Create a desktop web app builder using Electron, similar to Bootstrap Studio. The application should allow users to drag and drop elements onto a canvas, edit their properties, and save/load projects. Follow these detailed steps:
Set up the project:
Initialize a new Node.js project Install Electron, electron-builder, electron-store, and electron-is-dev Create a basic Electron app structure with main.js, preload.js, and src/index.html
Implement the main process (main.js):
Set up the main window with proper dimensions and webPreferences Create a menu with File and Tools options Implement IPC handlers for plugin management, project saving/loading
Create the preload script (preload.js):
Expose safe APIs to the renderer process using contextBridge Include methods for plugin management, project operations, and event listeners
Design the main UI (src/index.html):
Create a layout with component pane, canvas, and properties pane Add necessary script tags for app.js, plugin-loader.js, and plugin-manager.js
Implement the app logic (src/scripts/app.js):
Set up drag and drop functionality for elements Implement element selection and property editing Handle project saving, loading, and element manipulation on the canvas
Create a plugin system:
Implement plugin-loader.js to handle loading built-in and third-party plugins Create plugin-manager.js for user interface to manage plugins Set up a 'plugins' directory with subdirectories for built-in and third-party plugins
Develop built-in plugins:
Create sample plugins like button.js, text.js, input.js in src/plugins/elements/ Use a consistent plugin structure with properties and methods
Implement project save/load functionality:
Use electron-store for saving app settings Implement JSON-based project saving and loading
Set up the build process:
Configure electron-builder in package.json Ensure proper file inclusion for built-in plugins in the final package
Handle plugin hot-reloading:
Implement functionality to reload plugins without restarting the app Update the UI dynamically when plugins change
Ensure proper error handling and logging throughout the app Implement an export feature to generate HTML, CSS, and JavaScript from the project
Remember to use CommonJS syntax for the main process and ES modules for the renderer process where appropriate. Ensure all IPC communications are properly set up for security. Test thoroughly in both development and production builds."