Even so, Java is now at a place where you can ship self-contained, zero-dependency applications that are comparable in size to other compiled languages (and superior to web-hybrid options like Electron).
For cross-platform desktop GUI apps, I would argue that JavaFX combined with Java 9 modularization is hands-down the best choice available today.
Electron is succeeding in the desktop GUI space because it tears down the barriers to desktop app development. While the author's article is excellent, when it comes to Electron, he (like most engineers) is still missing the point: the choice between Electron and its alternatives doesn't pivot on file size.
For cross-platform desktop GUI apps, I would argue that JavaFX combined with Java 9 modularization is hands-down the best choice available today.
Electron is succeeding in the desktop GUI space because it tears down the barriers to desktop app development. While the author's article is excellent, when it comes to Electron, he (like most engineers) is still missing the point: the choice between Electron and its alternatives doesn't pivot on file size.