Build lightweight cross-platform desktop apps with TypeScript, HTML, and CSS
Zhiva uses the system's shared native webview and the ultra-fast Bun runtime - no bundled Chromium or Node.js. Apps are tiny, start instantly, and communicate via secure REST API instead of complex IPC.
Status: Active development. The project has evolved beyond a PoC but is not yet enterprise-ready.
Zhiva is a lightweight framework for creating cross-platform desktop applications using modern web technologies. It prioritizes simplicity, performance, and developer experience with these key advantages:
- One-Time Global Runtime Install: Install Zhiva once system-wide. Apps deploy via
git clonewith optional lightweight post-install scripts. - Tiny Bundle Sizes: No embedded Chromium or Node.js. Uses native system webviews - resulting in apps often under 10 MB.
- Bun-Powered Backend: Execute TypeScript natively with faster startup and better performance.
- Secure REST API Communication: Replace complex IPC with familiar REST APIs and built-in authentication.
- Minimal Configuration: Focus on your code, not complex setup and tooling.
- Familiar Web Stack: Use HTML, CSS, TypeScript/JavaScript, and any frontend framework.
Zhiva is a multi-repository ecosystem designed for modularity and separation of concerns:
| Repository | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Zhiva | Main repository with documentation and project coordination |
| Zhiva-scripts | Core CLI tools for application management and deployment |
| Zhiva-native | Native engine for creating webview windows and system interactions |
| Zhiva-base-lib | TypeScript library with foundational components for Zhiva apps |
| Zhiva-template-app | Starter template for new Zhiva applications |
| Zhiva-store-app | App store for discovering and managing Zhiva applications |
| Zhiva-registry | Registry of verified/banned applications for the store |
| zhiva-assets | Shared assets (logos, icons, etc.) |
| Zhiva-windows | Windows-specific components and installer |
| Zhiva-page | Official website and marketing materials |
git clone https://github.com/wxn0brP/Zhiva-template-app my-app
cd my-app# Install project dependencies
bun install
# Compile the frontend code
bun run buildzhiva start .A native window will open with your application running.
| Feature | Zhiva | Electron | Tauri |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Size | ~5 MB (engine) + 100 KB app | ~120-150 MB | ~5-10 MB |
| 2 Apps Size | ~5 MB + 200 KB | ~240-300 MB | ~10-20 MB |
| Memory Usage | Low | High | Very Low |
| Backend Runtime | Bun (Global) | Node.js (Bundled) | Rust (Compiled) |
| UI Rendering | Native System Webview | Chromium (bundled) | Native System Webview |
| Communication | REST API | IPC | IPC / Command System |
| Native TypeScript Backend | Yes (via Bun) | No | No (backend is Rust) |
- Windows: Full support
- Linux: Full support
- macOS: Untested (implementation exists, but no validation on real hardware)
Zhiva is open source software released under the MIT License.