Starting with the right platform approach is essential for desktop app development: native options (Windows/macOS/Linux), cross‑platform tools, and how the product will be distributed. A clearly defined MVP and an early prototype help confirm workflows, performance requirements, and the overall user experience on real hardware.

As the product evolves, stability, updates, and packaging take center stage. Thoughtful management of file systems, permissions, offline support, and integrations (device APIs, peripherals, enterprise authentication) ensures the application remains dependable in everyday use, while a robust update system and crash analytics aid long-term maintenance.