Building a desktop app begins by selecting an appropriate platform approach: native for Windows/macOS/Linux, cross-platform frameworks, and the distribution method. A clearly outlined MVP and an initial prototype help verify workflows, performance requirements, and the overall UX on real hardware.

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