Desktop application development begins with selecting an appropriate platform approach: native across Windows/macOS/Linux, cross-platform frameworks, and the distribution method. An clearly defined MVP and an early prototype help verify workflows, performance requirements, and the overall UX on real hardware.

As the product evolves, reliability, updates, and packaging take center stage. Thoughtful management of file systems, permissions, offline capability, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures the app remains dependable in daily use, while an update system and crash reporting ease ongoing maintenance.