I use a fully automated timetracking tool called WakaTime. It also tracks only active coding. But it solves the issue you're talking about quite well by having

I use a fully automated timetracking tool called WakaTime. It also tracks only active coding. But it solves the issue you're talking about quite well by having this kind of chart on the dashboard: http://i.imgur.com/k6prAmk.png http://i.imgur.com/k6prAmk.png It's easy to see when you started, and when you took a break. Of course this won't solve "today I only researched" (although web plugins are in the pipeline: https://wakatime.com/download https://wakatime.com/download) Disclaimer, not affiliated. Just a long time user.