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Introduction

Bootstrap and package your project with Angular 12 and Electron 13 (Typescript + SASS + Hot Reload) for creating Desktop applications. this is based on the https://github.com/maximegris/angular-electron and https://github.com/electron/electron-quick-start

Currently runs with:

  • Angular v12.2.2
  • Electron v13.2.1
  • Electron Builder v22.11.7

With this sample, you can:

  • Run your app in a local development environment with Electron & Hot reload
  • Run your app in a production environment
  • Package your app into an executable file for Linux, Windows & Mac

/!\ Hot reload only pertains to the renderer process. The main electron process is not able to be hot reloaded, only restarted.

/!\ Angular CLI & Electron Builder needs Node 14 or later to work correctly.

Getting Started

Clone this repository locally:

git clone https://github.com/cjlapao/electron-angular-template.git

Install dependencies with npm (used by Electron renderer process):

npm install

There is an issue with yarn and node_modules when the application is built by the packager. Please use npm as dependencies manager.

If you want to generate Angular components with Angular-cli , you MUST install @angular/cli in npm global context. Please follow Angular-cli documentation if you had installed a previous version of angular-cli.

npm install -g @angular/cli

Install NodeJS dependencies with npm (used by Electron main process):

cd app/
npm install

Why two package.json ? This project follow Electron Builder two package.json structure in order to optimize final bundle and be still able to use Angular ng add feature.

To build for development

  • in a terminal window -> npm start

Voila! You can use your Angular + Electron app in a local development environment with hot reload!

The application code is managed by app/main.ts. In this sample, the app runs with a simple Angular App (http://localhost:4200), and an Electron window.
The Angular component contains an example of Electron and NodeJS native lib import.
You can disable "Developer Tools" by commenting win.webContents.openDevTools(); in app/main.ts.

Project structure

Folder Description
app Electron main process folder (NodeJS)
src Electron renderer process folder (Web / Angular)

How to import 3rd party libraries

This sample project runs in both modes (web and electron). To make this work, you have to import your dependencies the right way. \

There are two kind of 3rd party libraries :

  • NodeJS's one (like an ORM, Database...)
    • Used in electron's Main process (app folder) have to be added in dependencies of app/package.json
    • Used in electron's Renderer process (src folder) have to be added in dependencies of both app/package.json and package.json (root folder)

Please check providers/electron.service.ts to watch how conditional import of libraries has to be done when using NodeJS / 3rd party libraries in renderer context (i.e. Angular).

  • Web's one (like bootstrap, material, tailwind...)
    • It have to be added in dependencies of package.json (root folder)

Add a dependency with ng-add

You may encounter some difficulties with ng-add because this project doesn't use the defaults @angular-builders.
For example you can find here how to install Angular-Material with ng-add.

Browser mode

Maybe you only want to execute the application in the browser with hot reload? Just run npm run ng:serve:web.

Included Commands

Command Description
npm run ng:serve Execute the app in the browser
npm run build Build the app. Your built files are in the /dist folder.
npm run build:prod Build the app with Angular aot. Your built files are in the /dist folder.
npm run electron:local Builds your application and start electron
npm run electron:build Builds your application and creates an app consumable based on your operating system

Your application is optimised. Only /dist folder and NodeJS dependencies are included in the final bundle.

You want to use a specific lib (like rxjs) in electron main thread ?

YES! You can do it! Just by importing your library in npm dependencies section of app/package.json with npm install --save XXXXX.
It will be loaded by electron during build phase and added to your final bundle.
Then use your library by importing it in app/main.ts file. Quite simple, isn't it?

E2E Testing

E2E Test scripts can be found in e2e folder.

Command Description
npm run e2e Execute end to end tests

Note: To make it work behind a proxy, you can add this proxy exception in your terminal
export {no_proxy,NO_PROXY}="127.0.0.1,localhost"

Debug with VsCode

VsCode debug configuration is available! In order to use it, you need the extension Debugger for Firefox.

Then set some breakpoints in your application's source code.

Finally from VsCode press Ctrl+Shift+D and select Application Debug and press F5.

Please note that Hot reload is only available in Renderer process.

Branch & Packages version

  • Angular 12 & Electron 13 : (master)