NativePHP is an amazing tool for developing a native application for your operating system. However, you should dive into a little deeper to make sure that will suit your needs.
A brief introduction to NativePHP
NativePHP is a framework to develop applications for various operating systems. It has mainly two branches: Desktop and Mobile. The former for Apple Macintosh, Linux distributions, and Microsoft Windows and the later is mainly supports Android and iOS. check their website.
The system architecture is also simple. It is a PHP standalone server wrapped in ElectronJS. It starts the port 4000 and works around with it.
Pros and Cons of Embedded Server
The embedded server is the easiest thing I can run with the NativePHP. It is really cool to see the static binary and all in one solution to boot up the application in native. However, the system sometimes have to struggle with the server and its rendering on the mainstream operating system with the huge underlying hardware comparing to the mobile. I am a bit confused that it will work very well on the mobile.
My Desktop Development Experience
I have an ongoing project which is based on NativePHP. It is absolutely incredible and fast working but it solely relies on Livewire. I am a big fan of Livewire and I choose NativePHP to use Livewire. However, in reality, the system has some broadcast and NativePHP has to struggle with the broadcast, loading and media handling.
The main problem arises when it crashes. The nativePHP binary and the PHP static servers are working together does not mean they are together. That means killing one instance will not kill the server that serves PHP. That is the main problem. When the application have to start again from the mess it makes, the port is occupied and viola, your application is totally doomed.
What will NativePHP mobile brings?
I believe the experience will be something new for the mobile. However, we also have to keep in mind that this is not something that works as Flutter or React Native and the architecture is the web view of the PHP server for specific mobile platform. It will be like finding an eternal living water and choosing the cup of the Jesus Christ in Indiana Jone's the last crusade. Let me finish the word used in that movie.
CHOOSE WISELY.