Electron
Claim this toolBuild cross-platform desktop applications using web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
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Reviews onG2
2 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free, no paid tier
Biggest pro
Leverages existing web development skills (JavaScript, HTML, CSS)
Biggest con
Applications can have a larger memory footprint compared to native apps
TL;DR - Electron
- Build cross-platform desktop apps with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
- Embeds Chromium and Node.js for native desktop functionality.
- Simplifies development with automatic updates, installers, and native GUI APIs.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
What is Electron?
Electron is an open-source framework that allows developers to build native desktop applications for macOS, Windows, and Linux using familiar web technologies. It embeds Chromium and Node.js, enabling the use of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to create rich graphical user interfaces that run natively across different operating systems.
Electron simplifies desktop development by handling complex aspects like native GUI interactions, automatic software updates, and application installers. It provides APIs to customize application windows, control menus, and send notifications. Developers can leverage the vast npm ecosystem for packages or write native add-on code to extend functionality. The framework ensures a stable rendering target with up-to-date web platform features and timely security fixes by releasing major versions in sync with Chromium.
Targeted at developers, Electron is ideal for creating consumer and enterprise-grade desktop applications. It offers an unopinionated environment, allowing integration with popular front-end libraries and frameworks like React, Vue.js, and Angular. Tools like Electron Forge streamline the building and publishing process, while Electron Fiddle provides an environment for experimenting with the API. Many well-known applications, including VS Code, Slack, and Discord, are built with Electron.
Available on: macOS, Windows, Linux
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Leverages existing web development skills (JavaScript, HTML, CSS)
- Enables single codebase for multiple operating systems
- Access to a vast ecosystem of npm packages
- Provides stable and secure rendering with bundled Chromium
- Simplifies complex desktop features like updates and installers
Cons
- Applications can have a larger memory footprint compared to native apps
- Can result in larger application bundle sizes
- Performance might not always match fully native applications for highly demanding tasks
Ratings Across the Web
4(2 reviews)
Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more
Key Features
Cross-platform compatibility (macOS, Windows, Linux)Embeds Chromium and Node.jsNative graphical user interface APIs (window appearance, menus, dialogs, notifications)Automatic software updates (via autoUpdater module)Application installer generation (DMG, MSI, RPM)App store distribution support (Mac App Store, Microsoft Store, Snap Store)Crash reporting (via crashReporter module)Extensible with npm packages and native add-ons
Pricing
Free
Electron is completely free to use with no hidden costs.
Reviews
$99Free with your review
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Electron FAQ
How does Electron enable cross-platform development?
Electron allows developers to build native desktop applications for macOS, Windows, and Linux from a single codebase. It achieves this by embedding Chromium and Node.js, enabling the use of web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS across different operating systems.
What kind of user or team benefits most from Electron?
Electron is ideal for developers and teams looking to create consumer and enterprise-grade desktop applications. It particularly suits those who want to leverage existing web development skills and a vast ecosystem of npm packages for desktop projects.
How does Electron compare to Flutter for desktop application development?
Electron allows developers to build desktop applications using web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, leveraging the npm ecosystem. Flutter, by contrast, uses Dart and its own rendering engine to build natively compiled applications for multiple platforms.
What are the main trade-offs when choosing Electron for an application?
Applications built with Electron can have a larger memory footprint and larger bundle sizes compared to fully native applications. Performance might also not always match fully native applications, especially for highly demanding tasks.
How is Electron priced?
Electron is an open-source framework that is free to use. There is no paid plan required to develop and distribute applications with Electron.
Can Electron integrate with popular front-end frameworks?
Yes, Electron offers an unopinionated environment that allows for integration with popular front-end libraries and frameworks. Developers can use tools like React, Vue.js, and Angular within their Electron applications.
Which well-known applications are built using Electron?
Many widely used applications are built with Electron, demonstrating its capability for robust desktop software. Examples include VS Code, Slack, and Discord, showcasing its use in developer tools and communication platforms.
Source: electronjs.org