The host describes Electron as a popular JavaScript option for desktop apps, citing Visual Studio Code and Atom as examples. They ask how React Native Windows compares and whether other frameworks are available.
React Native Windows vs. Electron
An unnamed Callstack speaker compares React Native Windows with Electron during a discussion with a host about desktop app development.
The Callstack speaker says Electron follows a web development model, separating the view from its logic. React Native Windows offers access to native layouts, DLLs, and operating system APIs, which may help an app fit its system more closely.
The speaker compares JavaScript development on Raspberry Pi, where JavaScript code uses APIs exposed by an underlying bare-metal application. They say React Native Windows lets teams choose whether to work with the native layer, so the right framework depends on the project’s layers and purpose.
The host says desktop development can seem difficult and suggests a JavaScript layer may make it more accessible. They note React Native Windows is at an early stage and may have hiccups. The speaker sums up that its native layouts and controls can give apps a more native look and feel.
Takeaways
- Choose between Electron and React Native Windows based on the project’s need for native APIs, controls, and system integration.
- Electron’s web-based approach can simplify desktop app development.
- React Native Windows can provide native layouts and controls, though the host notes it was still early stage in 2021.
- Consider how the framework’s underlying layers fit the application’s purpose.
Mentioned in this talk
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What was claimed 5
- uses
“as was Atom from GitHub”
YouTube Unverified1 source· Talk
- uses
“Visual Studio Code, for example, is built on top of it”
YouTube Unverified1 source· Talk
- featureElectron: Uses an approach similar to web development, separating a view from its logic.
“Electron uses an approach similar to web development in general: you create a view and the logic behind it.”
YouTube Unverified1 source· Talk
- feature
React Native for Windows: Lets developers work with the native layer under the framework.“React Native Windows lets you choose whether to work with the native layer under the hood of the framework.”
YouTube Unverified1 source· Talk
- featureReact Native for Windows: Uses native layouts and controls to provide a closer native look and feel.
“React Native uses native layouts and controls”
YouTube Unverified1 source· Talk
