Getting Started with Compose for Desktop: Build Your First App

Post Overview

1. Introduction to Compose for Desktop

Compose for Desktop is an extension of Jetpack Compose that allows building desktop applications using Kotlin.
Supports multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Provides a…


This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Chanbong Park

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Post Overview

1. Introduction to Compose for Desktop

  • Compose for Desktop is an extension of Jetpack Compose that allows building desktop applications using Kotlin.
  • Supports multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux).
  • Provides a modern UI development approach compared to Swing.

2. Setting Up the Environment

  • Install JDK 17 or higher.
  • Install IntelliJ IDEA (Ultimate or Community).
  • Create a Gradle project and configure Compose for Desktop.

3. Building a Simple Sample App

  • A basic GUI app that displays “Hello, Compose for Desktop!” with a button.

Creating a Simple Sample App

Here’s how to build a basic Compose for Desktop application.

1. Gradle Project Setup

Modify your build.gradle.kts file to include Compose for Desktop.

plugins {
    kotlin("jvm")
    id("org.jetbrains.compose")
    id("org.jetbrains.kotlin.plugin.compose")
}

group = "com.example"
version = "1.0-SNAPSHOT"

repositories {
    mavenCentral()
    google()
}

dependencies {
    implementation(compose.desktop.currentOs)
}

compose.desktop {
    application {
        mainClass = "MainKt"
    }
}

2. Writing the Main Code

Create a file src/main/kotlin/Main.kt and add the following code:

import androidx.compose.desktop.ui.tooling.preview.Preview
import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.*
import androidx.compose.material.Button
import androidx.compose.material.MaterialTheme
import androidx.compose.material.Text
import androidx.compose.runtime.*
import androidx.compose.ui.*
import androidx.compose.ui.unit.dp
import androidx.compose.ui.window.*

fun main() = application {
    Window(onCloseRequest = ::exitApplication, title = "Compose for Desktop App") {
        App()
    }
}

@Composable
@Preview
fun App() {
    var count by remember { mutableStateOf(0) }

    Column(
        modifier = Modifier.padding(16.dp),
        verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)
    ) {
        Text("Hello, Compose for Desktop!", style = MaterialTheme.typography.h3)
        Button(onClick = { count++ }) {
            Text("Click me: $count")
        }
    }
}

3. Running the App

Run the following command in the terminal:

./gradlew run

Or simply run Main.kt from IntelliJ IDEA.
That’s it! You now have a basic Compose for Desktop application up and running. 🚀

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This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Chanbong Park


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Chanbong Park | Sciencx (2025-02-15T04:24:56+00:00) Getting Started with Compose for Desktop: Build Your First App. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/02/15/getting-started-with-compose-for-desktop-build-your-first-app-2/

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