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Introduction

Polaris IDE is available as a native desktop application built with Electron, providing a seamless development experience across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. The desktop app combines the power of a cloud IDE with the benefits of native desktop integration.

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Why Use the Desktop App?

The desktop version offers several advantages over the web-based IDE:

Native Performance

Direct access to system resources for faster file operations and better editor responsiveness

Local File System

Work directly with files on your computer without uploading to the cloud

Offline Capabilities

Continue coding even when internet connectivity is limited (some features require online access)

Auto-Updates

Automatic updates ensure you always have the latest features and security patches

System Integration

Native file dialogs, notifications, and system tray integration

Enhanced Security

Sandboxed architecture with context isolation for maximum security

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Platform Support

Polaris IDE desktop app is available for all major operating systems:

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Windows

  • Minimum Version: Windows 10 or later
  • Architecture: x64 (64-bit)
  • Installer Format: NSIS installer (.exe)
  • Features: Desktop shortcuts, Start Menu integration, auto-update support

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macOS

  • Minimum Version: macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later
  • Architecture: x64 and ARM64 (Apple Silicon)
  • Installer Format: DMG (.dmg)
  • Features: App Store-ready, native menu bar, auto-update support

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Linux

  • Supported Distributions: Ubuntu 18.04+, Debian 10+, Fedora 32+, and other modern distributions
  • Architecture: x64 (64-bit)
  • Installer Formats: AppImage, .deb (Debian/Ubuntu), .rpm (Fedora/RedHat)
  • Features: Desktop file integration, auto-update support

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Architecture

The desktop app uses a hybrid architecture combining Electron with Next.js:

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Key Components

1

Main Process

Manages application lifecycle, window creation, and native integrationsFile: electron/main/index.ts:1
2

Next.js Server

Runs a standalone Next.js server for the IDE interfaceFile: electron/main/server-manager.ts:1
3

Renderer Process

Displays the UI in a Chromium-based browser windowFile: electron/main/window-manager.ts:1
4

Preload Scripts

Secure bridge between main and renderer processes using IPCFile: electron/preload/index.ts:1

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Feature Comparison

FeatureWeb AppDesktop App
File System AccessWebContainer onlyFull local access
Offline Mode❌ No✅ Limited support
Auto-UpdatesAutomatic✅ Built-in updater
Native NotificationsBrowser notifications✅ System notifications
File DialogsBrowser pickers✅ Native dialogs
PerformanceGood✅ Excellent
InstallationNone required✅ One-time install
Cross-Platform✅ Any modern browser✅ Windows/macOS/Linux

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Security Features

The desktop app implements multiple security layers:
The renderer process runs in an isolated context, preventing direct access to Node.js APIs. All communication happens through a secure IPC bridge.
webPreferences: {
  contextIsolation: true,
  nodeIntegration: false,
  sandbox: false
}
File system operations validate paths to prevent access to sensitive system directories.Forbidden paths include:
  • Windows: C:\Windows, C:\Program Files, C:\ProgramData
  • Linux/macOS: /etc, /sys, /proc, /root, /boot, /dev, /var, /usr
File: electron/main/ipc/file-system.ts:15
Strict CSP prevents loading of untrusted resources and execution of inline scripts.
Auto-updates use code signing and HTTPS to ensure integrity and authenticity.

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Next Steps

Installation

Download and install the desktop app

Desktop Features

Explore desktop-specific features

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