How to Build Cross-Platform Applications with Sauron-native

Jul 1, 2022 | Programming

Are you ready to embark on an adventure that combines the power of Rust with the flexibility of a truly cross-platform UI? Welcome to the realm of Sauron-native, a UI library that aspires to be “One UI to rule them all,” conquering all habitats—from desktops to mobile devices. In this guide, we’ll navigate through the features of Sauron-native and help you set up your first project.

What is Sauron-native?

Sauron-native extends the Sauron web framework, which takes inspiration from The Elm Architecture. It enables developers to create native UIs that can target multiple graphical user interface backends, including:

  • GTK
  • HTML
  • TUI

Imagine Sauron-native as a versatile wizard, adapting its spells to suit different environments while maintaining its core powers.

Setting Up Your Environment

To begin your journey, you’ll need to have Rust and its associated tools installed on your machine. Afterward, follow these steps to run the example project:

bash
git submodule init
git submodule update
cd examples
./cross_widget.run_gtk.sh
./run_terminal.sh
# If you have wasm-pack installed
./start_web.sh

Exploring the Backends

Here’s a glimpse of the currently supported backends and a screenshot of each:

  • GTK Example
  • Windows Example
  • HTML Example
  • TUI Example

Widgets Supported

Sauron-native is continuously evolving. As of now, the following widgets are supported:

  • Button
  • Checkbox
  • Column (VBox)
  • Row (HBox)
  • Image
  • Text
  • Text Input (Textbox)
  • Progress Bar (yet to be implemented)
  • Scrollable (yet to be implemented)
  • Slider (yet to be implemented)

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during your setup, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Ensure all dependencies are installed and updated.
  • Verify that you’re in the correct directory before running scripts.
  • If using WebAssembly, check your wasm-pack installation.
  • Consult the Sauron-native GitHub repository for the latest updates.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Future Developments

In the pipeline for Sauron-native is the deprecation of the TUI in favor of a simpler library called Titik. This advancement is expected to simplify the development process further, allowing for a more maintainable codebase.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

The Journey Ahead

As you embark on your journey with Sauron-native, remember that the future of cross-platform applications is bright. With the right tools and an adventurous spirit, you can craft stunning applications that shimmer across all devices. Happy coding!

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