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 confirm workflows, performance requirements, and the overall UX on real hardware.

As the product evolves, stability, updates, and packaging take center stage. Careful management of file systems, permissions, offline functionality, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures reliable daily usage, while a robust update mechanism and crash reporting streamline long-term maintenance.