Desktop software development begins by selecting an appropriate platform approach: native options (Windows/macOS/Linux), cross‑platform frameworks, and the distribution strategy. An explicit MVP and an early prototype help verify workflows, performance requirements, and the overall user experience on real devices.
As the product evolves, stability, updates, and packaging become essential. Meticulous management of file systems, permissions, offline functionality, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures reliable daily use, while a robust update system and crash reporting support long-term maintenance.