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Projects, Dialogs, and Electron Features

Packt via Coursera

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Details

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

8 weeks, 1 hour a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Intermediate
Subtitles

English

Part of

Electron Masterclass - Build Desktop Apps with JavaScript

Overview

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This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This course dives into the advanced capabilities of Electron, equipping you to build sophisticated desktop applications with features like dialogs, system integration, and data storage. You’ll explore practical projects that consolidate your knowledge while learning professional development workflows. The journey starts with working in the main process, including clipboard management, theming, and network requests, followed by file and message dialogs. You’ll learn to handle file opening, saving, and messaging dialogs while applying these skills in practical exercises. Next, you’ll create a complete code editor project using CodeMirror, implementing both renderer and main process logic with a focus on secure and efficient app architecture. Advanced Electron features are then covered, including preload scripts, context menus, shell and system tray modules, desktop capturing, and global keyboard shortcuts. You’ll also learn to interact programmatically with rendered web pages using WebContents and build a screen capturer project that integrates these functionalities. Finally, you’ll master packaging, releasing, auto-updates, and data storage strategies, including localStorage, session, IndexedDB, and SQLite integration. This course is perfect for intermediate developers, front-end engineers, and desktop app enthusiasts who already have basic JavaScript and Electron knowledge. By the end of the course, you will be able to implement main process modules, handle dialogs, create and enhance projects like a code editor and screen capturer, manage advanced Electron features, and package and release fully functional desktop applications across multiple platforms.

Syllabus

Main Process Modules

In this module, we will explore several powerful modules available in Electron's main process. We will learn how to interact with the system clipboard, customize application themes, and perform network communications. These features will help extend the functionality and user experience of Electron applications.

File and Message Dialogs Using the "Dialog" Module

In this module, we will learn how to use Electron's dialog module to interact with users through native operating system dialogs. We will implement file selection, file saving, and message dialogs while practicing real-world use cases through hands-on exercises. These capabilities will improve usability and streamline user interactions within Electron applications.

Project: Code Editor

In this module, we will build a fully functional code editor application using Electron. We will create the user interface, integrate CodeMirror for code editing features, and implement both renderer and main process logic. By the end of the project, you will have a practical application that demonstrates real-world Electron development techniques.

Advanced Electron Features

In this module, we will explore advanced Electron features that improve application functionality, security, and user experience. We will learn how to work with preload scripts, context menus, system interactions, screen capture, global shortcuts, and display information. Practical exercises and enhancements to the code editor project will reinforce these advanced development concepts.

Interacting with Rendered Web Pages Using the WebContents

In this module, we will examine the WebContents class and its role in controlling rendered web pages. We will learn how to manage navigation, execute JavaScript remotely, and communicate with renderer processes. These capabilities provide greater control over application behavior and content rendering.

Project: Screen Capturer

In this module, we will create a screen capture application using Electron. We will design the interface, implement screen capture functionality, and develop the underlying application logic. We will also integrate system tray support to improve accessibility and usability.

Packaging and Releasing Electron Applications

In this module, we will learn how to prepare Electron applications for production deployment. We will package applications, configure platform-specific settings, sign code, and create releases for distribution. Additionally, we will automate release processes and implement auto-update functionality to streamline application maintenance.

Data Storage in Electron

In this module, we will explore multiple approaches to storing and managing data in Electron applications. We will work with browser-based storage mechanisms, session management, cookies, IndexedDB, and SQLite databases. These techniques will enable the development of applications that securely and efficiently persist user and application data.