platform release , which provides a self-sufficient framework for developing cross-platform user applications, using components from Chromium, V8, and Node.js as a foundation. The significant version number change is associated with an update to the codebase , platform and JavaScript engine V8 8.0.
Among in Electron-specific APIs:
- the ability to check spelling in input forms using the built-in Chrome spellchecker;
- When exchanging data between processes (IPC) algorithm (Structured Clone Algorithm), used in the V8 engine to copy complex JavaScript objects. Compared to the previously used data serialization mechanism, the new algorithm is more predictable, faster, and functional. When moving large buffers and complex objects, the new algorithm is approximately twice as fast while having virtually unchanged delays when sending small messages;
- Offscreen Rendering support has been removed due to issues that arose when transitioning to the new Chromium release, and the subsystem was left without maintenance;
- New APIs have been added: app.getApplicationNameForProtocol(url), BrowserWindow.getMediaSourceId(), BrowserWindow.moveAbove(mediaSourceId), session.downloadURL(url), session.addWordToSpellCheckerDictionary, tray.removeBalloon(), tray.focus(), contents.executeJavaScriptInIsolatedWorld(worldId, scripts[, userGesture]).
Let’s remember that Electron enables the creation of any graphical applications using web technologies, the logic of which is defined in JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, while functionality can be extended through a plugin system. Developers have access to Node.js modules as well as an extended API for creating native dialogs, integrating applications, creating context menus, integrating with the notification output system, window manipulation, and interaction with Chromium subsystems.
Unlike web applications, Electron-based programs are delivered as self-contained executable files, independent of a browser. Developers do not need to worry about porting applications for different platforms; Electron will ensure the possibility of building for all systems supported by Chromium. Electron also provides for organizing automatic delivery and installation of updates (updates can be delivered from a separate server or directly from GitHub).
Among the programs built on the Electron platform, one can mention the editor , email client , toolkit for working with Git , system for SQL query analysis and visualization , blogging platform clients like WordPress Desktop, BitTorrent client , as well as official clients for services such as Skype, Signal, Slack, Basecamp, Twitch, Ghost, Wire, Wrike, Visual Studio Code, and Discord. There are a total of about about 850 applications. To simplify the development of new applications, a set of templates has been prepared. , including code examples for various tasks, has been prepared.
Source: opennet.ru
