Build Cross-Platform Apps with NW.js: A Beginner’s Guide

Unlock the Power of Hybrid App Development with NW.js

NW.js, a popular Electron alternative, has gained a massive following among developers for its ease of use and flexibility in creating native applications. By leveraging the power of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, you can build cross-platform desktop applications with minimal effort.

What Makes NW.js Stand Out?

NW.js takes advantage of Chromium, the same open-source browser engine that powers Google’s web browser, to translate web technologies into native ones. This means you can focus on building your web application using your favorite tools and frameworks, such as React, Angular, or Less, while NW.js handles the heavy lifting.

Getting Started with NW.js

To begin, create a new project folder with the following structure:

• src folder: contains the NW.js main files
• package.json file: stores manifest configurations
• index.html file: contains the basic Bootstrap structure for a form component
• js/app.js file: handles event listeners for field changes
• style.css file: adds basic CSS rules for centralized content display

Setting Up the Project

In the package.json file, add the following contents:

• name and version attributes: obligatory
• dependencies: Bootstrap and jQuery for a better look and feel
• main: points to the index.html file

Run the command npm install to download the required dependencies.

Building the App

Create the index.html file with the following HTML code:

• Basic Bootstrap structure for a form component
• CSS import and JavaScript files for Bootstrap, jQuery, and the app’s main JS file

In the js/app.js file, add event listeners for field changes to trigger conversions and update the fields.

Testing the App

Before running the app as a desktop application, test it as an ordinary web app by adding the following content to the index.js file:

• Start an Express.js server to serve static files

Access the app at http://localhost:3000/ and test the conversion functionality.

Running the App in NW.js Mode

Execute the command nwjs to generate the desktop application. This will create an executable file for your app.

Generating OS-Specific Installers

Run the command nw-builder to generate installers for Windows, Linux, and macOS (64 bits). This command may take some time, as it downloads and installs the required dependencies.

The Power of NW.js

NW.js offers unparalleled flexibility and ease of use, allowing you to create hybrid applications by focusing solely on web implementation. With its powerful integrations and Chromium engine, NW.js is an excellent choice for building native applications.

Take Your App to the Next Level

As you add new JavaScript libraries and dependencies to your app, ensure you have visibility into potential issues. LogRocket, a frontend application monitoring solution, helps you replay JavaScript errors and monitor performance metrics to build confidently.