Building desktop software begins by selecting an appropriate platform approach: native for Windows/macOS/Linux, cross‑platform options, and how you distribute the app. A clear MVP and an early prototype assist in verifying workflows, performance requirements, and the overall user experience on actual hardware.

With product growth, reliability, updates, and packaging take center stage. Managing file systems, permissions, offline functionality, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures daily reliability, while an update system and crash analytics streamline ongoing maintenance.