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Ask HN: Which cross platform desktop GUI to use instead of Electron?

16 points tones411 | 2 comments | 14 Oct 25 08:03 UTC | HN request time: 0.415s | source

Electron gets hate due to filesize and memory bloat. C++ gets hate for memory leaks. Rust with Tauri relies on a webview which could change versions underneath the app when the OS gets an update.

Which language and cross platform desktop GUI framework checks the boxes for being lightweight in terms of filesize and memory usage, has native controls, supports accessibility and uses retained mode rendering, and works the same ten years from now as the day it was installed?

If someone were to build an installable desktop app with buttons, checkboxes, inputs etc. (so not a video game) which language and GUI framework should they to use to please the memory and filesize conscious?

1. zenlot ◴[14 Oct 25 10:11 UTC] No.45578214[source]▶
I always go for Qt for this(with C++ for bigger project and Python for lighter).

There's also Delphi, which ticks all the nice boxes for UI requirements. But licencing is tricky there, not everything is available in community edition and more difficult to find support / developers for the project. Having said that, it's still great.

Kotlin with compose multiplatform shaping up too, so something to test out if it matches your current requirements.

replies(1): >>45578560 #
2. dotancohen ◴[14 Oct 25 11:05 UTC] No.45578560[source]▶
I came to mention this. I'm doing a Python/Qt project right now and I love it.