Building a desktop app starts with selecting the appropriate platform approach: native for Windows/macOS/Linux, cross-platform frameworks, and the distribution method. A clearly defined MVP and an early prototype help verify workflows, performance needs, and the overall user experience on real devices.

As the product evolves, stability, updates, and packaging take center stage. Careful management of file systems, permissions, offline functionality, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures the app remains reliable in daily use, while a robust update system and crash reporting streamline long-term maintenance.