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Get started with Vocab Vault

Vocab Vault is designed to get you learning immediately. No sign-up, no configuration, just pure learning.
1

Access the app

Open Vocab Vault in your browser or install the Android app.

Web app

Visit the web app at your deployment URL

Android app

Install from the APK (see Installation)
The app works offline-first, so all vocabulary is stored locally on your device.
2

Pick a category or study all

You’ll see the home screen with category cards organized by topic.Choose your path:
  • Study All - Review random terms from all categories
  • Pick a specific category - Focus on one topic like Foundation, APIs, or UI/UX
  • Search - Use the search bar to find specific terms
Start with the Foundation category if you’re new to coding vocabulary. It covers essential concepts like MVP, Frontend, Backend, and Deploy.
3

Study your first flashcard

Once you enter a category, you’ll see your first flashcard.How to use flashcards:
  1. Read the term on the front of the card
  2. Tap or click the card to flip and see the definition
  3. Swipe right or click “Got it!” if you know it
  4. Swipe left or click “Next” to see another term
  5. Use the ELI5 toggle (top right) for simpler “Explain Like I’m 5” definitions
Your progress is saved automatically to local storage, so you can pick up exactly where you left off.
4

Build your streak

Study at least one term each day to build your daily streak.Track your progress:
  • View your current streak in the header
  • Check your daily goal widget to see progress
  • Unlock streak achievements at 3, 7, and 30 days
Set a daily goal in Settings to stay motivated. Even 5 minutes a day builds momentum.

Learning modes

Vocab Vault offers two ways to study:

Flashcard mode

Swipe through terms at your own pace. Perfect for learning new vocabulary.

Quiz mode

Test yourself with multiple choice questions. Great for reinforcing what you’ve learned.

Understanding the interface

The top bar shows:
  • Your current streak (fire icon)
  • Daily progress
  • Settings access
  • Theme toggle

Category cards

Each category displays:
  • Category name and subtitle
  • Progress bar showing mastered terms
  • Color-coded badge
  • Material icon for visual recognition

Study screen

While studying, you’ll see:
  • ELI5 toggle - Switch between standard and beginner-friendly definitions
  • Progress counter - Track how many terms you’ve viewed
  • Navigation buttons - “Got it!” and “Next” for marking progress
  • Swipe gestures - Left to flip, right to mark as known

Tips for effective learning

The Foundation category covers core concepts that appear everywhere in coding. Master these first to build a strong vocabulary base.
Don’t feel bad about using “Explain Like I’m 5” mode. Sometimes a simpler explanation helps the concept click before you tackle the technical definition.
5 minutes daily beats 1 hour once a week. Consistency builds long-term retention and maintains your streak.
After studying flashcards, switch to quiz mode to reinforce learning. Active recall strengthens memory.
Use your new vocabulary when talking to AI coding tools. Notice how more precise language leads to better results.

Spaced repetition

Vocab Vault uses a spaced repetition algorithm to show you terms at optimal intervals:
  • New terms - Shown immediately
  • Learning terms - Repeated more frequently
  • Mastered terms - Shown less often to reinforce retention
The app automatically adjusts based on your responses. Terms you mark as “Got it!” will appear less frequently over time.

Unlock achievements

As you study, you’ll unlock achievements for:
  • Category mastery - Complete all terms in a category
  • Streak milestones - 3, 7, and 30-day streaks
  • Vocabulary milestones - 100 terms mastered (500-term milestone exists but is currently unattainable with 483 total terms)
  • Hidden achievements - Secret badges for unique accomplishments
View your achievements by clicking the trophy icon in the header.

View all achievements

Explore the complete list of 30+ unlockable achievements

Next steps

Explore categories

Browse all 24 vocabulary categories

Learn about features

Discover all the learning features

Set daily goals

Configure your study goals and reminders

Installation guide

Install as a web or Android app

Pro tip: Use Vocab Vault before your AI coding sessions. Learning 5-10 new terms primes your brain to communicate more effectively with tools like ChatGPT, Cursor, or Lovable.

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