Desktop application development begins by selecting the appropriate platform approach: native (Windows/macOS/Linux), cross-platform toolkits, and the distribution strategy. A clearly defined MVP and an initial prototype help validate workflows, performance requirements, and the overall user experience on real devices.

As the product evolves, stability, updates, and packaging take center stage. Thoughtful management of file systems, permissions, offline capabilities, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures everyday reliability, while an update system and crash analytics ease long-term maintenance.