NanUI is a framework for building Windows desktop applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript with .NET.
The project addresses the challenge of creating native Windows applications while leveraging web technologies for the user interface. It wraps Chromium through CEF (Chromium Embedded Framework) and CEFGlue bindings, allowing developers to use familiar web technologies to build desktop UIs while maintaining access to .NET backend capabilities. This approach combines the rendering power of Chromium with the flexibility of .NET for application logic.
Developers should choose NanUI if they want to build Windows desktop applications but prefer working with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript rather than traditional WinForms or WPF. The project suits scenarios where teams have stronger web development skills than desktop development expertise, or where code reuse between web and desktop projects is valuable. It works with both the .NET Framework and .NET Core, providing flexibility in runtime selection.
The project shows active maintenance with regular updates addressing issues and improving stability. Development includes ongoing refinement of the CEF integration layer and expansion of the API surface to expose more Chromium capabilities to .NET developers. The maintainers actively respond to user issues and incorporate feedback into releases. Work continues on documentation and examples to help developers get started with the framework.
