Building a desktop application begins by selecting an appropriate platform approach: native across Windows/macOS/Linux, cross-platform tools, and the deployment method. Defining a solid MVP and an initial prototype helps confirm workflows, performance requirements, and the user experience on real hardware.

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