Building desktop software begins by selecting an appropriate platform approach: native (Windows/macOS/Linux), cross-platform frameworks, and how you plan to distribute it. A clear MVP and an early prototype help validate workflows, performance requirements, and the overall user experience on real devices.

As the product evolves, reliability, updates, and packaging take center stage. Attending to file systems, permissions, offline capability, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures dependable daily use, while an update system and crash reporting streamline ongoing maintenance.