Introducing the Electron.js framework, its advantages and disadvantages
Introducing the Electron.js framework
The Electron.js framework is a platform that allows developers to build cross-platform desktop applications. In fact, thanks to Electron GS, developers can build cross-platform applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Additionally, programmers can use most JavaScript libraries, such as the One-Page Application Framework (SPA), alongside Electron.js.
With the help of the web environment, Electron.js actually paves the way for the development of desktop applications. It is no exaggeration to say that electron applications are very popular among users. Electron is an open source framework built by GateHub for the Atom code editor. An application developed with the help of the Electron.js framework works like a web application, but actually reads and records data inside a computer (file system).
One of the advantages of the Electron Framework is that the programmer will not need to learn new tools and technologies to develop an application. The framework itself uses advanced business logic, design, and structure by default. This in turn reduces costs and saves time for customers and developers.
In other words, to develop desktop applications, programmers must learn how the Electron.js framework and API programming interface function. Most programmers with JavaScript experience can develop electron applications in a matter of days.
The Electron.js framework is a highly functional technology that also has a growing user community. With the help of the Chromium engine, programmers can use the development tools of this framework and access its repository. For this reason, Electron desktop applications can be run on a variety of platforms such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
Advantages of the Electron.js Framework
High data security
Data is stored locally, so you can easily change the application to desktop mode using the Electron framework. In the event that application owners want to store their data in a cloud space, developers must first ensure the security of that service.
easy access
Developers will be able to access the application’s API hardware level using an electron GS or plug-in. The Electron.js framework also provides developers with all the features needed to develop a desktop application. Moving to this framework is not at all difficult or challenging.
desirable performance
In some cases, electron applications perform even better than native applications. Of course, its performance depends on how the components used in an application are loaded. In addition, due to the Single Code Base feature of the Electron framework, the application development process is faster.
Simple management
Since once the application is coded, the application is ready to run on all platforms, customers can easily share their needs with the development team. In addition, customers do not have to test the use of each version of an application. Developers also use a database for coding, so the development process time is reduced and bugs in an application will be detected in the same database.
Electron.js framework Reusability
Due to the Single Code Base feature, the Electron.js framework can be for developing desktop and web applications. In fact, developers do not have to code for each platform separately, and the application will run on the basis of a coding pattern across all operating systems.
Compatibility
The Electron Framework is compatible with most libraries and other JavaScript programming language frameworks. For example, Electron developers can build high quality applications with the help of Node.js, Angular, Vue.js and React.
Collaboration with UI and UX tools
Web-based technologies provide programmers with many design tools through which they can design beautiful cross-platform applications. In addition, the user interface design (UI) and user experience (UX) are the same on all platforms, so Windows and macOS users both see an image of the application.
Save time and money
One of the reasons developers prefer the Electron GS framework over other things is to reduce costs and save time. In fact, the electron application development process is faster than other frameworks, which also saves money.
Disadvantages of the Electron.js framework
Excessive volume
Electron applications have a proprietary version of the Chromium browser. This browser is very heavy and contains millions of code lines. In fact, the Chrome browser is the same size as an operating system, so it takes up a lot of space on a computer’s hard drive. Of course, modern computers typically provide users with 2 terabytes of memory space, so the high volume of electron applications is not a big deal.
High resource consumption in Electron.js framework
The Electron.js framework is in ROM and system resources, in addition to consuming battery power quickly if used on a laptop. In fact, the Electron application is optimized to run on different systems, and since the platforms are different, application optimization requires more energy. Native Apps are platform-specific, so their resources are better.
Customer specific requirements
Electron.js applications usually work the same on all platforms, but it will be difficult for programmers if users have a specific design for each platform. In fact, developers need to spend more time adding unique features to each platform, which will naturally increase costs. Most importantly, this will not work; For this reason, application owners must consider their product identity in advance.
The most famous Electron.js applications
WebTorrent
Most people are familiar with the torrent app; Torrent files that users share with each other. Users store torrent files on a computer or mobile phone, and the more that file is saving, the faster it downloads.
The torrent application is developed through the Electron framework and other JavaScript tools and runs on WebRTC technology in three operating systems: Windows, macOS and Linux.
WordPress
WordPress application is one of the most popular content management software that is for developers to edit and build a website. Regardless of the web version, WordPress is easily available for users to run on Windows and macOS platforms. In addition, thanks to the Electron GS framework, the WordPress desktop application has high-speed performance on both platforms. The React library features can also be for a better user experience.
Slack
Slack application is a messaging software that is for employees of different companies. These messengers, along with a dedicated host, allow users to exchange messages on private channels and can be on Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and iOS platforms. The developers have used the Electron.js framework user interface to develop the desktop version of the software. The maintenance of the electron version is as simple as possible due to the existence of a single codebase.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging software in the world that has many features such as video or voice calling, image sharing and so on. The most important feature of this application is the ability to self-destruct the message automatically after a certain period of time has elapsed. The application currently supports the Windows and macOS platforms, but has not yet released a version for the Linux operating system. The developers have used the Electron.js framework to enhance the performance and processing management of this software.
Skype
The Skype application is also based on the GS Electron framework. This messenger provides users with features such as video and voice calling, chat and Paid Calls. The desktop version of this software is Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems.
The importance of choosing the Electron.js framework
Developers use the Electron JS framework to build quality cross-platform applications. But why do you think programmers prefer this framework to other available tools?
In the first place, this framework supports all available platforms, making it very easy for developers to use. In addition, the Electron.js framework, along with other JavaScript libraries, is available to developers who will be able to develop Cross-Platform applications.
Another reason for the popularity of the Electron framework is that its applications are actually web applications. In other words, Electron.js is a web technology through which you can easily convert the desktop version of an application to a web version!
