The latest release of the Electron framework, version 15.0.0, has introduced some exciting new features aimed at enhancing security and improving the development experience for building cross-platform desktop applications. One of the standout additions is the new encryption API, which includes a string encryption feature designed to protect data stored locally. This API allows developers to encrypt and decrypt strings and provides the ability to check if encryption is available, ensuring sensitive information remains secure.
In addition to the encryption API, Electron 15.0.0 brings several important updates to the underlying software stack. These updates include a bump to Chromium 94, Node.js 16.5.0, and Google V8 9.4, ensuring that developers have access to the latest advancements in web technologies and performance improvements. These upgrades help maintain Electron’s relevance and efficiency, enabling smoother and more powerful desktop applications.
The release also marks a shift in the project’s release schedule. Previously, Electron followed a 12-week release cadence, but with version 15.0.0, the project now aligns with Chromium’s Extended Stable release schedule, delivering stable updates every eight weeks. This change will help developers stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches more frequently. Additionally, supported versions will now include the latest four releases, rather than just three, until May 2022.
Electron is widely recognized for its ability to allow developers to build desktop applications using web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Its most famous use case is in Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code editor, but it has been adopted by many other popular apps as well. With version 15.0.0, Electron continues to evolve, adding valuable security features and keeping pace with the latest developments in the broader web ecosystem.