Building a desktop app begins by selecting an appropriate platform approach: native across Windows/macOS/Linux, cross-platform frameworks, and how it will be distributed. A clearly defined MVP and an initial prototype help confirm workflows, performance requirements, and the overall user experience on physical devices.

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