Your git history is
your timesheet
WakaTime watches your editor. getScribe reads your git commits, file changes, and Claude Code conversations — then turns them into invoices. No plugins to install. No data sent to the cloud.
Side by side
Different tools, different philosophies.
| Feature | getScribe | WakaTime |
|---|---|---|
| Git commit tracking | Commits, diffs, and complexity-based time estimation | Branch detection only |
| File change tracking | Filesystem-level scanning across all projects | Editor file events only |
| AI conversation tracking | Claude Code sessions parsed from local logs | |
| Invoicing | Generate invoices from your timeline | |
| Where your data lives | Local SQLite on your machine | WakaTime cloud servers |
| Free tier history | 30 days | 7 days |
| Setup | Download app, point at folders | Install a plugin in each editor |
| Works across editors | Yes — tracks git, not your editor | Yes — via 40+ separate plugins |
| Offline | Full functionality, always | Queues events until online |
| Pricing | Free / $12/mo Pro | Free (7 days) / $7-9/mo |
Which tool fits?
Stick with WakaTime if you
- Want real-time per-file coding metrics in your editor
- Use coding leaderboards or public developer profiles
- Need language and framework breakdowns by project
- Have a separate invoicing tool you already like
Switch to getScribe if you
- Bill clients and need invoices from your tracked work
- Want your data on your machine, not in the cloud
- Pair program with Claude Code or other AI tools
- Use multiple editors, terminals, and workflows
- Need more than 7 days of history without paying
Common questions
How is getScribe different from WakaTime?
WakaTime tracks coding activity through editor plugins — time spent in files, languages, and branches. getScribe takes a different approach: it scans your git history, file system, and Claude Code conversations to build a timeline of work evidence. getScribe also includes invoicing, runs locally, and doesn't require editor plugins.
Does getScribe work with my editor?
getScribe is editor-agnostic. It tracks your work through git commits and file changes, not editor events. Vim, Emacs, VS Code, JetBrains, nano — it doesn't matter.
Can getScribe replace WakaTime?
If you want time tracking tied to invoicing and privacy, yes. If you rely on WakaTime's per-file activity breakdowns or real-time coding metrics within your editor, that's a different use case. Some developers use both.
Is my data private?
getScribe stores everything in a local SQLite database. No code, conversation content, or activity data leaves your machine unless you explicitly sync to a team hub.
getScribe is in private beta
We're rolling out access gradually. Join the waitlist and we'll notify you when your seat opens.
Get more like this
Developer insights and product updates.