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

As the product matures, stability, updates, and packaging become essential. Careful handling of file systems, permissions, offline mode, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) makes the app reliable in daily use, while an update mechanism and crash reporting simplify long-term maintenance.