Tauri App Development

TL;DR

What it is: Tauri is an open-source framework that lets you build lightweight desktop and mobile applications using a Rust backend and any web frontend (React, Vue, Svelte, etc.). Unlike Electron, it uses the operating system's built-in WebView instead of bundling Chromium, producing apps that are a fraction of the size and use significantly less memory.

What you'll do:

• Build desktop and mobile app interfaces using your preferred web framework
• Write Rust commands for system-level operations (file access, databases, OS integration)
• Package and distribute apps across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
• Integrate native features like system tray, notifications, and auto-updates

Time to learn: 3-6 months if you practice 8-10 hours/week and already know web development. Add 1-2 months if learning Rust from scratch. Developers transitioning from Electron can be productive within 2-4 weeks.

What you need: A computer with Rust and Node.js installed, a code editor, and a frontend framework of your choice. All free to start.

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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Tauri is a framework originally created by Daniel Thompson-Nicola and now maintained by the Tauri Foundation under the Commons Conservancy. It takes a fundamentally different approach to desktop application development than Electron. Instead of shipping a full copy of Chromium and Node.js with every app, Tauri renders the frontend using the operating system's native WebView (WebKitGTK on Linux, WebView2 on Windows, WKWebView on macOS) and handles backend logic through Rust.

The practical result is significant. A basic Tauri app can be under 3-5MB, compared to 100MB+ for an equivalent Electron app. Memory usage at idle sits around 30-40MB versus 200-400MB. For freelancers, this means you can offer clients desktop applications that feel native, install quickly, and don't consume system resources.

With Tauri 2.0, released in October 2024, the framework added stable mobile platform support. A single codebase can now target Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. This cross-platform reach is a strong selling point for clients who need their application everywhere without maintaining separate codebases.

What This Actually Is

You build desktop and mobile applications where the user interface is a web app (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and the backend logic runs in Rust. The two communicate through a command system similar to an API. Your frontend calls Rust functions, and Rust handles the heavy lifting: file system access, database operations, cryptography, system integration, and anything that needs performance or security.

Client work falls into several categories. Internal business tools are common. Companies need lightweight desktop software for inventory management, data entry, specialized dashboards, or offline workflows. Because Tauri apps are small and fast, they're well-suited for environments where installing 100MB+ Electron apps on every workstation is impractical.

SaaS desktop companions are another frequent project type. A web product might need a desktop version with offline access, system tray presence, file system integration, or deeper OS-level features. Tauri handles this well because the frontend team can use their existing web codebase.

Developer and productivity tools represent a growing segment. Database managers, API clients, note-taking apps, time trackers, and specialized utilities are popular categories. Many well-known Tauri apps in the wild fall into this bucket.

You might also build and sell your own Tauri apps. The low resource footprint makes Tauri particularly attractive for utility apps where users expect something lightweight and fast. Some developers create niche tools and sell licenses directly or distribute through app stores.

What You'll Actually Do

Day-to-day work splits between frontend development and Rust backend work. The ratio depends on the project, but most Tauri apps are frontend-heavy. You might spend 60-70% of your time on the web interface and 30-40% on Rust commands, configuration, and platform-specific behavior.

On the frontend, you build the application UI using whichever web framework the project requires. React, Vue, and Svelte are the most common choices. The development experience is nearly identical to building a web app, with hot module reloading and browser dev tools available during development.

On the backend, you write Rust functions that the frontend invokes. These commands handle operations that web code can't or shouldn't do directly: reading and writing files, interacting with local databases (typically SQLite), spawning system processes, managing application state, or communicating with hardware. For many projects, the Rust you write is straightforward. You don't need deep expertise in async Rust, macros, or unsafe code for typical Tauri work.

Window management and native integration take meaningful development time. Creating and managing windows, implementing system tray menus, handling global keyboard shortcuts, managing deep links, and configuring app permissions all use Tauri's API layer.

Packaging and distribution involves building installers for each target platform. Tauri provides tooling for creating .msi and .exe installers for Windows, .dmg and .app bundles for macOS, .deb and .AppImage for Linux, and mobile app bundles for Android and iOS. Code signing is necessary for professional distribution, particularly on macOS where unsigned apps trigger Gatekeeper warnings.

Auto-updates require more manual configuration in Tauri compared to some alternatives. You'll set up update endpoints, configure signing keys, and handle the update lifecycle in your application code.

Skills You Need

Frontend framework proficiency is the primary skill. Most of your code lives in the web layer, so strong React, Vue, Svelte, or similar experience is essential. This includes state management, routing, component architecture, and building polished interfaces.

JavaScript or TypeScript knowledge is the language foundation for the frontend. You need comfort with modern syntax, async patterns, modules, and build tooling.

Basic Rust skills are required for the backend. You need to understand ownership, borrowing, error handling with Result types, structs, enums, and how to write functions that interact with the file system or external libraries. The good news is that typical Tauri command functions are relatively simple Rust. You're not building complex concurrent systems or writing low-level code in most projects.

HTML and CSS proficiency matters because desktop users expect apps to feel native. Smooth transitions, proper spacing, keyboard navigation, responsive layouts within resizable windows, and platform-appropriate styling all contribute to a professional result.

Understanding desktop application concepts is necessary. File I/O, local database management, IPC between the frontend and backend, window lifecycle management, and OS-level integration points are areas you'll work with regularly.

For mobile targets (Tauri 2.0), familiarity with Swift (iOS) or Kotlin (Android) helps when you need platform-specific native code, though many mobile features work through Tauri's plugin system without writing native code directly.

Getting Started

Install Rust and the Tauri CLI, then scaffold a new project using create-tauri-app. Choose a frontend framework you already know. Build and run the default project to understand the structure: the src-tauri directory holds Rust code and configuration, while your web framework code lives in its own directory.

Build 3-4 portfolio applications that showcase different capabilities:

• A utility app with local file system access and a system tray icon (demonstrates Rust commands and native integration)
• An app that stores and retrieves data using SQLite (demonstrates local persistence)
• A multi-window application with a polished UI (demonstrates window management and design quality)
• An app packaged with installers for at least two desktop platforms (demonstrates distribution readiness)

Study the Tauri documentation thoroughly, particularly the security model. Tauri uses an allowlist-based permission system where capabilities must be explicitly granted. Understanding this system is important for both security and functionality.

Contribute to open-source Tauri projects or plugins. The ecosystem is still growing, and contributions build visibility in the community. It also exposes you to production-level patterns and real-world problems.

Start with small freelance projects. Bug fixes, feature additions, or migrations from Electron to Tauri are good entry points. They let you build experience with real client expectations without the pressure of architecting a full application from zero.

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 Tauri work (simple utility apps, bug fixes, feature additions to existing apps) report earning $1,000-3,000/month working part-time on freelance platforms.

Intermediate developers building complete desktop applications with native integration, local databases, and multi-platform packaging report $3,000-7,000/month.

Experienced developers working on complex projects (apps with auto-update systems, mobile deployment, enterprise distribution, or performance-critical Rust backends) report $7,000-12,000/month or more.

Hourly rates for Rust developers on freelance platforms range from $30-120/hour depending on experience and client type. The combination of Rust expertise and desktop application specialization creates what some call a "double niche" premium. Fewer developers have both skills, which supports higher rates compared to general web development work.

Building and selling your own Tauri apps is another path. The framework's small app sizes and low resource usage make Tauri-built tools attractive to users who are tired of bloated desktop software. 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 Tauri and Rust project listings
• GitHub issues on Tauri core and plugin repositories (contributions lead to visibility and connections)
• The Tauri Discord community for networking and project leads
• Developer forums focused on Rust and desktop development

For experienced developers:

• Toptal and Gun.io for premium client engagements
• Direct outreach to SaaS companies that need desktop or mobile companions for their web products
• Companies considering migration from Electron to Tauri for performance or size improvements
• Referrals from previous clients

Businesses migrating from Electron represent a specific opportunity. Companies whose Electron apps have grown too resource-heavy or whose users complain about download sizes are potential clients. Positioning yourself as someone who can handle Electron-to-Tauri migrations gives you a clear, in-demand service offering.

Startups building new desktop products are increasingly choosing Tauri by default. Reaching out to early-stage companies on startup job boards or through Y Combinator's network can surface opportunities before they're posted on general freelance platforms.

Common Challenges

The Rust learning curve is the most cited barrier. Rust's ownership model, borrow checker, and strict compiler are unfamiliar territory for developers coming from JavaScript. While you don't need deep Rust expertise for typical Tauri work, the initial learning phase can be frustrating. Expect compiler errors that take time to understand at first.

WebView inconsistencies across platforms require extra testing. Because Tauri uses the system's native WebView rather than bundling Chromium, CSS rendering, JavaScript API support, and behavior can vary between Windows, macOS, and Linux. A feature that works on one platform might behave differently on another. Rigorous cross-platform testing is essential.

The plugin ecosystem is smaller than Electron's. Electron developers have access to the entire npm ecosystem on the backend. Tauri developers may need to build custom solutions for functionality that would be a quick npm install in Electron. This adds development time for certain project types.

Some clients and teams resist Rust adoption. If a client's development team is entirely JavaScript-based, introducing Rust creates a maintenance concern. Not everyone on the team may be able to work on the backend code. This is a valid concern worth addressing honestly in client conversations.

Auto-update setup requires more manual configuration compared to Electron's more streamlined tooling. You'll need to configure update endpoints, manage signing keys, and handle platform-specific update behavior. Getting this right the first time takes research.

Fewer Tauri-specific job postings exist compared to Electron or general web development. You may need to market yourself as a "lightweight desktop app developer" or "cross-platform app developer using Rust" rather than searching exclusively for "Tauri developer" roles.

Tips That Actually Help

Learn Rust through Tauri, not the other way around. Instead of spending months on Rust fundamentals before touching Tauri, start building simple Tauri apps immediately. Write basic Rust commands and let the compiler guide you. This approach gives you practical context for Rust concepts.

Master Tauri's permission system early. The capability-based security model is central to how Tauri apps work. Understanding which permissions your app needs, how to configure them in the capabilities directory, and why the defaults are restrictive saves debugging time on every project.

Build a reusable project template with your standard setup. Include your preferred frontend framework configuration, common Rust utility functions, auto-update boilerplate, and build scripts for multiple platforms. This saves significant setup time on new client projects.

Use SQLite for local data storage. Most desktop apps need some form of persistence, and SQLite is the standard choice. Tauri has a SQL plugin that simplifies this integration.

Test on all target platforms during development, not just before release. WebView differences surface early when you test regularly. Setting up CI/CD that builds and tests on Windows, macOS, and Linux catches platform-specific issues before they reach clients.

Position yourself at the intersection of web and desktop development. Many clients come from a web background and want someone who understands both worlds. Being able to explain Tauri's tradeoffs compared to Electron, progressive web apps, or native development in plain terms makes you a trusted advisor, not just a code writer.

Keep an eye on Tauri's release cycle. The framework is actively developed with frequent updates. Staying current ensures you have access to new plugins, security patches, and performance improvements. Subscribe to the Tauri blog or GitHub releases.

Learning Timeline Reality

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

If you know a frontend framework and JavaScript well, expect 3-6 months of building sample apps at 8-10 hours/week before you're ready for client work. The main learning areas are Rust basics, Tauri's API and permission system, and platform-specific packaging.

If you're an Electron developer transitioning to Tauri, expect 2-4 weeks to become productive. The frontend patterns are nearly identical. Your learning focuses on Rust syntax for backend commands and Tauri's configuration differences.

If you know JavaScript but not Rust, add 1-2 months for Rust fundamentals before diving into Tauri. Focus on ownership, error handling, and basic types. You don't need to master async Rust or advanced features for typical Tauri projects.

If you're starting from zero programming experience, expect 10-16 months at 10-15 hours/week. You'll need to learn a frontend framework, JavaScript or TypeScript, HTML/CSS, basic Rust, and then Tauri-specific concepts.

The fastest path to freelance readiness is building and shipping actual applications. Package them as real installers, test them on multiple operating systems, and use them yourself. Hands-on experience with real packaging, distribution, and cross-platform challenges is what makes you client-ready.

Is This For You?

Tauri development works well as a side hustle if you enjoy building software that people install and use daily, and you're willing to invest in learning Rust. The framework sits at the intersection of web development and systems programming, which means you get the best of both worlds: rapid UI development with web technologies and a performant, secure backend with Rust.

If you already know a frontend framework and are curious about Rust, Tauri gives you a practical reason to learn the language. You're not studying Rust in the abstract. You're using it to build real applications that people use.

The market dynamics are favorable for early specialists. Tauri adoption is growing steadily, but the pool of developers who can build production-quality Tauri applications is still small. This supply-demand imbalance supports higher rates compared to saturated markets like general web development.

However, be realistic about the current state of the ecosystem. Tauri is newer than Electron and has a smaller community, fewer plugins, and fewer established patterns. You'll occasionally need to solve problems that would have ready-made solutions in a more mature framework. If you prefer working with battle-tested tools where every question has a Stack Overflow answer, the relative newness of Tauri may frustrate you.

The Rust learning curve is real and shouldn't be underestimated. If you're not willing to spend time understanding ownership, borrowing, and the compiler's error messages, this side hustle will be harder than alternatives that use only JavaScript.

If those tradeoffs sound acceptable, Tauri offers a genuinely differentiated position in the freelance market. Clients who need lightweight, fast, cross-platform desktop or mobile applications have limited options for developers who can deliver them. Being one of those developers puts you in a strong negotiating position.