Summary
Cross-Platform Desktop Applications guides you step-by-step through creating Node.js desktop applications with NW.js and Electron from GitHub. Foreword by Cheng Zhao, creator of Electron.
Purchase of the print book includes a free eBook in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats from Manning Publications.
About the Technology
Desktop application development has traditionally required high-level programming languages and specialized frameworks. With Electron and NW.js, you can apply your existing web dev skills to create desktop applications using only HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. And those applications will work across Windows, Mac, and Linux, radically reducing development and training time.
About the Book
Cross-Platform Desktop Applications guides you step by step through the development of desktop applications using Electron and NW.js. This example-filled guide shows you how to create your own file explorer, and then steps through some of the APIs provided by the frameworks to work with the camera, access the clipboard, make a game with keyboard controls, and build a Twitter desktop notification tool. You'll then learn how to test your applications, and debug and package them as binaries for various OSs.
What's Inside

Create a selfie app with the desktop camera

Learn how to test Electron apps with Devtron

Learn how to use Node.js with your application

About the Reader
Written for developers familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
About the Author
Paul Jensen works at Starcount and lives in London, UK.
Table of Contents
PART 1 - WELCOME TO NODE.JS DESKTOP APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

Introducing Electron and NW.js

Laying the foundation for your first desktop application

Building your first desktop application

Shipping your first desktop application

PART 2 - DIVING DEEPER

Using Node.js within NW.js and Electron

Exploring NW.js and Electron's internals

PART 3 - MASTERING NODE.JS DESKTOP APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

Controlling how your desktop app is displayed

Creating tray applications

Creating application and context menus

Dragging and dropping files and crafting the UI

Using a webcam in your application

Storing app data

Copying and pasting contents from the clipboard

Binding on keyboard shortcuts

Making desktop notifications

PART 4 - GETTING READY TO RELEASE

Testing desktop apps

Improving app performance with debugging

Packaging the application for the wider world