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Windows App SDK vs Electron

Developers should learn the Windows App SDK when building new Windows desktop applications or modernizing existing ones, as it offers the latest UI controls, performance improvements, and access to modern Windows features like notifications and app lifecycle management 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.

🧊Nice Pick

Windows App SDK

Developers should learn the Windows App SDK when building new Windows desktop applications or modernizing existing ones, as it offers the latest UI controls, performance improvements, and access to modern Windows features like notifications and app lifecycle management

Windows App SDK

Nice Pick

Developers should learn the Windows App SDK when building new Windows desktop applications or modernizing existing ones, as it offers the latest UI controls, performance improvements, and access to modern Windows features like notifications and app lifecycle management

Pros

  • +It is particularly useful for creating apps that need to run on multiple Windows versions without OS-specific code, and for leveraging WinUI 3 for fluent design and responsive interfaces
  • +Related to: winui-3, csharp

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 Windows App SDK if: You want it is particularly useful for creating apps that need to run on multiple windows versions without os-specific code, and for leveraging winui 3 for fluent design and responsive interfaces 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 Windows App SDK offers.

🧊
The Bottom Line
Windows App SDK wins

Developers should learn the Windows App SDK when building new Windows desktop applications or modernizing existing ones, as it offers the latest UI controls, performance improvements, and access to modern Windows features like notifications and app lifecycle management

Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev