react-native vs electron vs @tauri-apps/api vs cordova
Cross-Platform Application Frameworks Comparison
1 Year
react-nativeelectron@tauri-apps/apicordovaSimilar Packages:
What's Cross-Platform Application Frameworks?

Cross-platform application frameworks allow developers to build applications that can run on multiple operating systems using a single codebase. These frameworks provide tools and libraries that facilitate the development of desktop and mobile applications, enabling developers to leverage web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Each framework has its unique approach and target use cases, making it essential to understand their differences to choose the right one for your project.

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react-native3,554,981122,81175 MB99413 days agoMIT
electron1,372,958117,2471.07 MB866a day agoMIT
@tauri-apps/api194,87193,877663 kB1,14719 hours agoApache-2.0 OR MIT
cordova37,726949144 kB582 years agoApache-2.0
Feature Comparison: react-native vs electron vs @tauri-apps/api vs cordova

Platform Support

  • react-native:

    React Native is focused on mobile application development, supporting both iOS and Android platforms. It allows developers to write applications that feel truly native on both platforms.

  • electron:

    Electron supports cross-platform desktop applications, allowing developers to build apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux using web technologies. It provides a consistent development experience across all desktop environments.

  • @tauri-apps/api:

    @tauri-apps/api primarily targets desktop applications, supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux. It allows developers to create lightweight applications that can utilize native system features while maintaining a web-based frontend.

  • cordova:

    Cordova is designed for mobile application development, supporting iOS and Android platforms. It enables developers to create applications that can be deployed on various mobile devices using a single codebase.

Performance

  • react-native:

    React Native applications provide near-native performance by rendering components as native widgets. However, performance can vary based on how well the application is optimized and the complexity of the UI.

  • electron:

    Electron applications can be resource-intensive due to the inclusion of a full Chromium browser instance. This can lead to higher memory usage, but it allows for a rich user interface and extensive functionality.

  • @tauri-apps/api:

    @tauri-apps/api applications are lightweight and optimized for performance, as they leverage Rust for backend processes, resulting in faster execution and lower resource consumption compared to heavier frameworks.

  • cordova:

    Cordova applications may experience performance issues due to the overhead of web views, especially in graphics-intensive applications. However, for standard applications, performance is generally acceptable, provided best practices are followed.

Development Experience

  • react-native:

    React Native provides a smooth development experience with hot reloading and a component-based architecture. It allows developers to build applications quickly while maintaining a native feel, but requires familiarity with native development concepts.

  • electron:

    Electron offers a robust development experience with access to a vast ecosystem of Node.js modules. Developers can use web technologies to create powerful desktop applications, but they must manage the complexities of packaging and distribution.

  • @tauri-apps/api:

    @tauri-apps/api offers a modern development experience with a focus on Rust and web technologies. It allows developers to create applications using familiar web tools while providing a seamless integration with native features.

  • cordova:

    Cordova provides a straightforward development experience for web developers transitioning to mobile. It allows the use of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, making it easy to get started, but may require additional plugins for advanced features.

Community and Ecosystem

  • react-native:

    React Native boasts a vast community and a rich ecosystem of libraries and tools, making it easy to find resources and support. Its popularity ensures continuous improvements and a wealth of third-party components.

  • electron:

    Electron has a large and active community, with extensive documentation and a rich ecosystem of libraries and tools. It is widely adopted for desktop applications, making it a safe choice for developers looking for support and resources.

  • @tauri-apps/api:

    @tauri-apps/api is relatively new but growing rapidly, with an active community contributing to its development. It has a smaller ecosystem compared to others but is gaining traction due to its performance benefits.

  • cordova:

    Cordova has a long-standing community and a mature ecosystem with numerous plugins available for accessing device features. It is widely used for hybrid mobile applications, making it a reliable choice for many developers.

Learning Curve

  • react-native:

    React Native has a relatively easy learning curve for developers already familiar with React. However, understanding native components and bridging between JavaScript and native code may require additional effort.

  • electron:

    Electron has a moderate learning curve, especially for developers who are new to desktop application development. Familiarity with Node.js and web technologies is beneficial, but the complexity of packaging and distribution can be challenging.

  • @tauri-apps/api:

    @tauri-apps/api has a moderate learning curve, especially for developers familiar with web technologies and Rust. Understanding the integration between frontend and backend may require some additional effort.

  • cordova:

    Cordova has a gentle learning curve for web developers, as it utilizes familiar web technologies. However, accessing native features through plugins may require additional learning.

How to Choose: react-native vs electron vs @tauri-apps/api vs cordova
  • react-native:

    Choose React Native if you want to build mobile applications that provide a native look and feel while using React. It is suitable for projects that require high performance and a smooth user experience, allowing you to write components in JavaScript and render them as native components.

  • electron:

    Choose Electron if you are looking to create cross-platform desktop applications with a rich user interface and access to native OS features. It is ideal for applications that require a full desktop experience, allowing you to use web technologies while providing a native-like feel. Electron is best for applications that need to run on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

  • @tauri-apps/api:

    Choose @tauri-apps/api if you want to build lightweight desktop applications with a focus on performance and security, leveraging Rust for backend functionality and web technologies for the frontend. It is ideal for applications that require native capabilities without the overhead of a full-fledged framework.

  • cordova:

    Choose Cordova if you need to develop mobile applications that can run on multiple platforms (iOS, Android, etc.) using web technologies. It is best suited for projects that require access to device features like camera, GPS, and file storage through a simple JavaScript API, especially when you want to maintain a single codebase for web and mobile.