Performance optimization techniques for Electron applications
Core Idea: Electron applications on Windows can experience significant cold-start delays due to antivirus scanning of numerous small files; bundling dependencies can dramatically improve launch times.
Key Elements
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Problem Identification:
- Cold start times of ~70 seconds on Windows 10
- Subsequent warm starts only taking 2-2.5 seconds
- Issue specific to Windows environments
- Windows Defender identified as the primary bottleneck
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Root Cause Analysis:
- Node modules directory containing thousands of small files
- Windows Defender individually scanning each file during cold start
- Antivirus scanning causing significant launch delay
- No impact on subsequent launches due to caching
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Solution Implementation:
- Webpack bundling of dependencies into single file
- Careful handling of native modules (fs-admin, fs-events, keyboard-layout)
- Custom webpack configuration to exclude native modules
- Manual copying of native modules to specific locations
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Performance Results:
- Significant cold-start performance improvement
- Package size reduction from 542MB to 420MB (~22% smaller)
- Elimination of node_modules directory in final package
- Improved user experience during application startup
Technical Implementation
- Using ASAR format for app packaging
- Previously disabled due to performance issues on macOS
- Webpack configuration modified to handle special cases
- Native modules requiring special handling identified and isolated
Additional Benefits
- Reduced disk usage for installed application
- Potentially improved application startup on all platforms
- More efficient application distribution
- Better overall user experience
Connections
- Related Concepts: Electron (application framework), Windows Defender (security software), Webpack (bundling tool)
- Broader Context: Desktop Application Performance (performance category)
- Applications: Inkdrop (implementing application), Cold Start Optimization (performance technique)
- Components: Native Node Modules (special case handling)
References
- User reports on Windows performance issues
- Developer implementation notes
- Electron packaging documentation
#performance #electron #windows #optimization #webpack
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