Desktop application development begins by selecting an appropriate platform strategy: native (Windows/macOS/Linux), cross-platform frameworks, and the distribution approach. A clearly defined MVP and an early prototype help validate workflows, performance requirements, and the overall UX on real hardware.

As the product evolves, reliability, updates, and packaging become essential. Proper management of file systems, permissions, offline capabilities, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) makes the application dependable in daily use, while an update system and crash reporting simplify long-term support.