When computers first became famous and started to perform well at offices and homes, it was the desktop applications that captured our attention. But, with the dawn of the internet and the e-commerce boom, the scenario changed drastically.
The internet further pushed the technology to make web applications a prominent part of our lives. After that — only a bleak future of web applications was anticipated.
At first, the existence of web and desktop apps was left somewhat behind, but it never died out. The demand for the applications made it clear — one cannot throw the development of apps into the bin.
Technology, as we know, is ever-changing as it keeps evolving, and this resulted in the rise of various app development frameworks like Electron.
But wait, what makes it different?
Electron comes with a different spice-mix when talking about developing Desktop apps. Now, this makes it unique and different from others in the competition.
It blends together Node.Js and the Chromium Engine. This is to offer the best of both servers as well as the client-side JavaScript even though it is hard to build a cross-platform web app that covers every need of a business.
But it is not impossible!
Here, in this write-up, we will cover all the information about this designed tool. Things that make it the best, the drawback, and more of the same.
Let us now start with the basics!
A Meeting with The Electron
Electron JS was developed and maintained by GitHub and is an open-source software framework. It allows the developers to create cross-platform web apps by using HTML, Cascading Style Sheets, and JavaScript.
On its official website, Electron assures that anyone can create a desktop application or even a website with ease. Electron comes with everything required in developing an app, from automatic notifications and updates to native menus, debugging, and more.
These all are taken into consideration by the Chromium rendering engine and Node.js. Here, to build an Electron-based app, you need to build a team of high-level front-end developers. I recommend you hire the devs who are open to learning a bunch of new skills to create web applications.
Using Electron Js for Cross-Platform Web App: When and Why?
As discussed above, the Electron happens to be an open-source and framework. The application built with this framework not only acts like web applications. But, it can also read and record the information in the file system of your computer. There are several desktop apps developed using Electron, such as Slack, Skype, and more.
One of the advantages of using this framework is that developers can work with ease without feeling the need to learn new skills.
Generally, Electron uses an already built Web app structure and UI/UX. Also, it is a great way to keep everything within budget and saves time. This makes Electron the best technology with an ever-changing community.
Also, due to the Chromium engine, the developers can use various tools and storage access. The storage access further makes the desktop applications run efficiently. Especially when talking about platforms like Windows, Linux, and macOS.
When Does Using Electron Js Make Sense for Building a Cross-Platform Web App?
Electron makes the most sense when creating a multi-platform app that focuses on UI/UX designs. Developers can write the code once and can reuse it at any point as per the requirements.
The cross-platform web apps nature of the Electron can help you to cut-short the development process. This will help you to save you time and a mountain of greens.
The Electron uses three prevalent web-coding technologies — JavaScript, HTML, and Cascading Style Sheets. The coding technologies make it so that the developers can use a single code for both web and desktop-based applications.
Creating an app is now easier than ever before! Right? But, what are some applications that are developed using Electron Js?
Created with the Magic — Slack
A perfect example of a cross-platform web app that makes sense is the SLACK. The Slack app is a collaboration hub where you can work with your team members to get things done.
Slack was released in the year 2013 and was designed a month after Electron hit the marketplace. It has become the most popular management tool in the world ever since.
Slack streamlines team collaboration as it comes with various unique features. The features are:
Chat rooms
Supporting File Sharing
Incorporating several third-party services such as Google Drive, DropBox, and many others.
When Electron Js Denies to Fit in?
The Electron-based applications are limited to browser windows. Also, the Node.Js running somewhere at the back results in high memory consumption. This is why the Electron does not make much sense when it comes to simple utilities.
The apps can be quite large as compared to their native counterparts. Here, the different sizes can be useless with apps that do not come with many features.
The storage space and memory space are becoming cheaper these days. The reasons against using the framework for simple utilities are losing their relevance.
Etcher is the perfect example here! It is an easy-to-use image-writing app that comes with flashing OS images to US Drives and memory cards. Unlike the other utilities, Etcher has a stunning interface for the users. It is something uncommon when compared to other Electron-based applications.
What makes Etcher different?
Etcher: Simple Utility Built with Electron
Etcher comes from the house of Balena, a company that was previously known as Resin.io. Balena contributed to the industry by introducing various fleet-related tools for Linux devices.
According to the professionals, the company felt embarrassed about the state of Image-writing apps. This is how Etcher came into existence. The story of the app serves as a great example of how simple it is to create an app using Electron Js.
An IoT company can create an app using Electron, which now stands among the top-rated image-writing apps. Just imagine how limitless it would be and how much professional Electron Developers can do to achieve their goals.
Visual Code Studio: Reinventing the Coding Wheel
The Electron has great Versatility. Companies like Microsoft developed Visual Studio code using the framework. It is a lightweight version of the application that runs everywhere. It is possible to convert Visual Studio Code into a full-fledge IDE with the help of extensions.
Right from the release, the Visual Studio Code skyrocketed among the pro-level developers. It is astonishing how new technology can help you to reinvent the coding and let you simplify the same during the process. Electron made is simple.
Wrapping it Up
Electron is a progressive framework that provided us with several well-known desktop applications. Such applications are:
Atom: It is an open-source text and source code generator. It allows you to collaborate coding efficiently.
Slack: A cloud-based team collaboration tool that brings your team to a single place.
Trello: It is a web-based task or process management application. That helps you to organize your work as well as life.
Etcher: This is a free and open-source utility that helps you to burn image files with an extension like .iso and .img.
The reason why professional developers love using this framework includes a fast development process, low barriers, and suitable installers.
What is your take on using Electron Js?
Image Credit: tima miroshnichenko; pexels
Nishant Sharma
Sr. Digital Marketing Executive
I am working as a Digital Marketing Specialist for Signity Software Solutions. With 4 years of experience working for different business verticals, I am apt in creating marketing strategies that work well for B2B as well as B2C businesses. Besides working, I love traveling, interacting with new people, and watching videos that add value to my life.
London-based fintech startup Kennek has raised $12.5 million in seed funding to expand its lending operating system.
According to an Oct. 10 tech.eu report, the round was led by HV Capital and included participation from Dutch Founders Fund, AlbionVC, FFVC, Plug & Play Ventures, and Syndicate One. Kennek offers software-as-a-service tools to help non-bank lenders streamline their operations using open banking, open finance, and payments.
The platform aims to automate time-consuming manual tasks and consolidate fragmented data to simplify lending. Xavier De Pauw, founder of Kennek said:
“Until kennek, lenders had to devote countless hours to menial operational tasks and deal with jumbled and hard-coded data – which makes every other part of lending a headache. As former lenders ourselves, we lived and breathed these frustrations, and built kennek to make them a thing of the past.”
The company said the latest funding round was oversubscribed and closed quickly despite the challenging fundraising environment. The new capital will be used to expand Kennek’s engineering team and strengthen its market position in the UK while exploring expansion into other European markets. Barbod Namini, Partner at lead investor HV Capital, commented on the investment:
“Kennek has developed an ambitious and genuinely unique proposition which we think can be the foundation of the entire alternative lending space. […] It is a complicated market and a solution that brings together all information and stakeholders onto a single platform is highly compelling for both lenders & the ecosystem as a whole.”
The fintech lending space has grown rapidly in recent years, but many lenders still rely on legacy systems and manual processes that limit efficiency and scalability. Kennek aims to leverage open banking and data integration to provide lenders with a more streamlined, automated lending experience.
The seed funding will allow the London-based startup to continue developing its platform and expanding its team to meet demand from non-bank lenders looking to digitize operations. Kennek’s focus on the UK and Europe also comes amid rising adoption of open banking and open finance in the regions.
Featured Image Credit: Photo from Kennek.io; Thank you!
Radek Zielinski
Radek Zielinski is an experienced technology and financial journalist with a passion for cybersecurity and futurology.
As excitement around generative AI grows, Fortune 500 companies, including Goldman Sachs, are carefully examining the possible applications of this technology. A recent survey of U.S. executives indicated that 60% believe generative AI will substantially impact their businesses in the long term. However, they anticipate a one to two-year timeframe before implementing their initial solutions. This optimism stems from the potential of generative AI to revolutionize various aspects of businesses, from enhancing customer experiences to optimizing internal processes. In the short term, companies will likely focus on pilot projects and experimentation, gradually integrating generative AI into their operations as they witness its positive influence on efficiency and profitability.
Goldman Sachs’ Cautious Approach to Implementing Generative AI
In a recent interview, Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti revealed that the firm has not yet implemented any generative AI use cases. Instead, the company focuses on experimentation and setting high standards before adopting the technology. Argenti recognized the desire for outcomes in areas like developer and operational efficiency but emphasized ensuring precision before putting experimental AI use cases into production.
According to Argenti, striking the right balance between driving innovation and maintaining accuracy is crucial for successfully integrating generative AI within the firm. Goldman Sachs intends to continue exploring this emerging technology’s potential benefits and applications while diligently assessing risks to ensure it meets the company’s stringent quality standards.
One possible application for Goldman Sachs is in software development, where the company has observed a 20-40% productivity increase during its trials. The goal is for 1,000 developers to utilize generative AI tools by year’s end. However, Argenti emphasized that a well-defined expectation of return on investment is necessary before fully integrating generative AI into production.
To achieve this, the company plans to implement a systematic and strategic approach to adopting generative AI, ensuring that it complements and enhances the skills of its developers. Additionally, Goldman Sachs intends to evaluate the long-term impact of generative AI on their software development processes and the overall quality of the applications being developed.
Goldman Sachs’ approach to AI implementation goes beyond merely executing models. The firm has created a platform encompassing technical, legal, and compliance assessments to filter out improper content and keep track of all interactions. This comprehensive system ensures seamless integration of artificial intelligence in operations while adhering to regulatory standards and maintaining client confidentiality. Moreover, the platform continuously improves and adapts its algorithms, allowing Goldman Sachs to stay at the forefront of technology and offer its clients the most efficient and secure services.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Google DeepMind; Pexels; Thank you!
Deanna Ritchie
Managing Editor at ReadWrite
Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.
As Web3 companies increasingly consider leaving the United States due to regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom must simplify its cryptocurrency regulations to attract these businesses. The conservative think tank Policy Exchange recently released a report detailing ten suggestions for improving Web3 regulation in the country. Among the recommendations are reducing liability for token holders in decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and encouraging the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to adopt alternative Know Your Customer (KYC) methodologies, such as digital identities and blockchain analytics tools. These suggestions aim to position the UK as a hub for Web3 innovation and attract blockchain-based businesses looking for a more conducive regulatory environment.
Streamlining Cryptocurrency Regulations for Innovation
To make it easier for emerging Web3 companies to navigate existing legal frameworks and contribute to the UK’s digital economy growth, the government must streamline cryptocurrency regulations and adopt forward-looking approaches. By making the regulatory landscape clear and straightforward, the UK can create an environment that fosters innovation, growth, and competitiveness in the global fintech industry.
The Policy Exchange report also recommends not weakening self-hosted wallets or treating proof-of-stake (PoS) services as financial services. This approach aims to protect the fundamental principles of decentralization and user autonomy while strongly emphasizing security and regulatory compliance. By doing so, the UK can nurture an environment that encourages innovation and the continued growth of blockchain technology.
Despite recent strict measures by UK authorities, such as His Majesty’s Treasury and the FCA, toward the digital assets sector, the proposed changes in the Policy Exchange report strive to make the UK a more attractive location for Web3 enterprises. By adopting these suggestions, the UK can demonstrate its commitment to fostering innovation in the rapidly evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency industries while ensuring a robust and transparent regulatory environment.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency regulations in various countries has prompted Web3 companies to explore alternative jurisdictions with more precise legal frameworks. As the United States grapples with regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom can position itself as a hub for Web3 innovation by simplifying and streamlining its cryptocurrency regulations.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Jonathan Borba; Pexels; Thank you!
Deanna Ritchie
Managing Editor at ReadWrite
Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.
