Electron
Build cross-platform desktop apps with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
Electron is an open-source framework under the OpenJS Foundation that embeds Chromium and Node.js, letting developers build desktop applications with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. It targets the problem of reaching macOS, Windows, and Linux from a single web-based codebase, with apps running natively on each platform across supported architectures. Releases track Chromium in lockstep, providing a stable rendering target and timely security fixes.
Core capabilities include main process APIs for native graphical interfaces (windows, menus, dialogs, notifications), the autoUpdater module for software updates on macOS and Windows, the crashReporter module for JavaScript and native crash data, and community tooling for generating platform installers (.dmg, .msi, .rpm). Distribution is supported for the Mac App Store, Microsoft Store, and Snap Store. Electron Forge serves as a batteries-included toolkit for building and publishing apps, while Electron Fiddle provides an environment for experimenting with the API. The framework works with front-end libraries and frameworks such as React, Vue.js, Next.js, Angular, TypeScript, webpack, Tailwind CSS, and Playwright, and extends via the npm ecosystem or native add-ons.
Electron is aimed at developers building cross-platform desktop software, from individual projects to enterprise applications. It is open source and free to use; installation is via the npm registry, with stable, prerelease, and nightly channels available.
12 alternatives to Electron
Ranked by how well each tool replaces Electron: shared features, audience, price and popularity.
Build lightweight cross-platform desktop apps with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
Covers 1 of 12 key features.
Open source66 out of 100 match—Release, secure, and scale your Electron app. Effortless deployment, robust security and a
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62 out of 100 match$100/mo- 61 out of 100 match—
Open-source electronic prototyping platform enabling users to create interactive objects.
Covers 1 of 12 key features.
Open source61 out of 100 match—elementary OS: Thoughtful, capable, and ethical computing.
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Build, secure, and deliver cross-platform mobile, web, and desktop apps with one shared
Covers 1 of 12 key features.
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- 58 out of 100 matchContact sales
Native apps in Java with a UI you control.
Covers 1 of 12 key features.
Free planOpen source57 out of 100 match$25/moThe MacPorts Project is an open-source community initiative to design an easy-to-use, easy
Covers 1 of 12 key features.
Free planOpen source57 out of 100 matchFree