Electron App Development

TL;DR

What it is: Electron app development means building desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. The framework wraps web technologies in a native shell, letting web developers create full desktop software without learning platform-specific languages like C++ or Swift.

What you'll do:

• Build desktop application interfaces using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Handle system-level operations through Node.js (file access, notifications, menus)
• Package and distribute apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Integrate with native OS features like system tray, clipboard, and dialogs
• Maintain and update applications across multiple platforms

Time to learn: 2-4 months if you practice 8-10 hours/week and already know JavaScript and Node.js. Starting from scratch with web development, 8-14 months is more realistic.

What you need: A computer with Node.js installed, a code editor, and npm. All free to start. No paid software required.

Note: Platforms may charge fees or commissions. We don't track specific rates as they change frequently. Check each platform's current pricing before signing up.

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Electron is an open-source framework originally developed by GitHub for building the Atom text editor. It combines Chromium (the rendering engine behind Chrome) with Node.js, allowing web developers to build desktop applications using the same technologies they already know. Apps like Visual Studio Code, Slack, Discord, Notion, and Obsidian all run on Electron.

For freelancers and side hustlers, Electron fills a specific gap. Many businesses need desktop applications but don't want to hire separate developers for Windows, macOS, and Linux. If you already know JavaScript and web development, Electron lets you offer desktop app development without learning entirely new technology stacks.

What This Actually Is

You build desktop applications that run natively on all three major operating systems from a single codebase. Unlike web apps that live in a browser tab, Electron apps install on a user's computer and can access the file system, send native notifications, sit in the system tray, and work offline.

The framework has two main components. The main process runs Node.js and handles system-level operations like creating windows, managing menus, and accessing the file system. The renderer process runs your web-based UI inside a Chromium window. Understanding how these two processes communicate is central to Electron development.

Client work spans several categories. Internal business tools are common. Companies need inventory management systems, data entry applications, point-of-sale software, or specialized dashboards that work offline. Startups sometimes need a desktop companion app alongside their web product. Some clients want existing web applications packaged as installable desktop software with added native features.

You might also build and sell your own Electron apps. Productivity tools, developer utilities, and niche workflow applications are popular categories. The advantage here is recurring revenue if you offer subscription licensing.

What You'll Actually Do

Most projects start with translating a design or specification into a working desktop interface. You build the UI using the same HTML, CSS, and JavaScript you'd use for a website, but within Electron's window management system.

Node.js integration is where desktop apps diverge from web development. You'll read and write files, interact with databases (often SQLite for local storage), spawn child processes, and handle system events. This is the part that makes Electron apps feel like real desktop software rather than a webpage in a frame.

Window management takes up meaningful development time. Creating multiple windows, handling modal dialogs, managing window state (size, position, maximized), and implementing system tray behavior all require working with Electron's APIs.

Auto-updates are expected in production apps. You'll implement mechanisms for checking, downloading, and applying updates seamlessly. Electron provides tools for this, but setting up the update server and signing pipeline requires configuration.

Packaging and distribution involves building installers for each platform. You'll create .exe installers for Windows, .dmg files for macOS, and .deb or .AppImage packages for Linux. Code signing is necessary for a professional distribution experience, especially on macOS where unsigned apps trigger security warnings.

Testing desktop apps means checking behavior across operating systems. A layout that works on Windows might break on macOS due to different system fonts or window chrome. You'll test file system operations, native menu behavior, and keyboard shortcuts on each platform.

Skills You Need

JavaScript proficiency is the foundation. You need comfort with modern syntax, async/await, promises, and modules. Node.js knowledge is equally important since the main process runs entirely on Node.

Understanding Electron's architecture is critical. The main process versus renderer process distinction, inter-process communication (IPC), context isolation, and the preload script pattern are concepts you'll use in every project.

HTML and CSS skills let you build polished interfaces. Desktop users expect apps to feel native. Smooth animations, proper spacing, keyboard navigation, and responsive layouts within resizable windows all matter.

Node.js APIs for file system operations, path handling, child processes, and networking are used frequently. Many Electron apps need to read configuration files, process local data, or communicate with local services.

Basic understanding of build tools helps. Webpack, Vite, or electron-builder configuration is part of most projects. Knowing how to set up a build pipeline that produces distributable packages saves significant time.

Security awareness is important. Electron apps that enable Node.js in renderer processes without proper isolation create serious vulnerabilities. Understanding context isolation, content security policies, and safe IPC patterns is non-negotiable for professional work.

Getting Started

Set up a basic Electron project using the official quick start guide. Create a simple app that opens a window and displays content. This teaches you the project structure and build process.

Build 3-4 portfolio applications that demonstrate different capabilities:

• A utility app with file system access (shows you can work with Node.js APIs)
• An app with a polished UI, system tray integration, and keyboard shortcuts (shows native desktop feel)
• An app that communicates with an external API or local database (shows data handling)
• An app packaged with installers for at least two platforms (shows distribution capability)

Learn electron-builder or electron-forge for packaging. These tools handle the complexity of creating platform-specific installers and managing code signing.

Start taking small freelance projects. Bug fixes or feature additions to existing Electron apps are good entry points. They expose you to real-world project structures without the pressure of building from scratch.

Study the source code of open-source Electron apps. Many well-known Electron applications have public repositories that show production-level patterns and architecture decisions.

Income Reality

Income depends on your skill level, project type, client base, and time commitment. These are market observations, not guarantees.

Some developers handling basic Electron work (simple utilities, UI modifications, bug fixes on existing apps) report earning $1,000-2,500/month working part-time on freelance platforms.

Intermediate developers building complete desktop applications with file system integration, local databases, and multi-window interfaces report $3,000-6,000/month.

Experienced developers working on complex projects (apps with auto-update systems, native module integration, enterprise deployment, or performance optimization) report $6,000-10,000/month or more.

Hourly consulting rates in the market range from $30-150/hour depending on experience, specialization, and client type. Desktop application development tends to command slightly higher rates than general web development because fewer developers specialize in it.

Building and selling your own Electron apps is another path. Some developers create niche tools and sell licenses directly. Results with this approach vary widely and depend on finding a viable market.

Your actual income varies based on skill, niche, effort, location, and market conditions.

Where to Find Work

For developers building their portfolio:

• Upwork and Freelancer for Electron-specific project listings
• GitHub issues on open-source Electron projects (contributions lead to visibility)
• Developer forums and communities focused on desktop development
• Local tech meetups and startup events

For experienced developers:

• Toptal and Gun.io for premium client engagements
• Direct outreach to SaaS companies that need desktop companions
• Digital agencies that handle enterprise software projects
• Referrals from previous clients

Businesses needing internal tools are a strong market. Many companies need desktop software for workflows that web apps handle poorly: local file processing, hardware integration, offline-first requirements, or kiosk-mode applications. These clients often have ongoing maintenance needs, leading to retainer arrangements.

SaaS companies sometimes need desktop versions of their web products. Features like offline access, system tray notifications, file system integration, or deeper OS integration require an Electron developer. Reaching out to growing SaaS products that lack desktop apps can surface opportunities.

Enterprise and B2B software is another reliable segment. Companies in regulated industries (healthcare, finance, manufacturing) often need desktop applications for compliance or security reasons. These projects tend to be larger and longer-term.

Common Challenges

Memory usage is a persistent concern. Electron bundles a full Chromium instance, so even simple apps can consume 200-400MB of RAM. Clients notice this, especially when their app runs alongside other software. Understanding memory profiling and optimization techniques helps, but there are limits inherent to the framework.

Cross-platform consistency requires ongoing effort. File paths work differently on Windows versus macOS and Linux. Keyboard shortcuts follow different conventions. System tray behavior varies. Menu structures differ. Testing on all target platforms is essential, not optional.

Code signing and distribution can be frustrating. macOS notarization, Windows code signing certificates, and Linux package formats each have their own requirements. Setting this up correctly the first time takes research and patience.

Security is a real concern. Electron apps that don't properly isolate the renderer process from Node.js APIs can expose users to remote code execution vulnerabilities. Staying current with Electron's security best practices and updating dependencies regularly is necessary.

Framework competition is increasing. Tauri, which uses the system's native webview instead of bundling Chromium, produces dramatically smaller and lighter applications. Some clients specifically ask for Tauri instead of Electron. Being aware of alternatives and understanding when each framework is appropriate makes you more valuable.

Auto-update infrastructure requires setup beyond just the code. You need a server or service to host updates, handle different update channels, and manage rollbacks. This is infrastructure work that clients don't always account for in project scope.

Tips That Actually Help

Master Electron's security model early. Context isolation, sandboxing, and safe IPC patterns are foundational. Building these habits from the start prevents security retrofits later.

Invest time in learning electron-builder or electron-forge deeply. Packaging and distribution is where many developers waste hours. Understanding the configuration well pays off across every project.

Build a starter template with your preferred setup. Include your standard project structure, build configuration, auto-update boilerplate, and common utilities. This saves significant setup time on new projects.

Learn SQLite for local data storage. Many Electron apps need local persistence, and SQLite is the standard choice. Libraries like better-sqlite3 integrate well with Electron's architecture.

Profile memory usage during development, not after. Use Chrome DevTools (built into Electron) and Node.js memory profiling to catch leaks and excessive consumption early. Clients will ask about resource usage.

Understand when Electron is the right choice and when it isn't. For simple utilities, a native app or a lighter framework might be better. For complex applications where development speed and web technology reuse matter, Electron makes sense. Being honest about this with clients builds trust.

Keep up with Electron releases. The framework updates frequently, and staying current ensures you have security patches and performance improvements. Major version upgrades can introduce breaking changes, so test thoroughly before updating production apps.

Learning Timeline Reality

This is an estimate, not a guarantee. Your pace depends on prior experience and hours invested.

If you know JavaScript, Node.js, and web development well, expect 2-4 months of building sample apps at 8-10 hours/week before you're ready for client work. The desktop-specific concepts (IPC, packaging, native APIs, code signing) are the main learning curve.

If you know JavaScript but not Node.js, add 1-2 months for Node.js fundamentals before diving into Electron.

If you're starting from zero programming experience, expect 8-14 months at 10-15 hours/week. You'll need to learn JavaScript, then Node.js, then web development basics, then Electron-specific concepts.

The fastest path to freelance readiness is building and shipping actual desktop applications. Package them as real installers, test them on multiple operating systems, and use them yourself. Tutorial projects help with basics, but hands-on experience with real packaging and distribution challenges is what makes you client-ready.

Is This For You?

Electron development works well as a side hustle if you enjoy building software that people install and use on their computers. There's something satisfying about creating a desktop application that sits in someone's taskbar and becomes part of their daily workflow.

If you already know JavaScript and web development, Electron has a relatively low barrier to entry for desktop development. You're not learning Objective-C, Swift, or C++. You're applying skills you already have in a new context.

The market for desktop application development is smaller than web or mobile development, but that works in your favor. Fewer developers specialize in it, which means less competition for projects. Businesses that need desktop software often struggle to find developers with the right skills.

However, be realistic about the framework's trajectory. Electron remains dominant in cross-platform desktop development, but alternatives like Tauri are gaining momentum by offering smaller, faster applications. Keeping an eye on the broader desktop development landscape and being willing to learn adjacent tools makes you more versatile.

The framework's resource overhead is a legitimate concern that comes up in client conversations. Some projects are better served by lighter alternatives. Being upfront about trade-offs rather than pushing Electron for every use case earns respect and repeat business.

Start with small utility apps, build your packaging and distribution skills, and focus on delivering polished desktop experiences. The niche nature of desktop development means that developers who do it well tend to find steady, well-paying work.