Build cross-platform desktop applications using ASP.NET Core (Razor Pages, MVC, Blazor) with Electron.
Electron.NET is a framework that allows .NET developers to build cross-platform desktop applications using web technologies like ASP.NET Core, Razor Pages, MVC, and Blazor. It wraps Electron to provide native desktop capabilities while enabling developers to use their existing .NET skills and codebases. The project solves the challenge of creating desktop apps that work on Windows, macOS, and Linux without learning platform-specific toolkits.
.NET developers and teams who want to build desktop applications using their existing web development skills with ASP.NET Core, Razor Pages, MVC, or Blazor. It's ideal for those who need to create cross-platform desktop apps without switching to a different language or framework.
Developers choose Electron.NET because it allows them to leverage their investment in .NET and ASP.NET Core to build desktop applications, reducing the learning curve and development time. Its unique selling point is the deep integration with the .NET ecosystem, providing a familiar development experience while accessing native desktop features through Electron.
:electron: Build cross platform desktop apps with ASP.NET Core (Razor Pages, MVC, Blazor).
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Enables use of ASP.NET Core, Razor Pages, MVC, and Blazor, allowing developers to reuse existing code and skills, as shown in the README examples with UseElectron and IsRunningBlazor options.
Supports classic ASP.NET Core hosting, lightweight console apps, and Blazor-based approaches, providing adaptability for different project needs without mandatory web servers.
Offers full .NET wrappers for Electron's APIs, such as window management and menus via Electron.WindowManager, making native desktop features accessible without leaving the .NET ecosystem.
The re-architected ElectronNET.Core improves debugging, lifetime management, and setup with callback methods in UseElectron, enhancing productivity as highlighted in the modernization announcement.
Requires both .NET 6/8/10 and Node.JS 22.x to be installed and managed, increasing setup complexity and potential deployment hurdles for cross-platform targets.
Inherits Electron's characteristics, leading to larger binary sizes and higher memory consumption compared to native .NET desktop frameworks like .NET MAUI or Avalonia.
The README admits that resources like the YouTube video are outdated for ElectronNET.Core, indicating gaps in up-to-date guidance and potential learning curve for new features.