Building a desktop app begins by selecting an appropriate platform approach: native on Windows/macOS/Linux, cross‑platform options, and the distribution model. Defining a solid MVP and an early prototype helps verify workflows, performance requirements, and the overall UX on real devices.

As the product evolves, reliability, updates, and packaging take center stage. Managing file systems, permissions, offline capabilities, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures dependable daily use, while a robust update system and crash reporting ease ongoing maintenance.