Learn ELECTRON with Real Code Examples

Electron enables building desktop apps using web technologies and Node.js APIs.

It combines Chromium for rendering and Node.js for backend functionality.

Ideal for developers who want web-like development with desktop capabilities.

Main process handles OS integration

Renderer process displays web-based UI

IPC (inter-process communication) between main and renderer

Window management, menus, and native dialogs

Packaging and distributing apps for multiple platforms

Main process manages native OS features and lifecycle

Renderer process runs web frontend

IPC used for secure communication between processes

Configuration via `package.json` and electron-builder/electron-packager

Apps packaged as executables for each platform

src/ - frontend source code

main.js - main process entry

package.json - dependencies and scripts

node_modules/ - installed packages

dist/ or build/ - packaged output for platforms

Create frontend app using preferred framework

Create main process script to manage windows and system events

Integrate frontend and backend via IPC

Test app locally on all target platforms

Package app for distribution using electron-builder or electron-packager

Beginner: simple desktop app with static frontend

Intermediate: frontend-backend communication using IPC

Advanced: integrate OS features and auto-updates

Expert: optimize performance and memory usage

Community: create Electron plugins or contribute to ecosystem

Electron vs Tauri: Electron larger, more resource-heavy; Tauri smaller and Rust-based

Electron vs NW.js: Similar architecture, NW.js slightly simpler but smaller community

Electron vs Flutter Desktop: Flutter compiles UI natively, Electron uses Chromium webview

Electron emphasizes rapid cross-platform development

Performance depends on Chromium and Node.js usage

2013 – Initial release as Atom Shell

2014 – Rebranded as Electron, Atom editor released

2015–2018 – Popular apps like VS Code, Slack adopted Electron

2019–2022 – API enhancements, electron-builder/electron-updater adoption

2023–2025 – Security updates, performance improvements, new plugins

Electron: cross-platform desktop framework

Main process: Node.js backend managing OS integration

Renderer process: Chromium-based frontend

IPC: inter-process communication

BrowserWindow: window container for UI