I’m working on a project where we need to build a desktop app that connects to our server for data. Right now, we’re using Node.js and MySQL on the backend, which sends data as JSON. The frontend is built with Angular.js.
Our client really wants a desktop version, not a web app. They won’t budge on this. We don’t want to change anything on the server side.
What’s the best way to go about this? Are there any good frameworks or tools that work well with Node.js for making desktop apps? I’m looking for something that can handle API calls smoothly.
I’ve heard of Electron, but I’m not sure if that’s the best choice. Any advice on a tech stack or approach would be really helpful. Thanks!
Having worked on similar projects, I can confidently recommend Electron for your desktop application needs. It’s particularly well-suited for your stack, as it allows you to leverage your existing Angular.js frontend and Node.js backend skills. Electron provides a robust framework for creating cross-platform desktop apps using web technologies.
One significant advantage of Electron is its seamless integration with Node.js, making API calls to your server straightforward. You can use libraries like Axios or Fetch for HTTP requests, just as you would in a web environment. Electron also offers built-in features for handling updates and native OS integration, which can enhance your app’s functionality and user experience.
While there are alternatives like NW.js or Qt, Electron’s large community, extensive documentation, and proven track record make it a solid choice for your project. It should allow you to meet your client’s desktop app requirement without major changes to your existing codebase.
hav u looked into tauri? it’s pretty cool for desktop apps with web tech. lighter than electron and uses rust for the backend. could be neat with ur node.js setup. might need some tweaking but could be worth it for performance. what kinda data r u handling? tauri might handle it better. just a thought!
electron’s great, but have u considered NW.js? it’s lighter and faster than electron, plus it’s got better native API access. might be worth checkin out for ur project. could give u better performance, specially if ur app’s gonna handle lots of data.