Desktop application development starts with choosing the right platform strategy: native (Windows/macOS/Linux), cross-platform frameworks, and the distribution model. A well-defined MVP and an early prototype help validate workflows, performance needs, and the overall UX on real machines.

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