Universal Rendering and the GBC

In addition to being a front-end client, the Genero Browser Client (GBC) is used as the rendering engine for Universal Rendering.

All Genero front-ends use Universal Rendering to provide a common rendering solution, standardizing the display of applications.
  • The Genero Desktop Client (GDC) embeds a Chrome webview; the version of the Chrome webview is dependent on the Qt version used to build the GDC.
  • Genero Mobile for Android™ (GMA) uses the Chrome webview embedded in Android where the app is running. The webview component, when separated from Chromium, is the Android System WebView. The version of the Chrome webview – and when it is updated – varies based on the Android version; however, if you keep your Android device updated, the Chrome webview should also be up-to-date.
Note:

An up-to-date Chrome webview is required to display applications in Universal Rendering.

  • Genero Mobile for iOS (GMI) uses the Safari® webview embedded in iOS; the version of the Safari webview depends on the iOS version where the app is running. The Safari webview is called "WKWebView", where the "WK" stands for WebKit.

Multiple versions of the GBC may be available, due to customization or updates. Each Genero front-end has rules that determine which GBC is used for Universal Rendering. To specify the GBC used:

  • For applications delivered by the Genero Application Server (GAS), see Working with Genero Browser Client in the Genero Application Server User Guide.
  • For the GDC, see Specify which GBC to use in the Genero Desktop Client User Guide.
  • For mobile apps:
    • If you are packaging using gmabuildtool or gmibuildtool, see Building Android apps with Genero or Building iOS apps with Genero in the Genero Business Development Language User Guide.
    • If you are packaging using Genero Studio, see Packaging for a mobile device in the Genero Studio User Guide.
  • For developing applications in Genero Studio, see Configure for a GUI client and Configure for the Web client in the Genero Studio User Guide.