Unlock the Power of Cross-Platform Desktop Apps with JavaScript and Go

When it comes to developing desktop applications, developers have several options to choose from, including platform-specific APIs, native widget toolkits, and hybrid desktop app development frameworks. While each approach has its advantages, hybrid frameworks have gained popularity in recent years due to their ability to create cross-platform desktop apps using JavaScript.

The Rise of Hybrid Desktop App Development

Hybrid frameworks allow developers to create lightweight, JavaScript-based cross-platform desktop apps that can run on multiple operating systems. This approach has become increasingly popular, especially among developers who want to avoid maintaining multiple codebases for each operating system.

Enter Go: A Fast, Memory-Safe, and Concurrency-First Language

Go, also known as Golang, is a statically-typed language that offers a unique combination of speed, memory safety, and concurrency features. Its syntax is similar to C, but with a garbage collector and many modern programming language improvements. Go is an excellent choice for programming GUI elements for desktop apps, especially when paired with a JavaScript frontend.

Lorca: A Go Library for Building Lightweight Cross-Platform Desktop Apps

Lorca is a Go library that enables developers to create lightweight cross-platform desktop apps with a Go backend and JavaScript frontend. Unlike Electron, Lorca doesn’t bundle apps with a web browser; instead, it uses the installed Google Chrome browser to render the web frontend of applications and implements a messaging channel between JavaScript and Go via the WebSocket protocol.

Creating a Simple Lorca App

To get started with Lorca, you’ll need to install the Go language tools on your computer. Once installed, create a new directory and add a main.go file with the following code:

“`go
package main

import (
“log”

"github.com/zserge/lorca"

)

func main() {
ui, err := lorca.New(“main.html”, “”, 800, 600)
if err!= nil {
log.Fatal(err)
}
defer ui.Close()
}
“`

Implementing the Backend and Frontend

To implement the backend, modify your main.go file to add a static file server and expose a new Go function to the web frontend to get the current username of the operating system. Then, create an index.html file in the www directory with the following code:

“`html

“`

Building and Releasing Your Application

To build and release your Lorca app, compile the Go source files to get an executable version of your application. The resulting binary file size is around 7MB, significantly smaller than Electron and NW.js.

Go Webview: A Lightweight Alternative to Lorca

Go webview is another popular Go library for building lightweight cross-platform desktop apps. Unlike Lorca, Go webview uses the built-in browser component of the operating system to render the web frontend, allowing for native window customization. The Go webview library offers a similar API to Lorca, and the developer environment setup is the same.

Choosing the Right Library for Your Needs

When deciding between Lorca and Go webview, consider the level of native window customization you need. If you want a more lightweight and customizable solution, Go webview might be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a simpler, more straightforward approach, Lorca is an excellent option.

Get Started with LogRocket

LogRocket is a modern error tracking solution that helps you create better digital experiences. With LogRocket, you can easily track errors, monitor performance, and improve user satisfaction. Sign up for a free trial today and start building better desktop apps with JavaScript and Go!