native-sdk

Build native desktop applications with TypeScript logic and declarative Native markup.

7.6k|312|Updated May 8, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/vercel-labs/zero-native --skill native-sdk
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: native-sdk
Source: https://github.com/vercel-labs/zero-native/tree/main/skills/native-sdk
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/vercel-labs/zero-native --skill native-sdk

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires @native-sdk/cli.

What problem does it solve?

Building native desktop applications usually forces a choice between expressive web-style UI authoring and true native performance without a heavy runtime. This Skill guides agents through the Native SDK, which compiles TypeScript app logic and declarative .native markup to native code with no browser, WebView, or JS runtime in the shipped binary.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • App scaffolding and orientation: Discover and load the right Native SDK skill content (core, native-ui, ts-core, automation, zig) via the installed CLI before implementing.
  • Native UI authoring: Create views in .native markup files with bindings and message dispatch, paired with a pure TypeScript update function in src/core.ts.
  • Automation and testing: Use the embedded deterministic automation server to snapshot, drive, and screenshot a running app window.
  • Use Case: A developer wants a desktop counter app with real OS windows and no JS runtime. Run native init my_app, edit src/app.native and src/core.ts, then launch it with native dev.

Quick Start

Ask the agent to scaffold a new Native SDK app with native init, then load the core, native-ui, and ts-core skills before implementing the view and update logic.

Frequently Asked Questions about native-sdk

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I create a native desktop app with the Native SDK?

Install the CLI with npm install -g @native-sdk/cli, then run native init my_app and native dev. This generates a three-file app: app.json, src/app.native for the markup view, and src/core.ts with the Model, Msg, and update function.

How does Native SDK compile TypeScript without a JS runtime?

The TypeScript core in src/core.ts is checked and compiled ahead of time to native code at build time. The shipped binary contains no browser, WebView, JS runtime, or interpreter, while the engine draws every pixel into real OS windows.

Does Native SDK support Zig instead of TypeScript?

Yes, Zig is a first-class app-core alternative selected explicitly with the --template zig-core flag, producing a src/main.zig core. It is not the default; TypeScript plus .native markup is the primary authoring path.

Can I embed web content in a Native SDK app?

Yes, WebViews are the optional path for embedding web content or hosting an existing web frontend. Web-frontend shells carry a frontend/ directory and their own build and runtime wiring alongside the native app.

How do I test a running Native SDK app?

Every app embeds a deterministic automation server that agents can use to snapshot, drive, and screenshot the running window. Load the automation skill with native skills get automation for testing, snapshots, and reload requests.

Which platforms does Native SDK support?

Desktop is the mature surface, with macOS the deepest and Linux and Windows exercised in CI. Mobile embedding is experimental and not yet a stable target.