The Hidden Powers of Electron

Introduction

As a junior developer, I started my journey in software mostly through web development. HTML, CSS, JavaScript, then Vue and React , everything I built lived inside the browser. But at some point, I started asking myself: "Can a web project be turned into a desktop application?"

While searching for the answer, I kept stumbling upon the name Electron. Some people praised it, others criticized it. Some said it was resource-heavy, others called it the easiest way to build cross-platform desktop apps.

For me, it became something worth exploring.

In this post, I want to share my personal experience learning Electron — what I discovered, what surprised me, and what I wish I had known earlier. Think of it less as a tutorial and more as a reflection from a junior developer's perspective.

1. Chromium and Node.js , Two Engines, One Application

What impressed me most about Electron is how it combines two powerful worlds: Chromium for the user interface and Node.js for system and backend tasks.

This means you can use your existing web skills HTML, CSS, JavaScript to create fully functional desktop applications. For instance, I can build a Vue or React interface and, within the same project, use Node modules to handle file access, APIs, or databases.

The result feels like a web app but acts like a real desktop application, it can read and write local files, show system notifications, and run offline.

As a junior developer, that realization was powerful: I didn't need to abandon what I already knew from frontend development to step into desktop software.

2. Deployment and Updates From Code to a Real Application

One of the biggest surprises for me was how straightforward the deployment process is.

With electron builder, I can generate installers for multiple platforms using a single command:

• For Windows: .exe or .msix
• For macOS: .dmg
• For Linux: .AppImage

Even better, with the built in Auto-Updater, I can make my app update itself automatically. New versions can be delivered through GitHub Releases, Amazon S3, or even my own hosting environment (like my AkkisHost server).

This made me realize that Electron isn't just an app wrapper, it's part of the deployment pipeline. As a junior who used to wonder "How do I actually deliver my code to users?", this was a game-changer.

3. Security, A Small Detail That Changes Everything

Security is one of the most common concerns with Electron. And yes, if configured poorly, it can expose vulnerabilities. But with the right setup, it's surprisingly secure.

The key is to isolate the Renderer process (the UI) from direct access to Node APIs. Only specific and well-defined functions should have access to system resources.

Here's the recommended configuration in modern projects:

nodeIntegration: false,
contextIsolation: true,
preload: 'secureBridge.js'

This setup keeps the UI isolated, while the secureBridge.js file acts as a controlled bridge between frontend and backend.

I also learned how important code signing and Apple Notarization are for trust and distribution. When I generated my first signed installer, it felt like a small milestone — my software was now "recognized" by the operating system as a safe application.

4. Performance , Between Myth and Reality

Electron often gets labeled as "slow" or "bloated." In my experience, performance depends heavily on how you structure your app.

My first attempt was clumsy , I tried to do everything in one window, with a single renderer process. The result was predictably sluggish.

Then I learned to lazyload modules, use BrowserView for lighter windows, and leverage Vue's Suspense for asynchronous rendering. The difference was dramatic: the app opened faster and felt smoother.

At that point, I realized it wasn't Electron's fault it was my architecture. Now I plan my projects with a "lightweight startup" mindset, just like native desktop apps.

5. Recent Developments , Electron Keeps Evolving

The last six months have been quite active in the Electron ecosystem. One of the most notable additions is MSIX packaging support for Windows 11, which brings a more secure and modern installation experience.

Another big step: Apple Silicon (ARM64) support is now fully stable. Apps built for M-series chips run faster and use less energy.

And with the latest updates to Electron Forge, the publishing process is smoother than ever. Electron is no longer just a tool for simple desktop apps , it's evolving into a platform for hybrid cloud applications that can work both online and offline.

For me as a junior developer, that means more possibilities to experiment and create.

6. Why Electron Still Matters

Electron remains one of the most valuable technologies for web developers looking to expand their skills. It allows us to reuse what we already know, without learning a new language or framework, and build for Windows, macOS, and Linux with a single codebase.

For beginners, that accessibility is priceless. One project, three platforms, a strong community, and a fast learning curve — that's what makes Electron stand out.

It's not perfect, but it's powerful and approachable, a rare combination in software development.

Conclusion

When I first started experimenting with Electron, I thought it was just a "browser wrapped in an installer." Now I see it as something far more significant.

It bridges the gap between the web and the desktop, combining flexibility, accessibility, and real-world performance.

I still have much to learn, but one thing is certain: Electron is a tool that can help even a junior developer build software on a professional level.

So rather than seeing it as a resource-hungry framework, I've come to see Electron as a bridge, connecting my web development past to my desktop development future.