Using Node.js APIs in the Main Process

Using Node.js APIs in the Main Process

Because the main process runs plain Node, you can require any built‑in or third‑party module.

Example: File system access

const fs = require('fs').promises;
async function readConfig(){
  const data = await fs.readFile(path.join(app.getPath('userData'), 'config.json'), 'utf‑8');
  return JSON.parse(data);
}

Example: Child processes

const { exec } = require('child_process');
exec('git --version', (err, stdout) => {
  if (err) return console.error(err);
  console.log('Git version:', stdout.trim());
});

Example: Native modules

Install a library that needs compilation (e.g., sharp for image processing) and use it directly in the main process.

const sharp = require('sharp');
sharp('input.png').resize(200).toFile('output.png');

Remember: Never expose these Node APIs directly to the renderer – always go through a preload bridge.