Building a Desktop Todo App with Next.js and Tauri: A Beginner's Guide
Are you looking to build a performant and native-feeling desktop application but don't want to deal with the complexities of traditional desktop development? Look no further! This guide explores how you can leverage the power of Next.js and Tauri to craft a seamless and efficient Todo app for your desktop.
The Problem:
Creating a desktop app often involves intricate platform-specific coding, making it a daunting task for many developers. However, using Next.js and Tauri, we can build a cross-platform desktop app with a familiar web development approach.
Scenario:
Imagine you want to create a basic Todo app that allows users to add, edit, and delete tasks. You want this app to feel native on both Windows and macOS, while retaining the flexibility and power of web development.
Original Code (Illustrative):
// pages/index.js
import { useState } from 'react';
export default function Home() {
const [todos, setTodos] = useState([]);
const [newTodo, setNewTodo] = useState('');
const handleAddTodo = () => {
setTodos([...todos, { id: Date.now(), text: newTodo }]);
setNewTodo('');
};
const handleDeleteTodo = (id) => {
setTodos(todos.filter((todo) => todo.id !== id));
};
return (
<div>
<h1>My Todo App</h1>
<input
type="text"
value={newTodo}
onChange={(e) => setNewTodo(e.target.value)}
/>
<button onClick={handleAddTodo}>Add Todo</button>
<ul>
{todos.map((todo) => (
<li key={todo.id}>
{todo.text}
<button onClick={() => handleDeleteTodo(todo.id)}>Delete</button>
</li>
))}
</ul>
</div>
);
}
Building the Desktop App:
-
Project Setup:
- Install Tauri:
npm install -g @tauri-apps/cli - Create a Tauri Project:
tauri init my-todo-app - Install Next.js:
npm install next react - Modify Tauri Config: Update the
tauri.conf.jsonfile to include theindex.htmlfrom your Next.js app as the entry point.
- Install Tauri:
-
Next.js Integration:
- Build Your UI: Use Next.js to craft your Todo app's user interface. Utilize components, state management, and routing to create an intuitive and interactive experience.
- Handle State Persistence: Store and retrieve your Todo data using local storage or a database.
-
Communication with Tauri:
- Window Management: Use Tauri's window API to manage the app's window behavior, like minimizing, maximizing, and closing.
- File System Access: Leverage Tauri's file system API to interact with files and folders on the user's machine.
- Native Features: Access system-specific features like notifications, tray icons, and more.
Example Code:
// pages/index.js
import { useState } from 'react';
import { invoke } from '@tauri-apps/api/tauri';
export default function Home() {
// ... your todo logic ...
const handleAddTodo = async () => {
// ... add todo to local state ...
// Persist todo data in native storage (using Tauri API)
await invoke('save_todo', { text: newTodo });
};
return (
<div>
{/* ... your todo UI ... */}
</div>
);
}
Benefits of Using Next.js and Tauri:
- Web Development Familiarity: Build your desktop app with the comfort of React, JavaScript, and familiar web development tools.
- Native Look and Feel: Tauri provides a seamless integration with the native operating system, resulting in a native-like user experience.
- Performance and Efficiency: Next.js optimizes your app for speed, while Tauri's lightweight nature ensures minimal resource usage.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Build your app once and deploy it across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Additional Resources:
Conclusion:
Building a desktop Todo app using Next.js and Tauri offers an efficient and enjoyable development experience. You can utilize your web development expertise while creating a powerful, native-looking desktop application. This approach empowers you to build cross-platform apps with ease, making it a compelling choice for your next desktop project.
