refly-ai / refly-ai/refly

Support packaging and distribution of desktop applications

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#809 1 comment 0 reactions 0 assignees View on GitHub

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enhancement
Dominant language
TypeScript
Stars
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Forks
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Description

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.

Yes, currently there is no streamlined way to package and distribute desktop applications built with [specific framework/tool, if applicable, e.g., React, Electron, etc.]. Developers often need to manually handle OS-specific build configurations, bundling dependencies, and creating installers for each platform (Windows, macOS, Linux). This process is time-consuming, error-prone, and lacks automation, leading to inconsistent user experiences across platforms.

Describe the solution you'd like

I’d like to see built-in support for packaging and distributing desktop applications, including:

  1. ​​Automated Build & Package Creation​​: Generate optimized installers (e.g., .exe, .dmg, .deb) for major platforms directly from the project.
  2. ​​Cross-Platform Compatibility​​: Simplify dependency resolution and bundling for multi-platform builds.
  3. ​​Installer Customization​​: Allow configuration of branding (icons, splash screens, etc.) and user permissions during installation.
  4. ​​Distribution Options​​: Provide integrations with app stores (Microsoft Store, Mac App Store) or direct download links (e.g., GitHub Releases).

Describe alternatives you've considered

​​- Manual Workflows​​: Using third-party tools like electron-builder, NSIS, or Inno Setup, but they require significant manual setup and maintenance.

  • ​​Containerization​​: Leveraging Docker for lightweight desktop apps, but this adds unnecessary overhead for many use cases.
  • ​​Existing Frameworks​​: Adopting frameworks like Electron Forge or Quasar, but they lack seamless integration with the current ecosystem.

Additional context

This feature would benefit developers targeting end-users who expect professional, OS-compliant installers without needing to configure complex build pipelines. For example, a React-based desktop app could be shipped to users with a single command (npm run package). Screenshots of existing tools (e.g., Electron Builder’s config UI) could be referenced here if applicable.

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

The issue names no repository files, entry points, or tests, so first inspect the project structure to determine whether a desktop application and packaging workflow already exist. Clarify the supported platforms, packaging tools, installer configuration, and distribution targets; done requires an agreed, implementable scope rather than the broad feature list currently provided.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
electron, typescript
Domain
build-system, desktop, release
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Needs clarification
Newbie friendliness
20/100

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