tarwin writes about tinyjs, a JavaScript-based desktop app framework that leverages the OS's native webview and a lightweight txiki.js runtime to produce roughly 6 MB binaries across macOS, Windows, and Linux. Unlike Electron or Tauri, it requires no compilation step, bundles no browser engine, and uses no localhost ports, relying instead on Unix sockets or named pipes for secure inter-process communication between the webview and backend.
- The backend provides full system access including files, sockets, FFI, and SQLite.
- macOS is considered stable, while Windows and Linux are currently in beta.
- Developers can scaffold projects with React, Vue, Svelte, or other frameworks using npm, pnpm, or Vite.
- The framework includes a built-in updater that verifies SHA256 hashes and code signatures before swapping in new versions.
- The backend provides full system access including files, sockets, FFI, and SQLite.
- macOS is considered stable, while Windows and Linux are currently in beta.
- Developers can scaffold projects with React, Vue, Svelte, or other frameworks using npm, pnpm, or Vite.
- The framework includes a built-in updater that verifies SHA256 hashes and code signatures before swapping in new versions.
