Claude is an Electron App because we've lost native

TechStrider

03 Mar 2026 — 2 min read

The Shift Away from Native Apps: What Does it Mean for Developers?

As I read through the article "The Fall of Native" by Nikita Prokopov, also known as tonsky, I couldn't help but think about the implications of this shift on our industry. The fact that Claude, a promising new app, is built using Electron, a framework for building cross-platform desktop applications, raises important questions about the state of native app development.

Why This Matters

The decision to build Claude as an Electron app is not an isolated incident. Many developers are opting for frameworks like Electron, React Native, or Flutter, which allow them to build cross-platform apps with a single codebase. This trend has significant implications for the future of native app development. On one hand, it simplifies the development process and reduces costs. On the other hand, it may compromise on performance, security, and user experience.

How to Install and Use Electron

For those interested in exploring Electron, getting started is relatively straightforward. You can install Electron using npm by running the following command:

npm install electron

Once installed, you can create a new Electron project and start building your app. Electron provides a wide range of features, including:

Cross-platform compatibility
Support for web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Access to native APIs

The Pros and Cons of Electron

While Electron offers many benefits, it also has some drawbacks. Here are some key points to consider:

Pros:
Fast development and prototyping
Easy to learn and use, especially for web developers
Large community and plenty of resources
Cons:
Performance issues due to the overhead of the Chromium browser
Security concerns related to the use of web technologies
Limited access to native APIs and hardware features

The Future of Native App Development

As we move forward, it's essential to consider the implications of this shift away from native app development. Will we see a resurgence of native apps, or will cross-platform frameworks continue to dominate the market? What does this mean for the future of app development, and how will it impact users?

Who is this for?

The shift away from native app development is relevant to anyone interested in building desktop applications. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, understanding the trade-offs between native and cross-platform development is crucial. If you're looking to build a desktop app, you should consider the following questions: What are your performance and security requirements? Do you need direct access to native APIs and hardware features? How important is cross-platform compatibility to your project?

As we continue to explore the possibilities of cross-platform development, I'd love to hear from you: What do you think is the future of native app development, and how do you see frameworks like Electron shaping the industry?

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