NativePHP: Build Desktop Applications with PHP

NativePHP is an emerging framework that allows PHP developers to create desktop applications by wrapping PHP applications in Electron, enabling backend logic to run on PHP while the user interface is built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks. The writer shares their experience of converting a Laravel application with a React frontend and a MySQL database into a desktop app using NativePHP, highlighting the installation process via Composer and configuration through Laravel's artisan tool. During development, the framework utilizes a local SQLite database, and developers can integrate native desktop features like notifications and menu bars. While NativePHP is currently in its alpha stage and optimized for Laravel, it presents some limitations, including reliance on local SQLite and lack of cross-architecture support. Despite these challenges, NativePHP is noted for its potential in expanding PHP's capabilities for desktop applications.