Desktop software development begins by selecting the appropriate platform strategy: native for Windows/macOS/Linux, cross-platform frameworks, and the distribution approach. A clearly defined MVP and an early prototype help confirm workflows, performance requirements, and the overall user experience on real devices.

As the product evolves, reliability, updates, and packaging become essential. Thoughtful management of file systems, permissions, offline capability, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures the application remains dependable during daily use, while an update system and crash analytics simplify long-term maintenance.