Languages such as C++, C# and Python have long been used to create 

 applications for Windows.  However, this isn't commonplace for Node applications written in JavaScript.  Here's how and why I combined existing tools to create .exe files for Node.js using 

) are executable applications for the Windows platform.  They contain a set of low-level CPU instructions thatare sequentially executed once a user opens the file by double-clicking it.

The problem with distributing JavaScript apps

I originally ran into this problem when trying to distribute 

 to customers.  I used to transpile my TypeScript code to JavaScript, then instruct customers to install Node.js and Python (remember some packages need 

 to build when installing).  I would then send a zipped folder, containing the app.

This caused many headaches.  Sometimes Node.js wouldn't be added to the user's 

Other times, install scripts would fail, they would have 2 versions of Python etc... All in all, what should be a double click to start, could take nearly an hour of setup to get going.

Compiled binaries have a few advantages over zipped bundles of JavaScript.

. No need to zip anything or make sure files are in the right folder; once downloaded, you're good to go.  Users don't care about how the app works, they just want your app to work.  This cuts out all the associated problems with a fragmented app.

.  While JavaScript can be easily read, modified and reverse-engineered by anyone with the requisite knowledge, compiled binaries are far harder to read and edit.  After being transformed to bytecode, the inner workings of your app become unobtainable knowledge to everyone bar the few modders and reverse engineers.

.  Aside from some basic requirements such as a recent-ish install of Windows (7, 10 or 11), compiled apps will work regardless of where they are given they don't rely on external dependencies.  They also have added bonus of working on any hardware, just like JavaScript running on Node.

 build sizes.  Despite the fact that Node.js is bundled into the executable, the final build size for a moderately sized app ends up around 30MB - 40MB.  Simply the 

 folder for this project is substantially larger, sitting at 200MB, and that's not even including the size of Node.js.

This was the solution I needed.  Ever since implementing the extra step to build to 

 in my build script, I haven't once thought of going back.

 You can customise the appearance of the final output with a few extra fields.

I also recommend adding this script to your 

You can tweak these values how you like to personalise the output 

 is simply an abstraction, combining the power of two packages; Vercel's 

 performs the bulk of the work, allowing us to compile JavaScript to bytecode and bundle assets and Node.js into one package. 

 has many useful features and applications such as:

, with options to target many versions of Node.js as well as operating systems such as Windows, macOS and Linux.

, reducing reliance and the need for the end-user to install programs and libraries such as Node.js and the associated modules from npm.

 we can actually create fully functional executables right away.  However, currently 

 has no support for changing the appearance or properties of the output file.  This is where 

 is a tool that allows us to directly edit certain properties of any executable file.  In this case, we're modifying the output of our 

 build, adding additional info such as an author, copyright notice, version number and an icon.  Using 

 we can make our app not only function, but also look the part too.

Creating a Windows Executable File (.exe) from a Node.js app

, that connects sellers and buyers looking for in-game items and digital collectables.  With over 6 million users, Gameflip offers a huge audience and set of potential customers for sellers looking to flip their game items for cash.

However, in order to efficiently sell large volumes of items in competitive sections, you must master the art of being on the front page of Gameflip search results.

The Importance of Gameflip Search Rankings

Gameflip's in-built market search is by far the primary way potential customers can find your products.  This is because once a customer finds what they believe to be a good deal, they're unlike spend extra time flicking through endless pages of other listings.

This is especially pertinent in saturated Gameflip markets such as Rocket League items, where hundreds of sellers are competing to sell the in-game currency, credits to thousands of buyers.  On any given day, there can be over 5,000 listings for credits, meaning in order to sell products, your listings need to be seen first.

The easiest and quickest way to boost sales on Gameflip is by improving your listings.  Listings are what entices a buyer to purchase your products, so they need to be interesting, informative and clear.

The first thing a potential buyer will see before even clicking on your listing, let alone reading the title is the thumbnail.  While it may be tempting to use the default Gameflip thumbnails for convenience, your listing will simply blend into a sea of identical and boring offerings.  Instead, consider making your own, or finding custom thumbnails to use on your listings.

While using a custom thumbnail certainly sets you apart, here are some tips to make sure that you differentiate yourself in a positive way:

 to attract attention, but not too many to avoid overwhelming your customers.

.  Remember, thumbnails aren't very big, so any text can take up valuable real estate on your image.

Include an image of the product in the thumbnail

.  Buyers like to see what they're getting before they buy it, so it is essential that you make the picture of the product the primary focus of the image.

Add a logo or store name to your thumbnail

.  Gameflip doesn't show your store name when searching for items so it can be hard for buyers to identify trustworthy sellers or stores they have bought from before.  Using a name or logo helps bring back repeat customers who recognise your name.

Right away, titles should include the following key elements:

 that may be of special interest to a buyer.  For example, in Rocket League, these may be Special Edition or Paint.

 for listings where you are selling anything more than 1 of an item at once.

Descriptions are powerful tools that can drastically affect your sales on Gameflip if used correctly.  When writing descriptions, you want to try to answer any questions a buyer may have before they even ask them.  Including details such as how the item will be delivered, how quickly it will be delivered and any details on item quality of minor attributes.

You can also boost your search hits by including common names for the item that aren't already in the title.  This ensures buyers can still find your item even if they don't use the name in the title.

Attributes are the small tags attached to your listing that provide categorisations and extra information.  Attributes include:

Tags (special game-specific attributes, such as Paint, Certification, Type, Rarity etc)

These tags are used by Gameflip and buyers to filter and search for items.  If your listing is missing a relevant tag, it will be excluded from searches and you will miss out on extra sales.  Make sure you add all relevant tags and attributes to your listings to cover as many search filters as possible.

One of the most influential factors in determining the search ranking and visibility of a listing is how recent it is.  On Gameflip, newer listings always perform better.  Newer listings will of course be featured at the top of 

 sorting and are almost always at the top of 

(default) sorting.  Don't believe me? Go to 

 and select a category.  Any listing you pick on the front page will be posted a matter of minutes or seconds ago.

If you pay close attention, you'll notice many top sellers will delete and repost all their listings daily, or even more often.  Long time sellers do this to capitalize on how Gameflip promotes newer listings and pushes old ones to the bottom.  While this may seem tedious and a lot of unnecessary work, the results speak for themselves.

In order to reduce the amount of manual work, many sellers use 

 to automatically post listings.  This allows sellers to:

.  An automated listing can be posted in 2 or 3 seconds with minimal or no user input.

.  As mentioned earlier, ensuring that your listing features an informative description, accurate title and useful attributes is key to improving search rankings.  Automated scripts can generate these tags for sellers to reduce inconsistencies.

, or deleting and reposting listings improves search rankings.  Sellers who automatically bump their offers have more time to fulfil orders and interact with customers.

 can be purchased cheaply and are worthwhile investments for any seller looking to move more than a few items a week.

The world of in-game item reselling is notoriously shady as many scammers use the anonymity associated with pseudonyms online to swindle buyers out of cash.  While Gameflip is a very safe place to buy items due to their requirement for sellers to verify their identity, their buyer protections and refund program, some first-time buyers may be wary of buying in-game items for cash.

As a seller, you can build trust with a buyer in a number of ways:

.  An account verified by Gameflip is far more trustworthy than an unverified account as it shows you are a real and genuine person behind the store.

.  Gameflip's reputation system not only affects search rankings but also improves trust with buyers.  Creating a large set of positive reviews will improve your rating that is shown to all buyers.  The best way to build up a good rating is by selling many small items that can be quickly delivered.

  Using the mobile app, Gameflip allows you to set an "Online" status that appears on your posts and profile.  This will entice buyers to shop with you to get faster delivery.

Using cohesive and professional-looking artwork.

  Make sure you add a professional-looking profile picture and banner to your profile to ensure you look the part to customers.

Using these tips, tricks and tools you should be well prepared to sell on Gameflip like you've been doing it for years.  Every bit counts, so be sure to squeeze as much out of the means that Gameflip provides to promote your listings.  Good luck and happy selling!

Blog

Creating a Windows Executable File (.exe) from a Node.js app

How to Improve Sales and Search Rankings on Gameflip

Contact

Profiles

Pages