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Last updated on Nov 1, 2023
Last updated on Nov 1, 2023
Electron Forge is a complete tool for building modern Electron applications. It is a command-line interface developed by the Electron maintainers to simplify setting up a new Electron project. Electron Forge unifies the existing (and well-tested) build tools for Electron development into a straightforward, easy-to-use package. This makes it a complete solution for creating, packaging and distributing Electron applications.
The Electron Forge package includes many features, including scaffolding for new projects, packaging your Electron app into a distributable format, and more. It also supports native module rebuilding, essential for Electron apps that use native Node.js modules.
In the world of Electron app development, Electron Forge plays a crucial role. It simplifies the process of creating, packaging and distributing Electron applications. Offering users maximum choice, Electron Forge supports both JavaScript and TypeScript, and it integrates with popular JavaScript frameworks like React and Angular.
One of the key features of Electron Forge is its ability to package your Electron app into platform-specific distributables. This means you can create Electron apps that can be installed and run on different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This is achieved through the electron forge make command, which generates out-of-the-box bundles for your target platform.
Building Electron Forge is a straightforward process. First, you need to install Node.js and npm on your machine. Once installed, you can create a new Electron project using the yarn create electron or npx create-electron-app commands. This will set up a new project with a basic Electron app structure.
Next, you need to install Electron Forge in your project. This can be done using the npm install --save-dev electron-forge command. After installing Electron Forge, you can start your Electron app using the electron forge start command. This will launch your app in a new browser window.
To package your Electron app, you can use the electron forge package command. This will create a packaged app that can be distributed and run on any machine with the correct Electron version. If you want to create distributables for specific platforms, you can use the electron forge make command. This will generate platform-specific distributables in the out folder of your project.
Electron Builder and Electron Forge are both powerful tools for building Electron applications. However, there are some key differences between them.
Electron Builder is a complete solution for creating, packaging and publishing desktop applications with Electron and Node.js. It supports code signing, auto-update, and packaging into various formats like dmg file, windows installer, zip file, and more. It also provides various configuration options for customizing the build process.
On the other hand, Electron Forge is an all-in-one tool that simplifies setting up a new Electron project, packaging it into an executable, and distributing it. It provides a unified interface for various build tools and handles all the complexities of Electron development. It also supports code signing and native module rebuilding.
While both tools are powerful and feature-rich, Electron Forge is generally easier and more beginner-friendly. It handles a lot of the complexities of Electron development, making it a great choice for developers who are new to Electron.
The terms "Electron Forge" and "Build" often come up in discussions about Electron development, and it's important to understand the differences between them.
"Build" in the context of Electron refers to compiling your Electron app into a format that can be executed on a specific platform (like Windows, macOS, or Linux). This involves bundling your app's code and assets, along with the Electron runtime, into an executable file. This process can be done manually, but it's often automated using build tools like Electron Builder or Electron Forge.
Electron Forge, on the other hand, is a complete tool that not only handles the build process but also provides a streamlined workflow for creating, developing, and packaging Electron apps. It's designed to simplify the entire Electron development process, from setting up a new project to packaging and distributing the final app.
In short, "build" refers to a step in the Electron development process, while Electron Forge is a tool that automates this process and provides a unified workflow for Electron development.
Electron and Electron Forge are essential parts of the Electron ecosystem, but they serve different purposes.
Electron is a framework for creating desktop applications with web technologies. It allows developers to create apps on multiple platforms (like Windows, macOS, and Linux) using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Electron provides the runtime that executes your app's code and provides APIs for interacting with the operating system.
Electron Forge, on the other hand, is a tool that simplifies the process of developing, packaging, and distributing Electron apps. It provides a unified interface for various build tools and handles all the complexities of Electron development. While Electron provides the foundation for creating desktop apps, Electron Forge provides the tools for building and distributing these apps.
While Electron-Builder is a popular choice for packaging and distributing Electron apps, several alternatives are available, including Electron Forge, Electron Packager, and pkg.
Electron Forge is a complete tool for Electron development that simplifies setting up a new project, developing your app, and packaging it for distribution. It provides a unified interface for various build tools and supports features like code signing and native module rebuilding.
Electron Packager is a command-line tool that packages your Electron app for distribution. It supports packaging for different platforms and architectures and allows you to customize the packaging process through various options.
Pkg is a command-line tool that packages your Node.js project into an executable. While it's not specifically designed for Electron, it can package Electron apps.
Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
On platforms like Reddit, developers often share their experiences and opinions about different tools. Regarding Electron-Builder and Electron Forge, the community seems to be divided.
Some developers prefer Electron-Builder for its extensive configuration options and support for auto-updates. They appreciate its flexibility and the control it gives them over the build process. However, others find its configuration complex and difficult to understand, especially for beginners.
On the other hand, Electron Forge is praised for its simplicity and ease of use. Developers appreciate that it handles many of the complexities of Electron development and provides a straightforward, unified workflow. However, some users have reported issues with certain features, like code signing, and feel its documentation could be improved.
In conclusion, Electron-Builder and Electron Forge have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
React Electron Forge is a powerful combination that allows developers to build desktop applications using React and Electron. With Electron Forge, you can set up a new Electron project with a React template in just a few commands.
To create a new project with React and Electron Forge, you can use the npx create-electron-app my-app --template=typescript-webpack command. This will create a new project with a basic Electron app structure and a React template.
After creating the project, you can start the Electron app using the electron forge start command. This will launch your app in a new browser window. You can also package your app using the electron forge package command, creating a distributable app that can be run on any machine with the correct Electron version.
Let's look at a practical example of using React Electron Forge in a real-world scenario. Suppose you're building a desktop app that displays a list of users. You could use React for the frontend and Electron Forge for packaging and distribution.
First, you would create a new Electron project with a React template using the npx create-electron-app command. Then, you would create a new React component that fetches the user data from an API and displays it in a list. This component would be rendered in the main BrowserWindow of your Electron app.
To package your app for distribution, you would use the electron forge package command. This would create a distributable app that can be run on any machine with the correct Electron version.
In conclusion, Electron Forge is a powerful tool that simplifies developing, packaging, and distributing Electron apps. It provides a unified workflow for Electron development and supports many features, including code signing, native module rebuilding, and platform-specific packaging.
With the rise of web technologies in desktop app development, tools like Electron Forge are becoming increasingly important. By simplifying the Electron development process and offering users maximum choice, Electron Forge is helping to drive the future of modern app development.
Whether you're a seasoned Electron developer or just getting started, Electron Forge is a tool worth considering for your next project. With its powerful features and straightforward workflow, it's a great choice for building modern Electron applications.
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