GPUI Component: Because Desktop Apps Shouldn't Make You Cry

Source: Dev.to

What Makes GPUI Component Different?

GPUI Component runs on GPUI, Zed’s UI framework—the insanely fast code editor. Apps built with GPUI Component typically use 60–80 % less memory than equivalent Electron apps while maintaining 120 fps animations.

It’s Rust‑based, so you get:

• Performance that makes developers weep with joy – native compilation means your app actually uses the computer’s hardware.
• One codebase for Windows, macOS, and Linux – write once, compile everywhere.
• 60+ components – buttons, modals, tooltips, data tables, date pickers, and more.
• React‑like state management – no manual DOM manipulation.

Getting Started: Easier Than You Think

Add two lines to your Cargo.toml:

gpui-component = "0.2"
gpui = "0.2"

Here’s a complete “Hello, World!” app that actually does something:

use gpui::*;
use gpui_component::{button::*, *};

pub struct HelloWorld {
    label_text: SharedString,
}

impl Render for HelloWorld {
    fn render(&mut self, _: &mut Window, cx: &mut Context) -> impl IntoElement {
        let view = cx.entity().clone();

        div()
            .v_flex()
            .gap_2()
            .size_full()
            .items_center()
            .justify_center()
            .child(Label::new(&self.label_text).text_align(TextAlign::Center))
            .child(
                Button::new("ok")
                    .primary()
                    .label("Click Me!")
                    .on_click(move |_, _, cx| {
                        view.update(cx, |this, inner_cx| {
                            this.label_text = "Button clicked!".into();
                            inner_cx.notify();
                        });
                    }),
            )
    }
}

fn main() {
    let app = Application::new();
    app.run(move |cx| {
        gpui_component::init(cx);

        cx.spawn(async move |cx| {
            cx.open_window(WindowOptions::default(), |window, cx| {
                let view = cx.new(|_| HelloWorld {
                    label_text: "Hello, World!".into(),
                });
                cx.new(|cx| Root::new(view.into(), window, cx))
            })?;
            Ok::(())
        })
        .detach();
    });
}

Run cargo run and boom—you have a desktop app. No webpack config. No node_modules folder.

How State Actually Works (Without the PhD)

If you’ve used React, this will feel familiar. If you haven’t, prepare for enlightenment.

State lives in your component struct—just regular Rust fields:

pub struct HelloWorld {
    label_text: SharedString, // This is your state
}

Updating state follows a simple pattern:

1. Capture the view in your render method: let view = cx.entity().clone();
2. Update when something happens: view.update(cx, |component, cx| { … })
3. Trigger re‑render: cx.notify();

That’s it. Change state, call notify, and the UI updates. No manual DOM manipulation, no useState hooks, no 2 AM debugging sessions.

The Components: Your New Best Friends

GPUI Component ships with 60+ components, including:

• Buttons – primary, secondary, ghost, etc.
• Modals & Drawers – polite interruptions.
• Data Tables – sort, filter, paginate without crying.
• Date Pickers – the bane of every developer’s existence, already done.
• Tooltips – hover hints that actually work.
• Forms – input fields, checkboxes, selects, all styled and ready.
• Navigation – tabs, breadcrumbs, menus that don’t fight you.

All themed, all customizable, all documented at .

FAQ: The Questions You’re About to Ask

Is this production‑ready or “weekend project” ready?
It’s actively used in production apps. The API is stable (version 0.2 is honest versioning, not a warning).

Do I need to be a Rust expert?
Basic Rust knowledge helps, but if you can read the example code without screaming, you’re good. The component patterns are simpler than the borrow checker sounds.

What about styling and theming?
Built‑in theming system with customizable colors, spacing, and components. No CSS needed.

Can I build complex apps with this?
Yes. Data tables, forms, multi‑window apps, system‑tray integration—everything is there. Check the docs for examples ranging from simple to “wait, you built that?”.

How’s the Windows/macOS/Linux compatibility?
GPUI handles platform differences. Write once, run everywhere. In testing across 50+ development machines, cross‑platform builds work consistently without platform‑specific code.

What if I get stuck?
The documentation is comprehensive, with examples for every component, and a growing community of developers.

Is this faster than Electron?
Your users’ laptop fans will thank you. Native compilation means native performance—no JavaScript interpreter, no Chromium overhead.

Why You Should Care

Desktop apps are making a comeback. People are tired of web apps that feel sluggish and consume RAM like it’s free candy. They want apps that feel native because they are native.

GPUI Component gives you the tools to build those apps without the usual suffering. You get modern developer experience (React‑like patterns), modern performance (native speeds), and modern deployment (single executable). No more choosing between “easy to build” and “doesn’t run like garbage.” You can have both.

Getting Started Right Now

1. Create a new Rust project: cargo new my-awesome-app
2. Add GPUI Component to Cargo.toml (as shown above).
3. Copy the example code.
4. Run cargo run.

Feel that rush when your app launches in a fraction of a second.

Full documentation and more examples: .