Electron-vue: Can't use npm modules inside electron.js

[simonwjackson]

Describe the issue / bug.

Can't use npm modules inside electron.js. _(socket.io for example)_

I know the node_modules are removed in the final build, but they seem to work only when included inside the Vue instance.

Is there some way i can still require these in electron.js?

How can I reproduce this problem?

npm install --save socket.io
cd app 
npm install --save socket.io
npm run build:win32
# then execute exe

/app/electron.js

const io = require('socket.io')

If visual, provide a screenshot.

Tell me about your development environment.

• Node version: 6.5.0
• NPM version: 3.10.8
• Operating System: Win 10

[SimulatedGREG]

@simonwjackson

Any modules required within the scope of app/src/main.js will be bundled with webpack for the renderer process only. Modules required in app/electron.js will not work in production, after making a build. There's currently no plans to support bundling the main process at the moment (more info).

Related:

22

[simonwjackson]

Ok, i guess ill have to write a script to install dependencies after the build is complete since this is mission critical for my app.

Thanks or the update!

[SimulatedGREG]

Looking to bring electron-builder support soon, which should make external modules for main process a lot easier to manage. Not many boilerplates handle this well so there is some pioneering to do since webpack is involved. Thanks for understanding.