Electron.js: Desktop Application Examples in 2025

Electron.js is a powerful framework for building cross-platform desktop applications. With this versatile toolkit, you can create robust, feature-rich software that runs seamlessly across major operating systems. The appeal of Electron lies in its ability to transform traditional web applications into fully functional desktop applications, offering endless possibilities for innovative IT solutions. According to a recent survey by Stack Overflow, Electron continues to grow in popularity among developers, especially for those interested in crafting apps that offer native-like experiences across multiple platforms.

Key Takeaways:

• Web Technology Integration: Electron enables developers to leverage web technologies for desktop app development.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Apps built with Electron can run on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Versatility: Electron supports various applications, from simple utilities to complex tools.

What Is Electron?

Electron is an open-source framework allowing you to build cross-platform desktop applications using web technologies such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Originally developed by GitHub in 2013 to support the Atom editor, Electron has grown in popularity and is now used by many high-profile software applications, including: 

• Discord 
• Asana 
• 1Password 
• Microsoft Teams 
• Figma 
• Skype 
• Tidal 

Electron’s success is in its architecture, which combines Chromium and Node.js into a single runtime. This allows developers to use web APIs for rendering and HTML5 features while also accessing the extensive capabilities of Node.js, such as file system access, network communications, and operating system interactions.

Electron packages the web code into an executable file for macOS, Windows, or Linux, depending on the platform. Therefore, instead of writing different codebases for each platform, you can maintain a single codebase that runs everywhere with little to no modification. The framework handles the intricacies of different operating systems, providing a consistent layer that interacts with native GUI (Graphical User Interface) elements, making the applications feel at home on any platform.

One of the main appeals of Electron is its robust ecosystem. You can access thousands of existing Node.js modules and JavaScript libraries, which can drastically accelerate development time and enhance functionality. Additionally, because it uses a popular web engine (Chromium), it supports modern web standards, ensuring that applications look and perform as expected on all supported platforms.

Despite its many advantages, Electron is sometimes criticized for its resource consumption, as applications built with it can be more resource intensive than those built with native frameworks. However, continuous improvements and community-driven optimizations address these issues, making Electron a compelling choice to leverage your web development skills to create powerful desktop applications.

Community and Resources

Electron boasts a vibrant community and a plethora of resources that support development. Official documentation, active forums, and various third-party libraries contribute to a supportive ecosystem for developers.

Security Measures

Security in Electron apps is paramount, especially given their access to native system APIs. Developers must implement standard web security practices, such as content security policies, sandboxing of external content, and secure communication protocols to safeguard against vulnerabilities.

Benefits of Using Electron

Using Electron for desktop application development comes with multiple advantages.

Code Reusability

Electron’s ability to reuse code across multiple platforms means you can write it once and run it on Windows, macOS, and Linux without significant modifications. This reduces the development time and costs of creating separate codebases for each platform and simplifies maintenance and updates. Consistency is maintained since the same application logic and user interface are used across all platforms, and the potential for platform-specific bugs is minimized. This approach is particularly beneficial for small teams or projects with limited resources to compete with larger organizations on a level playing field.

Rapid Development Cycles

By leveraging web technologies, Electron flattens the learning curve and speeds up development. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the backbone of web development, and using these technologies means you can design, prototype, and iterate applications quickly. Additionally, Electron’s integration with Chrome Developer Tools provides robust debugging and testing tools right out of the box, which further accelerates development cycles. This rapid development is crucial for startups and tech companies looking to quickly bring products to market or respond to user feedback with updates and improvements.

Access to Web Libraries

Electron’s compatibility with several web libraries and frameworks allows you to incorporate any library that runs on Node.js or within a Chromium browser, effectively giving you access to thousands of tools used in web development. This includes React for building user interfaces, Redux for managing application state, and Axios for HTTP requests. 

These libraries are well documented and widely used, so you have abundant resources and community support available, reducing the time spent solving common issues or implementing complex features. This extensive access enhances the functionality of desktop applications without the need for deep native development expertise and allows for the integration of cutting-edge web technologies, keeping the applications modern and responsive.

Enhanced Performance and Scalability

While Electron apps are often criticized for their performance compared to native applications, many optimizations can mitigate these issues. Techniques such as process separation, efficient memory management, and proper resource handling can significantly improve the performance and responsiveness of Electron applications. Moreover, Electron’s single codebase architecture makes it easier to scale applications across different platforms and distribute updates, ensuring all users have the same high-quality experience regardless of their operating system.

Simplified Distribution

Distributing an Electron app is straightforward, thanks to Electron’s built-in support for creating executables and its compatibility with package managers like npm. Developers can package their applications into executable files for Windows (.exe), macOS (.dmg), and Linux (.deb, .rpm) with minimal setup, simplifying the process of application deployment and updates. This ease of distribution is a bonus if you’re looking to quickly and efficiently reach a broad audience.

Electron Examples: 4 Notable Desktop Applications Built with Electron in 2024

1. Slack 

Originally designed as a web-based communication tool, Slack’s desktop version built with Electron offers seamless integration with various operating systems, providing a robust and consistent user experience. Features like offline mode, native notifications, and custom keyboard shortcuts are tailored to enhance productivity. The integration with native system features allows Slack to offer complex functionalities, such as advanced search capabilities and seamless updates, that feel intuitive and responsive. 

2. WhatsApp

WhatsApp Desktop leverages Electron to mirror its mobile functionality with added benefits suitable for desktop use, including drag-and-drop file sharing, keyboard shortcuts, and desktop notifications. This desktop application also integrates seamlessly with the computer’s camera and microphone for high-quality video and voice calls. The ability to run in the background and start automatically upon system boot ensures that users remain connected without manually launching the app. 

3. Twitch

Twitch’s desktop application allows for an immersive viewing experience, integrating cumbersome features to implement in a traditional web application, such as multi-stream viewing, in-app chat, and better game controller support. Additionally, Electron facilitates deeper integrations with desktop-specific functionalities, like global hotkeys and advanced settings, for stream quality and notification management. The app also supports background playback and minimized stream viewing, enabling users to multitask without missing live content. 

4. WordPress

Electron powers the WordPress.com desktop app, allowing bloggers and content creators direct access to their sites without a browser. The app supports a variety of offline capabilities and real-time notifications, bridging the gap between web and desktop. Enhanced features such as local storage for drafts and media files and a more responsive design editor make the desktop environment conducive to content creation. Furthermore, the ability to manage multiple WordPress sites from a single application simplifies the workflow for users managing diverse content channels, enhancing productivity and streamlining the publishing process.

Conclusion

Electron.js is a versatile and powerful framework for building cross-platform desktop applications. Its integration with web technologies offers substantial benefits, including faster development cycles and code reusability across platforms. Electron’s wide range of applications showcases its capability to deliver complex and varied desktop software solutions. 

If you’re interested in exploring custom enterprise software development, visit Flatirons’ services to discover how Electron can be part of your technology strategy.