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Nucleus is a Gradle plugin for building, packaging, and distributing JVM desktop applications as native installers on macOS, Windows, and Linux. It is compatible with any JVM application but optimized for Compose Desktop.

111
3
100% credibility
Found Feb 19, 2026 at 57 stars -- GitGems finds repos before they trend. Get early access to the next one.
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AI Analysis
Kotlin
AI Summary

Nucleus packages desktop apps into native installers with fast startup, custom windows, dark mode support, and auto-updates.

How It Works

1
💡 Discover Nucleus

You want to turn your desktop app into professional installers that work perfectly on Mac, Windows, and Linux.

2
🔧 Add to your project

Simply add Nucleus to your app setup with a few lines, like telling it your app's name and icon.

3
🎨 Customize your app

Choose colors, windows, and features like dark mode or quick links so it feels native everywhere.

4
🚀 Build installers

Hit one button to create ready-to-share packages that sign, update, and launch super fast.

5
Pick your platforms
🍎
Mac app

Creates a smooth disk image users drag to install.

🪟
Windows installer

Makes a simple setup wizard with shortcuts.

🐧
Linux package

Builds easy formats like snaps or debs.

6
Test and share

Run your app—it looks native, stays single-window, and updates itself for users.

🎉 Your app shines

Users love the fast, beautiful experience on any desktop, ready for app stores.

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Star Growth

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AI-Generated Review

What is Nucleus?

Nucleus is a Kotlin Gradle plugin that packages JVM desktop applications—optimized for Compose Desktop—into native installers for macOS (DMG/PKG), Windows (MSI/NSIS/AppX), and Linux (DEB/AppImage/Flatpak). It delivers store-ready outputs with code signing, notarization, and auto-updates, plus runtime libraries for reactive dark mode detection and custom title bars. Unlike github nucleus coop or nucleus rtos github tools, it focuses on JVM desktop applications like github nucleus app github projects.

Why is it gaining traction?

It skips GraalVM for JDK 25 AOT caching and ProGuard shrinking, yielding instant cold starts and slim bundles. Standouts include OS-native decorated windows (Adwaita/Breeze themes), single-instance locking with deep link forwarding, and GitHub Actions for 6-runner universal builds. Developers notice seamless theming and silent updates via GitHub Releases/S3, outpacing jpackage's manual hassles.

Who should use this?

Compose Desktop builders shipping cross-platform tools or utilities to app stores. JVM teams handling macOS notarization, Windows signing, or Linux sandboxes without custom scripts. Ideal for indie devs or small teams prototyping polished applications, but skip if avoiding JetBrains Runtime dependencies.

Verdict

Solid docs and MIT license make it approachable, but 53 stars and 1.0% credibility signal early maturity—expect bugs in edge cases like exotic Linux DEs. Try for non-prod JVM desktops; production needs more battle-testing.

(198 words)

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