Unlocking Cross-Platform Desktop Apps with Svelte and Electron
As developers, we’re always on the lookout for ways to broaden our skillsets and create innovative applications. One exciting approach is to leverage the power of Svelte and Electron to build cross-platform desktop apps. In this article, we’ll explore how to combine these two frameworks to create a mobile top-up recharge app.
Getting Started with Svelte and Electron
To begin, you’ll need Node and npm installed on your machine. Once you have these prerequisites in place, create a new Svelte project using npx degit svelte/template in your terminal. This will generate a folder structure that includes the necessary files for your project.
Next, install Electron using npm, and create an index.js file to define the desktop window that will be opened when your app is launched. Configure Rollup to control your app’s build process, and set Electron to launch your app by editing your package.json file.
Launching Your App
After completing these steps, you can launch your app by running npm run dev in your terminal. Your app should now be live, with a basic interface ready for customization.
Securing Your Access Token
A crucial aspect of our mobile top-up recharge app is making secure HTTP requests to Reloadly’s API. To achieve this, you’ll need client credentials and an access token. Use Reqbin to make a POST request to obtain an access token, and store it securely in a .env file using dotenv.
Structuring Your API Request
In your App.svelte file, define the necessary parameters for the API request, and create functions to handle the responses. Use a combination of HTML and Svelte elements to represent the data, and style your app using CSS.
Distributing Your App
Once your app is complete, you can distribute it using electron-builder. Install this tool using npm, and add the distribution config to your package.json file. Run npm run dist to build your app and create a distributable version.
The Power of Combination
By combining Svelte and Electron, you’ve created a powerful desktop app that showcases your skills as a developer. Remember, working with different frameworks is key to improving your skills and unlocking new possibilities. Check out the source code of this desktop app on GitHub and explore the endless possibilities of cross-platform development.