Building a desktop application begins by selecting an appropriate platform approach: native across Windows/macOS/Linux, cross-platform frameworks, and the deployment method. A clear MVP and an initial prototype assist in validating workflows, performance requirements, and the overall user experience on real hardware.

As the product evolves, reliability, updates, and packaging take center stage. Thoughtful management of file systems, permissions, offline capabilities, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures daily reliability, while an update system and crash reporting ease long-term maintenance.