Desktop app & updates
The Desktop app is a thin shell (Electron) that loads the hosted web app in a native window, with direct printing, kiosk mode and offline resilience. The web content is not bundled: it is always served from the hosted URL, so the interface stays up to date without reinstalling.
Version control
The app carries a single version number (e.g. v1.2.3), shared between the web app and the
Desktop shell. It is visible:
- on the web, in the discreet badge at the bottom of the sidebar and in the "This session" card under Settings;
- on Desktop, in the Help → About menu.
Automatic updates
The Desktop shell updates itself:
- On launch, it quietly checks for a new version.
- If one is available, it is downloaded in the background.
- Once the download completes, a dialog offers "Restart now" or "Later". Restarting applies the update.
Manual check
Any time: Help → Check for updates…. If the app is already current, a message confirms it.
Workstation configuration
Two settings — and only two — are configurable per workstation, via a config.json file placed next
to the executable (or environment variables):
| Setting | Variable | config.json key |
|---|---|---|
| App URL | RETAILOS_URL | url |
| Update feed | RETAILOS_UPDATE_URL | updateUrl |
By default the update feed is derived from the app URL (suffix /desktop-updates), so there is
nothing to configure in most cases.
Workstation IP address
The Help → About menu also shows the workstation's local IP address, its hostname, the app URL and the update channel — handy for support and managing authorised devices.