When it comes to creating cross-platform web-based desktop applications, there are many solutions on the market. We have already discussed popular frameworks such as Electron and Tauri. However, there are other less common but still very interesting options. In this article, we will take a look at PyInstaller, NW.js and some other tools that can be useful for developers looking to build desktop applications.
PyInstaller: for Python developers
PyInstaller is a tool that allows you to package Python programs into standalone executables. It is not directly web-focused, but if your web application uses Python (for example, for the backend), PyInstaller can be useful for converting Python scripts into desktop programs.
Advantages:
- Ease of use, especially for developers already familiar with Python.
- Support for multiple operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Ability to integrate with other tools such as Flask or Django to create more complex applications.
Disadvantages:
- Requires Python to be installed on the target system.
- Can have problems with large dependencies.
NW.js: a lightweight framework for web applications
NW.js (formerly known as node-webkit) is a tool that allows you to package web applications into desktop applications using Node.js. Unlike Electron, NW.js uses the WebKit engine (the same one used in older versions of the Safari browser) and provides direct access to the Node.js API.
Benefits:
- Ability to utilize all Node.js and browser features in a single application.
- Support for all web technologies including HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.
- Easy access to local files and devices using Node.js.
Disadvantages:
- Applications can be larger than Tauri due to the use of the WebKit browser.
- Requires customization to integrate with various libraries.
AppImage: a minimalistic approach for Linux
AppImage is a tool for packaging applications in a format that can be run on Linux systems without the need to install additional dependencies. Although AppImage does not support Windows and macOS, it is a great option for Linux developers.
Benefits:
- Packaging the entire application into a single file.
- Supports multiple Linux distributions without having to configure dependencies.
- Ease of distribution.
Disadvantages:
- Supports only Linux, which limits its use for cross-platform applications.
- Applications may not be as flexible as Electron or Tauri.
Conclusion
Choosing a tool to build desktop applications depends on many factors, including performance requirements, application size, and development experience. PyInstaller and NW.js are powerful tools that can be useful for a variety of use cases, from Python scripts to web applications. AppImage is suitable for Linux users, while BearyApp is for those looking for high performance and security.
Understanding the features of each tool will help you choose the best solution for your project, and regardless of your choice, the options for building cross-platform web-based applications are becoming increasingly available.
