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Desktop

How we shipped Hischool Desktop apps fast

How we turned our Web-first PWA into a full desktop app for Windows, macOS, and Linux using Electron.

When we built Hischool, we started with a web-first mindset.
Our goal was simple: build one powerful app that works everywhere — web, mobile, and desktop.

Once our web app was stable and widely used, we realized something important:

Many schools, teachers, and admins spend most of their day on desktop.

So we asked ourselves:
How can we deliver a native desktop experience as fast as possible — without rebuilding everything?


The answer: Electron + our PWA

Because Hischool was already built as a Progressive Web App (PWA), we had a huge advantage.

Instead of rewriting the app in another language or framework, we wrapped our existing web app inside ElectronJS.

This allowed us to ship a desktop app for:

  • 🪟 Windows
  • 🍎 macOS
  • 🐧 Linux

…using the same codebase.


Why Electron was the right choice

Electron gave us everything we needed:

  • Native desktop window
  • File system access
  • Auto-updates
  • Offline-ready experience
  • Cross-platform builds
  • Fast release cycles

Most importantly, it let us focus on improving Hischool itself — not maintaining 3 different desktop apps.


Benefits of the Hischool Desktop App

Using the desktop app gives users a more focused and reliable experience:

1. Always ready

No tabs, no distractions.
Hischool runs like a real app — just open and start working.

2. Faster performance

Desktop apps have more memory and stable execution compared to browsers with many tabs open.

3. Offline-friendly

Thanks to our PWA architecture, many parts of Hischool work even with unstable internet.

4. System-level integration

Desktop notifications, window management, and native shortcuts work seamlessly.

5. Same features as web

Everything you can do on the web app works on desktop — instantly.


Instant updates, zero friction

Because the desktop app loads the same PWA:

  • New features appear automatically
  • Bug fixes are instant
  • No waiting for store approvals
  • No manual updates needed

One deploy → all platforms updated.


One platform, everywhere

Today, Hischool runs on:

  • Web (PWA)
  • Android (TWA)
  • iOS (Web wrapper)
  • Desktop (Electron)
  • All from one shared codebase

That’s the power of web-first architecture.


What’s next?

Desktop is not the end — it’s a foundation.

We’re continuously improving:

  • Performance
  • Offline capabilities
  • Keyboard workflows
  • Large-screen experiences
  • Multi-window support

And all of it ships to every platform at the same time.


Try Hischool Desktop

Download the desktop app and experience distraction-free learning:

👉 Go to Download


Built fast.
Shipped everywhere.
Designed for real learning.

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