What is Tauri?
Tauri is an open-source framework for building small, fast, and secure desktop applications using web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript). Unlike traditional solutions like Electron, Tauri uses your operating system's native webview (e.g., WebKit on macOS, WebView2 on Windows) instead of bundling a full browser engine.
Key Features & Benefits​
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Lightweight & Efficient:
- Apps are 10–100x smaller than Electron (e.g., a simple app can be as small as 2MB vs. Electron’s 100MB+).
- Minimal memory usage and faster startup times.
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Cross-Platform:
- Build for Windows, macOS, and Linux from a single codebase.
- Native system integrations (tray icons, file system access, notifications, etc.).
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Security-First:
- Built with Rust (memory-safe language) for the backend.
- Secure IPC (inter-process communication) between frontend and backend.
- Reduced attack surface compared to Chromium-based frameworks.
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Modern Web Tech:
- Use any frontend framework (React, Vue, Svelte, etc.) or vanilla HTML/CSS/JS.
- Access system APIs via JavaScript (e.g., file system, clipboard, hardware).
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Native Performance:
- Rust backend handles heavy computations, while the webview focuses on UI.
- Direct access to OS features without performance bottlenecks.
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Extensible:
- Plugin system for adding native functionality (e.g., SQLite, biometric auth).
- Integrates with tools like Vite, Webpack, or Rollup.
Why Choose Tauri Over Electron?​
| Aspect | Tauri | Electron |
|---|---|---|
| App Size | 2–20 MB | 100–300 MB |
| Memory Usage | Minimal (uses system webview) | High (bundles Chromium) |
| Security | Rust backend + secure IPC | Larger attack surface (Chromium) |
| Performance | Native-speed Rust integration | JavaScript-only backend |
| Flexibility | Modern tooling (Vite, Deno, etc.) | Limited to Node.js ecosystem |
Use Cases​
Tauri is ideal for:
- Lightweight apps where bundle size matters (e.g., utilities, tools).
- Privacy-focused apps (password managers, note-taking apps).
- Cross-platform apps needing native OS integrations.
- Projects prioritizing performance and security.
Who Uses Tauri?​
Companies like Microsoft, Discord, and Logseq leverage Tauri for its efficiency and security. The framework is open-source (MIT/Apache 2.0) and backed by a growing community.
Getting Started​
npm create tauri-app@latest
Learn more: Tauri’s Official Website | GitHub
In short, Tauri combines web flexibility with native performance, making it a top choice for modern desktop app development. 🚀