NativePHP

NativePHP is a new framework for rapidly building rich, native desktop applications using PHP.

NativePHP is the Laravel ecosystem's answer to desktop apps: PHP, Laravel and Livewire compiled into native desktop applications for macOS, Windows and Linux, with native menus, notifications, window management and system integration exposed through a familiar API.

Why it matters to an indie builder: a large population of PHP developers can now ship desktop software without learning Electron's stack or a second language. The tool you already know becomes the tool that opens a new product category, internal utilities, menubar tools, offline-first clients for existing Laravel apps, with the backend and the desktop sharing models and business logic.

A realistic use: an internal operations tool for a Laravel SaaS, packaged as a desktop app that talks to the same API the web client uses, with native notifications when jobs finish. Distribution, code signing per platform, follows the standard desktop path.

Trade-offs: the project is young compared with Electron or Tauri, app size carries a runtime, and heavy native performance work still wants a system language. Compare with Tauri for a Rust-backed, lighter shell and Electron for maximum ecosystem maturity.