The hosts compare Tauri and Electron for building desktop apps using web tech, discussing differences in web views, resource usage, platform targeting, browser support, and developer experience. They mention challenges with OS web views and Tauri's utilization of Edge web view for Microsoft distributions. They also talk about migrating an Electron app to native, developing a video app, and encourage visiting the podcast's website.
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Quick takeaways
Tauri, built with Rust, offers a faster and smaller alternative to Electron, but may require additional workarounds for compatibility with different OS versions.
Electron provides a more mature ecosystem, extensive documentation, and broader community support, making it a reliable choice for desktop app development.
Deep dives
Building Desktop Applications with Web Tech
The podcast episode discusses the process of building desktop applications using web technologies, specifically focusing on the differences between Tori and Electron. The hosts share their experiences with building desktop apps in both frameworks and compare their developer experiences. Tori, built with Rust, offers a faster and smaller alternative to Electron due to its use of the OS's built-in web view. However, it poses challenges when it comes to compatibility with different OS versions and may require additional workarounds. On the other hand, Electron, despite its higher memory consumption, provides a more mature ecosystem, extensive documentation, and broader community support. The hosts highlight the importance of considering the specific needs and requirements of the application when choosing between Tori and Electron.
Working with Tori: Benefits and Challenges
The hosts delve into their experiences working with Tori for desktop app development. They emphasize that Tori offers a more streamlined and enjoyable developer experience, thanks to its user-friendly tools like the NPM wizard. Tori's integration with Rust allows seamless communication between the front-end and back-end, making it easier to work on isomorphic JavaScript projects. However, the smaller Tori community and limited user base may result in fewer available resources and solutions compared to Electron. The hosts also discuss challenges faced with Tori's reliance on the OS's web view, such as compatibility issues and limited access to specific Chrome APIs.
Electron and Electron Forge: Pros and Cons
The podcast explores Electron, an established platform for desktop app development, and briefly mentions Electron Forge as a tool for easier packaging and distribution. While Electron offers a wider user base, extensive documentation, and a simplified developer experience with its bundled browser, it comes at the cost of larger file sizes and increased memory consumption. The hosts touch on the challenges of getting started with Electron, highlighting the lengthy quick start process and the separate nature of Electron Forge. In contrast, Tori's simplicity and speed make it an attractive alternative. However, Electron still has its merits, particularly for projects that require specific Chrome APIs and guarantee compatibility across different OS versions.