Building desktop software begins with selecting an appropriate platform approach: native across Windows/macOS/Linux, cross-platform frameworks, and the distribution method. A clearly defined MVP and an early prototype assist in confirming workflows, performance requirements, and the overall user experience on actual hardware.
As the product evolves, reliability, updates, and packaging take center stage. Proper management of file systems, permissions, offline capabilities, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures daily reliability, while an update system and crash reporting streamline long-term maintenance.