Windows client runs at 290MB of RAM as Discord is ditching Electron and uses less

A move away from Electron

Discord is shifting its apps fully to Rust, a programming language designed for speed and memory safety. The move would end the desktop client’s use of Electron, a framework for building desktop apps with web technologies, and also leave React Native behind.

Discord already uses Rust in parts of its infrastructure, voice technology and current client. CTO Stanislav Vishnevskiy said the company had adopted Rust early, in 2018, and described moving the whole client as its goal.

Mobile keeps native interface

Vishnevskiy said mobile will retain its native user interface. App code for mobile and desktop will instead be shared through Rust. The announcement describes a broader change to how Discord’s apps are built, but does not give a date for the full migration. Vishnevskiy said Discord hopes to begin testing with users soon.

RAM use remains a focus

Vishnevskiy shared an image of a Discord Windows client using 290MB of RAM. The current Windows app can reach 1GB or more, even when a user joins only a few servers. The displayed figure suggests lower memory use in the new client, though Discord has not announced when users can try the full Rust version.