Learn TAURI with Real Code Examples

Tauri allows building cross-platform desktop apps with minimal bundle size and high security.

It separates the frontend (web technologies) from the backend (Rust-based core).

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

Webview-based frontend rendering

IPC (inter-process communication) between Rust backend and frontend

File system, OS APIs, and secure storage access

Bundling and signing for multiple platforms

Hot reloading for frontend development

Frontend is built using standard web frameworks

Tauri provides commands to communicate with Rust backend

Application structure separates web assets and native binary

Configuration via `tauri.conf.json`

Bundling creates platform-specific binaries

src-tauri/ - Rust backend code and Tauri config

src/ - frontend source code

package.json - frontend dependencies and scripts

node_modules/ - installed frontend packages

dist/ - frontend build output bundled by Tauri

Create frontend app using preferred framework

Initialize Tauri in the project

Write backend Rust commands as needed

Integrate frontend-backend communication

Test on all target platforms and package app

Beginner: simple desktop app with static frontend

Intermediate: frontend-backend communication via Tauri commands

Advanced: integrate OS-level features and custom Rust modules

Expert: optimize binary size, security policies, and multi-platform builds

Community: create plugins or contribute to Tauri ecosystem

Tauri vs Electron: Tauri has smaller binaries and Rust backend, Electron uses Node.js/Chromium

Tauri vs Flutter Desktop: Flutter compiles UI natively, Tauri uses web frontend

Tauri vs NW.js: Tauri focuses on security and small size, NW.js is Node.js/Chromium-based

Tauri emphasizes lightweight, secure desktop apps

Performance depends on frontend complexity and Rust backend efficiency

2019 – Initial public release

2020–2021 – Core API stabilization and community growth

2022 – Cross-platform support matured, official docs improved

2023–2024 – Plugin ecosystem expansion

2025 – Security, performance, and developer experience updates

Tauri: lightweight cross-platform desktop framework

IPC: inter-process communication between frontend and Rust backend

Webview: renders frontend inside native window

Rust backend: handles OS APIs and commands

tauri.conf.json: app configuration file