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Electron

Electron

Electron is a popular open-source framework that allows developers to build desktop applications using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Electron was initially developed by GitHub and is based on Node.js and Chromium, which enables developers to create cross-platform desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux using a single codebase.

One of the benefits of Electron is that it provides a familiar development environment for web developers, who can use their existing skills to create desktop applications. Electron also provides access to many web technologies and libraries, which can be leveraged to create rich and interactive desktop user interfaces.

Electron provides a range of tools and APIs that make it easy for developers to build powerful desktop applications, including system integrations, native dialog boxes, and file system access. However, performance may become an issue for some applications due to single-threaded Node.js and the use of a webview to render the interface.

Electron is best for developers who are familiar with web technologies and want to cross-platform desktop apps.

    Strengths

  • Cross-platform

    Electron allows developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms. This saves development time and effort.

  • Web Technologies

    Developers can use web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build desktop apps with Electron, which they may already be familiar with. This can make development faster and more comfortable.

  • Native APIs

    Electron provides a bridge between the web technologies and the native APIs of the operating systems. This means that developers can access native functionality like the menu bar, tray and much more.

  • Large Community

    Electron has a large and active developer community, which means there is plenty of documentation, tutorials, and examples available to help developers build desktop apps.

    🛑Weaknesses

  • Performance

    Apps built with Electron may not perform as well as those built natively due to the overhead introduced by the webview.

  • App Size

    Electron apps have Chromium and Node.js bundled with them which can make the resulting binary quite large.

  • Limited Platforms

    Electron can only target desktop environments like Windows, macOS and Linux.

    About

  • Maintainer

    OpenJS Foundation
  • Initial Release

    15 July 2013

    Languages

  • JavaScript
  • TypeScript
  • HTML
  • CSS

    Target Platforms

  • Android
  • Android Auto
  • Android TV
  • iOS
  • Linux
  • macOS
  • tvOS
  • watchOS
  • Wear Os
  • Windows
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Apps built with Electron