Desktop application development begins with selecting an appropriate platform approach: native (Windows/macOS/Linux), cross-platform frameworks, and the distribution method. A clearly defined MVP and an early prototype help confirm workflows, performance requirements, and the overall user experience on real devices.

As the product evolves, reliability, updates, and packaging take center stage. Meticulous management of file systems, permissions, offline capabilities, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures dependable day-to-day operation, while an update system and crash analytics ease ongoing maintenance.