Uniform
Custom UI toolkit for JavaScript and C developers
Developer ToolsOpen sourceOpen source · verified#ui-toolkit#javascript
Listed by the ProductPerch team from Hacker News · not launched here yet
What is Uniform?
Uniform is a lightweight UI toolkit for building responsive and custom user interfaces in JavaScript and C. The library replaces standard native UI components by providing low-level control over layout, text, and rendering. A complete application using Uniform compresses to under 280 KB. It does not ship with pre-built themes, allowing developers to implement exact visual designs, pixel-perfect layouts, and smooth animations.
The project offers two APIs. The JavaScript API enables rapid development without a build step by calling directly into the C core, which compiles to WebAssembly on the web and native code elsewhere. The C API provides higher performance while remaining straightforward to use. Developers can statically link the library or compile it alongside their application in under a second.
Uniform currently supports iOS, macOS, and the web, using Metal and WebGPU respectively. Support for Windows, Linux, and Android via Vulkan is planned. The library uses signed distance fields for shapes and combines constraint-based layout with stack-based auto-layout systems. Text handling includes character-level access for custom selection and effects. The project is released under the MIT license and is currently in preview.
Uniform features
- Constraint-based and stack auto-layout system
- JavaScript API with zero build step and fast iteration
- Clean C API for high performance applications
- SDF shape rendering with character-level text control
- Cross-platform support for iOS, macOS, and web
- Under 280 KB compressed size for full applications
Who uses Uniform and for what
- Building custom branded mobile apps with exact pixel layouts
- Creating interactive web dashboards without heavy framework overhead
- Developing game-like UIs with custom physics and gesture handling
- Prototyping interface designs rapidly using JavaScript and C
- Implementing highly optimized cross-platform desktop applications
Uniform FAQ
Is Uniform free?
Yes, Uniform is released under the MIT license and is available at no cost. The website does not mention commercial licensing options.
Does Uniform work on Mac?
Yes, Uniform supports macOS and renders graphics using Metal. It also runs on iOS, the web, and has planned support for Windows, Linux, and Android.
What is Uniform used for?
Uniform is used to build custom user interfaces in JavaScript and C. It handles layout, text rendering, shapes, gestures, and animations without relying on pre-built components.
Is Uniform open source?
Yes, the source code is publicly available on GitHub under the MIT license. Contributors can fork and modify the repository.
Does Uniform require a build step?
The JavaScript API works without a build step, allowing immediate changes to be visible. The C core compiles to WebAssembly for the web or native code for other platforms.
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