AppKit vs Electron
Developers should learn AppKit when building native desktop applications for macOS, as it offers direct access to macOS-specific features like the menu bar, dock integration, and system services meets developers should use electron when they need to create desktop applications that run on multiple operating systems with a consistent user interface and want to reuse web development expertise. Here's our take.
AppKit
Developers should learn AppKit when building native desktop applications for macOS, as it offers direct access to macOS-specific features like the menu bar, dock integration, and system services
AppKit
Nice PickDevelopers should learn AppKit when building native desktop applications for macOS, as it offers direct access to macOS-specific features like the menu bar, dock integration, and system services
Pros
- +It is essential for creating professional-grade apps that adhere to Apple's Human Interface Guidelines, such as productivity tools, creative software, or utilities that require deep system integration
- +Related to: swift, objective-c
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
Electron
Developers should use Electron when they need to create desktop applications that run on multiple operating systems with a consistent user interface and want to reuse web development expertise
Pros
- +It's ideal for building productivity tools, communication apps, and development environments where rapid prototyping and cross-platform deployment are priorities, such as in applications like Visual Studio Code, Slack, and Discord
- +Related to: javascript, node-js
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
The Verdict
Use AppKit if: You want it is essential for creating professional-grade apps that adhere to apple's human interface guidelines, such as productivity tools, creative software, or utilities that require deep system integration and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.
Use Electron if: You prioritize it's ideal for building productivity tools, communication apps, and development environments where rapid prototyping and cross-platform deployment are priorities, such as in applications like visual studio code, slack, and discord over what AppKit offers.
Developers should learn AppKit when building native desktop applications for macOS, as it offers direct access to macOS-specific features like the menu bar, dock integration, and system services
Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev