Electron Desktop App

This project can be run as a desktop application using Electron. The entire Next.js app (UI + API routes) is bundled into a cross-platform desktop executable.

Architecture

• Frontend: Next.js React app (App Router)
• Backend: Next.js API routes running in Electron's main process
• Packaging: electron-builder for cross-platform builds
• Server: Embedded Next.js standalone server started on app launch

Development

Prerequisites

• Bun installed
• Node.js 20+ (bundled with Electron in production)

Running in Development Mode

# Start Next.js dev server + Electron window
bun run electron:dev

This command:

1. Starts Next.js dev server on port 3000
2. Waits for the server to be ready
3. Opens Electron window pointing to localhost:3000
4. Includes hot reload for frontend changes

Building for Production

# Build Next.js and package Electron app for your current platform
bun run electron:build

This will:

1. Build Next.js in standalone mode
2. Copy static files and public assets
3. Package the app using electron-builder
4. Output to dist/ directory

Platform-Specific Builds

# macOS (creates .dmg)
bunx electron-builder --mac

# Windows (creates .exe installer)
bunx electron-builder --win

# Linux (creates .AppImage and .deb)
bunx electron-builder --linux

GitHub Actions CI/CD

The project includes automated builds via GitHub Actions:

Triggers

• Push to release branch
• Push tags matching v* (e.g., v1.0.0)
• Manual workflow dispatch

Build Matrix

Builds are created for:

• macOS: DMG installer (Intel + Apple Silicon)
• Windows: NSIS installer (.exe)
• Linux: AppImage and deb packages

Releases

When you push a version tag (e.g., v1.0.0):

1. GitHub Actions builds for all platforms
2. Creates a draft release
3. Uploads installers as release assets
4. Generates release notes automatically

To create a release:

git tag v1.0.0
git push origin v1.0.0

Configuration

electron-builder

Configuration is in package.json under the build key:

• App ID: com.booking-bot.app
• Product name: Booking Bot
• Output directory: dist/

Electron Main Process

File: electron/main.js

• Window management
• Next.js server startup
• Security configurations
• Dev/prod environment handling

Next.js Config

File: next.config.js

• output: 'standalone' enables self-contained builds
• All API routes work without modification

Bundle Size

Expected app sizes:

• macOS: ~150-250MB (DMG)
• Windows: ~150-250MB (NSIS installer)
• Linux: ~150-250MB (AppImage)

Size includes:

• Chromium engine (from Electron)
• Node.js runtime
• Next.js standalone build
• Playwright Chromium browser (for automation)

Security

The Electron app includes security measures:

• nodeIntegration: false in renderer
• contextIsolation: true
• External links open in system browser
• localhost-only navigation allowed

Troubleshooting

Development Issues

Electron window is blank:

• Ensure Next.js dev server is running on port 3000
• Check console for errors
• Try bun run next:dev separately first

Hot reload not working:

• This is normal for Electron main process changes
• Restart the electron:dev command

Build Issues

Build fails with "Cannot find module":

• Run bun install to ensure all dependencies are installed
• Make sure .next/standalone directory exists after build

App crashes on startup:

• Check that standalone files were copied correctly
• Verify electron/main.js paths are correct

Development Workflow

1. Web Development: Use bun next:dev for standard Next.js development
2. Desktop Testing: Use bun run electron:dev to test in Electron
3. CLI Testing: Use existing bun book commands for CLI functionality
4. Production Build: Use bun run electron:build before releasing

Future Enhancements

Potential improvements:

• Auto-updates using electron-updater
• Code signing for macOS and Windows
• System tray integration
• Native notifications for booking completion
• Custom menu bar
• Keyboard shortcuts