Starting with selecting an appropriate platform approach—native options (Windows/macOS/Linux), cross‑platform frameworks, and how you’ll distribute—the process sets the foundation for desktop apps. A clear MVP and an initial prototype help confirm workflows, performance requirements, and the overall user experience on real devices.

As the product evolves, reliability, updates, and packaging take center stage. Thoughtful management of file systems, permissions, offline functionality, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) keeps the app dependable in everyday use, while a robust update system and crash reporting ease ongoing maintenance.