52 Apps in 52 Weeks

I recently launched a new tool called the LDS Memorization Tool, a simple app designed to help me—and hopefully others—memorize scripture verses more effectively. About a year ago, I began the process of memorizing verses, and as a programmer, I started thinking about ways to make the practice more interactive. My first attempt was a web-based version that allowed users to paste in a verse and then type it out, providing immediate feedback on accuracy as each letter was entered. This immediate response helped me catch mistakes early on and gradually rely less on having the verse in front of me.

While the initial version served its purpose during my 52-week challenge, it came with a few limitations. The app was primarily built for desktop use, and even though I made it somewhat mobile-friendly, I found myself needing a more seamless experience when I was on the go. Additionally, the reliance on browser cookies to save progress proved problematic—especially on Safari, where cookies are sometimes cleared automatically—forcing me to start over from scratch. These issues prompted me to revisit the code and build a fresh version that could work better across different devices.

The development process for the new version was refreshingly quick. I dedicated a few short sessions—one before work, one after, and another the following morning—to refine the tool, and within three to four hours, I had a version ready for submission to the App Store. To my pleasant surprise, it was approved on the same day I submitted it. Now, I can easily download the app on my MacBook, and it even runs in an iPad format, which is a significant upgrade from the desktop-centric design of the previous iteration. Although the app doesn’t yet sync progress between devices, I’ve found that copying and pasting verses from my notes app is a small workaround for a much-improved user interface.

On the technical side, I’ve also been impressed with the performance of the new o3 mini high models from ChatGPT. While it might not tackle every complex problem like some higher-tier models, its speed and reliability have been a major asset during development. The real-time progress updates and reduced occurrence of coding errors have allowed me to iterate quickly, keeping the momentum going without long wait times. I’m excited about this tool’s potential to support my ongoing scripture study, and I look forward to refining it further as I continue to integrate new ideas and improvements.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/lds-scripture-memorization/id6741502932

Jake