What is RenWeb?
RenWeb is a lightweight framework for building native desktop applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The engine itself is written in C++, but using the capabilities of the engine is done solely through the JS API. RenWeb is similar to Electron and Tauri but with a focus on native performance, simplicity, and desktop applications rather than explicit web apps.
I made this engine because I didn't like the current options. It's common for frameworks like these to be bloated, overcomplicated, and unintuitive. So, I created my own in a way that seemed the most intuitive to me. The engine relies on native technologies to avoid bloat but still offers dependencyless builds for those who want it. You don't have to know a lick of C++ to use this engine. All you need to do is look at the engine file structure, copy and paste the JS API files, and code your frontend in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. And for those that want to extend the engine functionality, they can via an extremely simple plugin system that even a C++ beginner could understand and use.
This project took over a year to complete, but I'm extremely proud of how it turned out. I hope this engine is as intuitive to you as is to me, and I thank you for checking it out and giving it a chance :)
RenWeb applications running natively across Linux, Windows, and macOS
Getting Started
1. Install Dependencies
Click here and install the necessary webview runtime dependencies for your OS (if there are any).
2. Download the Example
Download and decompress the example archive from here. When decompressed, it should look something like the image below.
3. Download the Engine
Download the RenWeb Engine executable for your OS and CPU architecture from here and follow the instructions to give the executable permission to execute. Once downloaded, drag it into the decompressed example archive. The final file structure should look like the image below.
4. Run the Example!
Double click or run the executable via the command line and test out what the engine can do!
How It Works
Your web frontend communicates with the C++ backend through an embedded HTTP server. The backend handles system operations, file I/O, process management, and desktop integration while your UI stays responsive and modern.
Contact
If you'd like to get in contact with me, report a bug, or join the community surrounding this project, here are some ways to do so:
Feel free to reach out about anything or just send me an email saying hi at spur27@pm.me.
Discord
This doesn't exist yet but will hopefully be made soon!