Electron
UnclaimedBuild cross-platform desktop applications using web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
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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
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
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.
About Electron
By Toolradar Team·
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.
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Electron FAQ
What is Electron?
Electron is an open-source framework that allows developers to build cross-platform desktop applications using web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. It achieves this by embedding Chromium for rendering and Node.js for backend functionality.
How much does Electron cost?
Electron is an open-source project and is completely free to use.
Is Electron free?
Yes, Electron is a free and open-source framework under the OpenJS Foundation.
Who is Electron for?
Electron is for developers who want to build desktop applications for macOS, Windows, and Linux using their existing web development skills. It's suitable for creating a wide range of applications, from consumer-facing tools to enterprise software.
Source: electronjs.org