Many modern websites function perfectly in the browser, but there are cases when you want to turn them into full-fledged desktop applications. This is convenient for users and allows you to improve performance. In this guide, we’ll break down how to make that transition using real-world tools and facts from around the web.
Step 1: Assess needs and capabilities
Before you start turning a website into an app, you need to assess whether you really need it. The main reasons for this step include:
- The desire to work without a constant internet connection.
- Improved interaction with the operating system (e.g., file system access).
- Performance: desktop applications can run faster.
Step 2: Utilize PWA (Progressive Web Apps) technology
One of the most popular ways to turn a website into a desktop application is to create a Progressive Web Application (PWA). A PWA allows a website to run like an application, with the ability to cache data and function without the internet. All you need to do is set up a PWA manifest and serviceworkers.
Step 3: Using Electron
For more complex applications or those that need to interact with local system resources, Electron is the way to go. This framework allows you to create desktop applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It is based on Chromium and Node.js, which gives you great opportunities to work with the file system, native OS functions and external APIs.
Example: Slack and Visual Studio Code use Electron to build their desktop versions.
Step 4: Convert to an installation file
Once the application is ready, you need to create an installation file for different operating systems. For this, you can use tools such as Electron Builder or Electron Forge. These utilities will automatically build the application for Windows, macOS, and Linux by creating installation files.
Step 5: Testing and Optimization
Like any application, the desktop version requires thorough testing on different operating systems. It is important to check performance, stability, and interaction with external resources (e.g. API and file system).
Step 6: Updates and Support
The last step is to organize an update system. For Electron applications, this can be set up through autoUpdater, which automatically checks for updates and installs them.
Conclusion
Turning a website into a desktop application is a great way to improve user experience and increase the functionality of your project. The method you choose depends on your needs and objectives, whether it’s PWA for simplicity or Electron for more complex applications.
