Replit has announced the launch of its desktop app for macOS, Windows, and Linux, extending its popular cloud-based IDE beyond the browser.
According to Replit, the motivation behind creating a standalone desktop app was to allow users to code in an environment that feels more familiar. Despite the prevalence of cloud-based coding platforms, many developers still prefer the native feel of a desktop application.
The desktop app offers some unique capabilities. Here's why you should add it to your toolkit:
- Focused Coding: Enjoy a native, "zen-mode" like Replit experience on your desktop OS without browser distractions.
- Easily Accessible: Open multiple windows for different Repls and directly access Replit from your dock or home screen.
- Enhanced Keyboard Shortcuts: Use shortcuts like Ctrl/Cmd+T and Ctrl/Cmd+W that are typically not available in the browser.
According to Replit CEO Amjad Masad, "I've been skeptical of the usefulness of a desktop app, but then I used this for a few weeks, and it changed how I feel about Replit – feels faster and closer. It's a game-changer in the most subtle ways."
Masad's hands-on experience highlights how the desktop app can subtly yet meaningfully improve the Replit workflow. Though Replit is a cloud-based IDE at its core, the desktop app provides important advantages.
The desktop app aims to offer the key functionality of Replit's online IDE in a simplified native application. Users can open existing Repls or create new ones directly within the app. The workspace provides the same comprehensive toolset for coding, debugging, and managing projects.
Built using Electron, the app enables cross-platform support on Mac, Windows, and Linux. This allows Replit to leverage its existing web codebase while integrating OS-specific capabilities.
The launch of the desktop app demonstrates Replit's commitment to supporting developers across environments. It brings the power of Replit's robust cloud IDE to developers' native desktop workflows.
Developers can download the free Replit desktop app at replit.com/desktop. Replit encourages user feedback to guide future development.