you don't need whatsapp desktop app, just go to web.whatsapp.com in browser, why would anyone bother with app (which can't be even installed on work computers)

I like the desktop app better as it’s integrated better and thus easier to use. I have notifications set up for many different apps not just messages so I want them all to function the same.

Also, I just think native apps still perform better than web apps.

And I can install it on my work computer

Not sure how it can be easier to use than already supereasy web app, notifications work same via browser and you don't need to install anything, these are really no arguments for desktop app.

If you would say desktop app can do voice/video calls which you actually use (I don't, not gonna open laptop with closed lid and external display for that) I can understand using the desktop app, but for someone who doesn't need voice/video calls on computer and is fine with better camera in phone there is no benefit in installing additional dedicated app.

Not quite sure how you can’t understand that not everyone is you. I also prefer the desktop app.

I understand it very well, that's why I asked for explanation why/how is desktop app easier to use than already very easy web app and how are notifications in desktop app different from web app. But thanks for your valuable input which provided me with definite explanation, although I didn't ask for it and I asked user I was conversing with.

The WhatsApp desktop beta for macOS is built using Catalyst, and it's pretty nice. Catalyst is when an iOS and macOS app share one codebase, but can have different interfaces. I've been using it for a few weeks and no complaints so far. I believe the stable version app is Electron (or some web technology). The beta is full on native now!

I wasn't aware of this. Thanks! The difference in performance is definitely noticeable and addresses the biggest issue I had with WhatsApp.

As a ThinkPad Linux user, how can I run this iMessage desktop app you speak of?

There isn’t even iMessage functionality in iCloud.com despite the breadth of other Apple products and services being there. Kinda odd how they left that one out, no?