JavaScript Desktop Frameworks
Desktop application development using JavaScript is an attractive option that allows you to build cross-platform applications by leveraging your web technology knowledge.
Key Features
1. Leveraging Web Technologies
You can develop desktop applications using familiar technology stacks like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Porting existing web applications to desktop environments is also straightforward.
2. Cross-Platform Support
Build applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux from a single codebase. Access to platform-specific features is also available.
3. Rich Ecosystem
Leverage npm's vast package ecosystem for significantly improved development efficiency. Popular frameworks like React, Vue, and Angular can be used as-is.
Use Cases
- Development Tools: Developer-oriented tools like VS Code, Atom, and GitKraken
- Communication Apps: Chat applications like Slack, Discord, and Microsoft Teams
- Media Apps: Streaming and messaging apps like Spotify, Twitch, and WhatsApp
- Productivity Tools: Business support tools like Notion, Obsidian, and Postman
Technology Trends (2025)
- Migration to Lightweight Solutions: Transition from Electron to Tauri achieving reduced application size and memory usage
- Enhanced Security: Improved sandboxing capabilities enabling development of more secure desktop applications
- Performance Improvements: Near-native performance achieved through WebGPU and Web Workers utilization
- PWA Integration: Blurring boundaries between Progressive Web Apps and desktop apps, providing seamless experiences
JavaScript desktop frameworks will continue to play an important role as the most approachable entry point for web developers into desktop development.
GitHub Star Comparison
| No | Name | GitHub Stars | Description | Trend | License | Official Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electron | ⭐ 117.5k | Cross-platform desktop application framework based on Chromium and Node.js. Enables native app development using web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript). Adopted by many renowned applications like Visual Studio Code, Discord, and Slack. | Maintains stable position as mainstream choice for desktop development in 2025. Overwhelming popularity with 113,000+ GitHub Stars. Records 70%+ enterprise adoption rate with rich ecosystem and community support. However, migration to Tauri is increasing due to performance optimization challenges. | MIT | Official |
| 2 | NW.js | ⭐ 41.0k | Desktop application framework based on Chromium and Node.js. Direct integration of DOM APIs and Node.js APIs to package web apps as desktop applications. Differs from Electron in not separating main and renderer processes. | While overshadowed by Electron in 2025, supported by developers seeking simple architecture. Uses less memory than Electron, maintaining steady demand for small-scale application development. Particularly popular in the Chinese market. | MIT | Official |