Hi, can I use Kobweb in an existing Kotlin multipl...

# kobweb

[Chi-Hsuan Wu]

Hi, can I use Kobweb in an existing Kotlin multiplatform project?

[David Herman]

It depends what you're trying to do.

[David Herman]

First, check out: https://github.com/varabyte/kobweb#what-about-compose-for-web-canvas

[David Herman]

Basically, you have to think of Compose for Web DOM as a fairly different UI approach. It will be hard to share UI code between C4W DOM and, say, Android and Desktop.

[David Herman]

However, if you just want to share business logic between a C4W site and your other projects, then sure, that's fine.

[David Herman]

In short
Compose for Web DOM is getting to use Kotlin instead of JS/TS
Compose for Web Canvas is getting to use Kotlin instead of Dart (i.e. Flutter)

[Chi-Hsuan Wu]

I am currently using Compose DOM to let my existing KMM project support for web. My problem is that I cannot find a way to set up Kobweb without creating a new project.

[David Herman]

You basically need to consider on of your modules is now a Kobweb application module

[David Herman]

To do that, you need to do a few things...

[David Herman]

1. Set a dependency on my artifact repository location
2. Apply the Kobweb Gradle Application plugin
3. Update your build.gradle.kts script
4. Add a .kobweb/conf.yaml file in your Kobweb application module's folder

[David Herman]

The dependency on the artifact repository location can be found in settings.gradle.kts

[David Herman]

If I were you, I'd create a new empty module in your application, maybe site or whatever, and then create a dummy project on the side, and copy it over.

[David Herman]

(Note that the Kobweb Gradle Application plugin is pretty opinionated. It wants to create your index.html and main.kt files for you, and you probably already have one, which is why it's probably good to create a new module)

[David Herman]

Once you have the new module building within your project, copy code over incrementally.

[David Herman]

I apologize there's not a better way yet. With my limited resources, I still need to focus on supporting new projects, but I hope this will get better someday. I can help you out if you are willing to try!

[Chi-Hsuan Wu]

Thanks, I'll give it a try

[David Herman]

You may want to play with a dummy Kobweb project first to make sure you are happy with what Kobweb does for you.

[David Herman]

Good luck!

[Chi-Hsuan Wu]

It works! Thanks!

[David Herman]

Wow, great job!!

[David Herman]

I'm impressed you navigated that on your own 👍 Sorry if it was frustrating.

[David Herman]

In case anyone finds this thread in some future search, I went ahead and added a section to the README with more detailed instructions:

https://github.com/varabyte/kobweb#adding-kobweb-to-an-existing-project