electron-builder offers a more feature-rich solution with built-in support for code signing, auto-updating, and creating platform-specific installers (e.g., DMG, EXE, MSI). It requires more configuration but provides a comprehensive set of features for production-ready applications.

@electron/packager provides a simple API for packaging applications with minimal configuration. It allows for customization of the packaging process, such as setting the app name, version, and icons, but does not handle advanced features like code signing or creating installers.

electron-packager is a lightweight and straightforward tool for packaging Electron applications. It focuses on the packaging process without adding extra complexity, making it easy to use for simple projects. However, it lacks built-in support for installers and advanced features like code signing.

electron-rebuild is not a packaging tool but a utility for rebuilding native Node.js modules to ensure compatibility with the Electron runtime. It is essential for projects that use native modules and need to be rebuilt for the specific version of Electron being used.

electron-builder excels at creating installers for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports various installer formats and can handle code signing and versioning automatically.

@electron/packager does not create installers; it packages the application into a folder with the executable. Additional tools are needed to create installers or DMG files.

electron-packager focuses on packaging the application but does not create installers. It produces a folder with the packaged app, and third-party tools are required to create installers from the packaged output.

electron-rebuild does not create installers or packages; it rebuilds native modules to ensure they work with the Electron environment. It is a complementary tool that should be used alongside packaging tools.

electron-builder has built-in support for auto-updating applications. It can generate the necessary metadata and files for updates, making it easy to implement a seamless update process.

@electron/packager does not provide auto-updating features. Developers need to implement their own update mechanism or use a third-party solution.

electron-packager does not support auto-updating out of the box. Developers must integrate an update mechanism manually or use a separate library.

electron-rebuild does not handle auto-updating. Its purpose is to rebuild native modules, and it does not interact with the packaging or updating process.

electron-builder also does not handle native module compatibility directly, but it provides better support for packaging applications that use native modules, including code signing and installer creation.

@electron/packager does not handle native module compatibility directly. Developers must ensure that their native modules are compatible with the Electron version being used.

electron-packager does not provide specific features for native module compatibility. It packages the application as-is, so developers must ensure that any native modules are built for the correct architecture.

electron-rebuild is specifically designed to rebuild native Node.js modules for compatibility with the Electron runtime. It is essential for projects that rely on native modules and ensures they are built against the correct version of Node.js.

Packaging and Building with electron-builder

// package.json
{
  "name": "your-app",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "main": "main.js",
  "build": {
    "appId": "com.example.yourapp",
    "win": {
      "target": "nsis",
      "icon": "path/to/icon.ico"
    },
    "mac": {
      "target": "dmg",
      "icon": "path/to/icon.icns"
    }
  }
}

// Build command
// Run this command to package your app
// npm run build

Simple Packaging Example with @electron/packager

const { packager } = require('@electron/packager');

packager({
  dir: 'path/to/your/app', // Path to your app
  out: 'path/to/output', // Output directory
  platform: 'win32', // Target platform
  arch: 'x64', // Architecture
  icon: 'path/to/icon.ico', // App icon
}).then((appPaths) => {
  console.log('Packaged apps:', appPaths);
});

Simple Packaging Example with electron-packager

const packager = require('electron-packager');

packager({
  dir: 'path/to/your/app', // Path to your app
  out: 'path/to/output', // Output directory
  platform: 'win32', // Target platform
  arch: 'x64', // Architecture
  icon: 'path/to/icon.ico', // App icon
}).then((appPaths) => {
  console.log('Packaged apps:', appPaths);
});

Rebuilding Native Modules with electron-rebuild

const { rebuild } = require('electron-rebuild');

rebuild({
  paths: ['path/to/your/native/module'], // Path to native module
  electronVersion: '13.0.0', // Electron version
}).then(() => {
  console.log('Native modules rebuilt successfully.');
}).catch((error) => {
  console.error('Error rebuilding native modules:', error);
});