Lynx is a cross-platform open-source framework that enables developers to build native user interfaces for mobile and web platforms from a single codebase using web technologies. The core engine, housed in this repository, powers the Lynx family of technologies designed to let developers leverage their existing knowledge of CSS and React to create applications that render natively on Android, iOS, and web platforms, or achieve pixel-perfect consistency across mobile and desktop through a custom renderer.
The framework emphasizes three core capabilities: write-once, render-anywhere functionality that produces native UI on Android, iOS, and web; web-inspired design that allows developers to apply familiar CSS and React patterns; and performance at scale through a multithreaded engine that delivers instant launch times and responsive UI interactions whether deployed standalone or embedded within existing applications. Lynx targets iOS 10 and Android 5.0 (API 21) or newer, with macOS recommended as the development operating system, though Windows and Linux support is still under verification.
The repository includes Lynx Explorer, an official testing and exploration application that provides native runtime environments across Android, iOS, Harmony, Windows, and macOS platforms, bundling ReactLynx-based screens for developers to experiment with the framework's capabilities. Getting started resources include quick-start guides and integration documentation for incorporating Lynx into existing applications, all available through the project's official documentation site at lynxjs.org.
The project maintains connections with other repositories including github/gh-aw, solo-io/gloo, and longhorn/longhorn through overlapping contributor networks.
The codebase is written in C++ and incorporates numerous third-party libraries including V8 for JavaScript execution, RapidJSON for JSON parsing, BoringSSL for cryptography, and tools from Chromium, Flutter, and React Native projects. The framework draws architectural inspiration from Chromium, React Native, and Flutter Engine, adapting proven patterns from these established platforms. Lynx operates under the Apache License and maintains a Code of Conduct emphasizing positive and inclusive community participation, with contribution guidelines documented for developers interested in joining the project. The community engages through GitHub Issues for bug reports and feature requests, GitHub Discussions for larger proposals, and an active Discord channel for real-time collaboration.
