their field.
We are concerned about the memory usage of the program. The latest version uses even more memory than the previous version with memory usage over 500MB of RAM. That’s a hefty memory footprint, particularly given the program is essentially very simple. There’s definitely a call for the project to move away from Electron.
Website: hovancik.net/stretchly
Support: GitHub Code Repository
Developer: Jan Hovancik and contributors
License: BSD 2-Clause “Simplified” License
Stretchly is written in JavaScript. Learn JavaScript with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Pages in this article:
Page 1 – Introduction / Installation
Page 2 – In Operation
Page 3 – Settings
Page 4 – Summary
Related Software
| Eye Care Software | |
|---|---|
| Safe Eyes | Simple and extensible break reminder |
| Clight | Lightweight C daemon that turns your webcam into a light sensor |
| Stretchly | Reminder to take breaks |
| BreakTimer | Set up customizable breaks and will remind you to take them |
| Workrave | Assists in the recovery and prevention of Repetitive Strain Injury |
| Gammastep | Adjust the color temperature of your screen |
| Redshift | Adjusts the color temperature of your display |
| ZenBreak | Menu bar app that reminds you to take breaks |
| RSIBreak | Take care of your health and take regular breaks |
| sunsetr | Automatic blue-light filter |
| wlsunset | Adjusts display color temperature on Wayland compositors |
| Stretch Break | Digital wellbeing tool that helps you take regular breaks |
| Sane Break | Gentle break reminder |
| eyerest | Remind your eyes to take a screen break |
| Desktop Dimmer | Darker-than-dark dimming for internal and external screens |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
 Explore our comprehensive directory of recommended free and open source software. Our carefully curated collection spans every major software category.This directory is part of our ongoing series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. It features hundreds of detailed reviews, along with open source alternatives to proprietary solutions from major corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. You’ll also find interesting projects to try, hardware coverage, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. Discovered a useful open source Linux program that we haven’t covered yet? Let us know by completing this form. |