Desktop Application Development: Basics and How To Begin

Desktop applications run on operating systems like Linux, Windows, and macOS. Examples include Microsoft Office, VLC Media Player, and Windows File Explorer.

To use a desktop application, you can simply download it from the official website, install it, and launch it from the desktop or start menu. These applications store user data locally, allowing offline access.

Desktop application development involves creating applications that run on computers. Common programming languages include Java, C#, C++, Python, Ruby, and JavaScript to create desktop applications.

This article will help you understand how the desktop application development process works and the different platforms you can use to create them.‍

Table of contents:

• Desktop application development basics
• Desktop development vs. web development
• The best desktop application development platforms
• Tips for selecting a platform
• Other tools and frameworks
• How to get started developing desktop applications
• Best practices in desktop application development
• Modern trends
• Desktop application FAQ

Desktop application development basics

Desktop applications vary in complexity and functionality. Gaming software, for example, focuses on specific features, while programs like Microsoft Office offer a wide range of features. Some programs are easy to use, while others require particular skills and knowledge.

Development methodologies for desktop applications

Choosing the right development methodology is essential to create a successful desktop application. Different methodologies offer various advantages depending on the project's complexity, requirements, and flexibility needs. Two popular methodologies commonly used in desktop application development include:

• Agile methodology. Agile is suitable for projects requiring flexibility and iterative progress. It allows for regular updates and feedback, making it ideal for complex applications needing constant improvement.
• Waterfall methodology. Waterfall is a linear approach best suited for projects with well-defined requirements and simpler applications where changes are minimal once development begins.

Complex applications and their unique requirements

Some applications need basic OS permissions while others, like antivirus software, require administrative privileges to function correctly. For example, antivirus applications or others that need to make changes to OS-specific files or access secure directories may not work correctly if they are not granted elevated administrative privileges.

Complex applications like Adobe Premiere Pro require specific hardware, such as a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, a 2GB GPU, and an Intel® 6th Generation or newer processor. Such software is programmed to reject computers that do not meet the minimum requirements, so developers must ensure the software runs only on compatible systems.

Types of desktop software

Desktop software comes in various forms, each serving different purposes and user needs. Understanding the types of desktop software can help in selecting the right tools for specific tasks and ensuring efficient workflows. Some common types of desktop software are:

• Application software. Users install these programs to help them perform specific tasks. For example, a photo editing app could be installed to modify images.
• Programming software. These applications allow you to develop, test, and troubleshoot other software apps. Such programming software includes Visual Studio, IntelliJ IDEA, and Eclipse.
• System software. These programs provide an abstraction layer over the hardware, thus creating an enabling environment in which to perform functions. Examples of system software include game engines, operating systems (OS), and virtual assistants.
• Browsers. These applications allow you to access the internet and web content. Examples of browsers include Firefox, Chrome, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge.

Best practices for managing dependencies and libraries

Effectively managing dependencies and libraries is crucial for successfully developing and maintaining desktop applications. Proper management ensures that your application remains stable, secure, and efficient. Some best practices to follow when handling dependencies and libraries include:

• Using package managers. Tools like npm, NuGet, and Maven help manage dependencies efficiently.
• Tracking versions. Keep track of library versions to ensure compatibility and stability.
• Performing regular updates. Update dependencies to the latest stable versions to benefit from security patches and new features.

Importance of user experience (UX) in desktop application design

User experience (UX) is a critical factor in the success of desktop applications. A well-designed UX enhances user satisfaction, promotes ease of use, and ensures the application meets user needs. Key aspects of UX to consider in desktop application design include:

• Intuitive interface. Ensure the application is easy to navigate and use, enhancing user satisfaction.
• Consistent design. Maintain a consistent look and feel across the application for better usability.
• Performance optimization. Optimize the application to run smoothly, providing a seamless user experience.

Desktop development vs. web development

Web development allows you to create websites and other web applications using programming languages. PHP, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS are some program languages you can use for web development.

Desktop applications differ from web applications in a number of ways. We explore those and the pros and cons of each in the following sections.

Connectivity requirements

Web applications are highly dependent on internet connectivity; users need an internet connection to access and use these applications effectively. This dependency can be a limitation in areas with poor or no internet access, making web apps less reliable in these situations.

On the other hand, desktop applications can work locally without needing an internet connection. Users can perform tasks and store and retrieve data directly on their devices, making these applications more reliable offline. This can be a significant advantage for users who require constant access to their tools without relying on internet connectivity.

Web applications

• Pros: Accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection; no need for installation; automatic updates.
• Cons: Requires a stable internet connection; may have performance issues due to network latency.

Desktop applications

• Pros: Can work offline; generally faster performance since they are not reliant on internet speed.
• Cons: Requires installation and manual updates; platform-specific limitations.

Development tools and technologies

Desktop applications have traditionally been developed using high-level programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Pascal, Swift, Go, and Ruby. These languages are well-suited for creating robust, high-performance desktop software.

Web applications, on the other hand, typically use languages such as JavaScript, PHP, CSS, and HTML, which are designed for creating dynamic, interactive web pages and applications.

Many of these languages have evolved to support both web and desktop application development. For example, Python can be used to create data science desktop applications as well as backend APIs for front-end web apps. This flexibility allows developers to use their preferred languages across different types of applications.

Traditional desktop development

• Pros: Robust performance; deep integration with the operating system; extensive libraries and frameworks.
• Cons: Requires separate development for each platform; complex installation and update processes.

Web development

• Pros: Cross-platform compatibility; easy to update and deploy; large ecosystem of tools and frameworks.
• Cons: Dependent on internet connectivity; potentially less performant than native desktop applications.

Installation and updates

Users have to download and install desktop applications on their devices. Updates also require downloading and installing new versions, which can be time-consuming and require user intervention.

Web applications don’t require any installation. They can be accessed via browsers, and users will generally have access to the most up-to-date software automatically as updates are deployed server-side.

Desktop applications

• Pros: Full control over the installation process; can be used offline.
• Cons: Time-consuming installation and update process; requires user action to keep software up to date.

Web applications

• Pros: No installation required; always up to date with the latest features and fixes.
• Cons: Requires internet access; updates can introduce changes unexpectedly.

Accessibility

Desktop applications are platform-specific and require an executable package to be downloaded and installed. This process can be time-consuming and may not be as user-friendly, particularly for non-technical users.

Web applications can be quickly accessed by navigating to a specific URL. This ease of access makes web applications more convenient and user-friendly (assuming a stable internet connection), especially for users who may not be comfortable with installation processes.

Desktop applications

• Pros: Can offer deeper integration with the operating system; better performance for resource-intensive tasks.
• Cons: Time-consuming to install; platform-specific, requiring different versions for different operating systems.

Web applications

• Pros: Easily accessible from any device with a browser; no installation required.
• Cons: Dependent on internet connectivity; may not perform as well as native desktop applications.

Security

Desktop applications are generally more secure because system-specific policies protect them. Users or administrators have better control over these applications and can monitor the types of resources and directories being accessed.

Web applications are more challenging to secure and are vulnerable to a number of attacks, such as session hijackings, SQL injections, cross-site scripting, broken authentication, and malicious file execution. Ensuring robust security for web applications requires ongoing vigilance and advanced security practices.

Desktop applications

• Pros: Better control over security settings; less exposed to web-based vulnerabilities.
• Cons: Potential security risks from outdated software; users must manage their security settings.

Web applications

• Pros: Centralized security management; updates can quickly address security vulnerabilities.
• Cons: Exposed to a wider range of attacks; requires continuous monitoring and updating to stay secure.

The best desktop application development platforms

Choosing the right desktop development platform can help you save time, reduce boilerplate code, and increase your overall productivity. A good platform ensures you can access the dependencies or tools needed to create a high-quality desktop application.

Here are some of the top platforms for desktop application development.

‍Electron Js

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Electron Js is a software framework that allows you to engage in the cross-platform development of applications using CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. Some popular desktop applications built using Electron Js are InVision, Slack, Twitch, WhatsApp, and Visual Studio Code.

Top features

• Cross platform. Electron Js enables you to create cross-platform apps. This means you can use a single code base to generate applications for Linux, Windows, and Mac operating systems.
• Open source. The OpenJS foundation, in collaboration with hundreds of developers, maintains Electron Js. This huge community can help with bug fixes and new feature development and might be able to help if you encounter roadblocks.
• Automatic updates. Electron Js allows desktop applications to update themselves automatically once they’ve been installed. Programmers can use this feature to ensure that users always have the latest features.
• Crash reporting and analytics. Electron Js collects data on how your application performs in real environments. You can use this information to identify bottlenecks and fix performance issues.
• Web technologies. Electron Js runs on Node.js and Chromium engine, which allows you to build desktop apps using JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. If you have a web development background, building desktop applications using the Electron Js platform is easy.
• Good distribution. Electron Js uses Electron Forge to package all your source code into a platform-specific installation file, which you can then share with end users. In other words, Electron Forge helps move your application from the development environment to production quickly.

WPF

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Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) is a framework that enables you to create the user interface of your Windows applications using the XAML language. You can use WPF to develop other application features like layouts, controls, resources, models, and documents.

Top features

• XAML support. WPF allows you to quickly create your declarative UIs using the Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML).
• Compatibility. WPF is compatible with the NET framework, which contains libraries and tools for building games, web, mobile applications, and other microservices. You can use these libraries to improve the functionality of your application.
• Responsive layouts. A good layout should adapt to changes in the window or screen size. WPF provides an extensible layout system that controls the responsiveness of your UI components. The layout control system includes Canvas, WrapPanel, VirtualizingStackPanel, StackPanel, Grid, and DockPanel. With this out of the way, you can focus on implementing actual application logic.
• Better input and command handling. WPF uses routed and direct events for mouse positioning, focus management, and text input. You can use these events to build highly interactive applications.

WinForms

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Windows Forms or WinForms helps you build user interfaces for your Windows desktop application.

Top features

• Drag-and-drop editor. WinForms enables you to easily drag, drop, and arrange elements in your application.
• Interactive UIs. WinForms is compatible with the Net framework, which grants you access to libraries and other dependencies for building different aspects of your interface.
• Data visualization. WinForms allows you to retrieve data from an API, JSON file, XML, or other data sources and display them in a tabular format using the DataGridView component. This feature speeds up your application development process.

Cocoa

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Cocoa provides an integrated development environment, runtime system, and object-oriented framework for iOS and OS X operating systems. You can use Cocoa to build mobile and desktop applications. However, you will need to download Interface Builder or XCode to access Cocoa’s functionalities.

Top features

• UI objects. Cocoa provides numerous UI elements that allow you to create user interfaces for macOS desktop applications. The UI objects include sliders, radio buttons, text fields, navigation bars, date pickers, dialog sheets, and drawers.
• Performance. Cocoa helps you build high-performing applications through features such as memory management, lazy loading, multithreading, and concurrency.
• Multi-language support. If you are building an application for different regions, Cocoa helps you localize your resources, such as images, text, and some UI aspects.
• Networking. Cocoa also adds desktop applications to communicate with external APIs and servers using sockets and internet protocols.
• System interaction. Cocoa acts as an abstraction layer, which enables you to interact with the file system and other OS-level functionalities.

Universal Windows Platform (UWP)

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Universal Windows Platform (UWP) helps you create desktop applications specifically designed for Windows 10 and 11.

Top features

• Responsive layouts and adaptive controls. UWP allows you to create user interfaces that adapt according to screen size or DPI (density per pixel). UWP applications are also compatible with different controls, such as game controllers, mice, touch, and keyboards.
• App store. You can distribute your UWP application to users through the Microsoft Store. You can also use the Azure Monitoring tool to understand how individuals interact with your program and make improvements.
• Monetization. UWP allows you to monetize your application through techniques such as in-app purchases and ads or by specifying a standard download fee on the Microsoft Store.
• Security and transparency. With UWP applications, developers have to specify the different resources their programs use. For instance, you might specify that your application uses a webcam, location, and microphone. Individuals can either permit or deny access to these resources.

Tips for selecting a platform

Choosing the right platform for your desktop application project depends on several factors, including your project requirements, team expertise, and target audience. Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision.

• Project requirements. Assess your project's specific needs. For example, Electron Js might be the best choice if you need a cross-platform application. For Windows-specific applications with rich user interfaces, WPF or UWP could be more suitable. If you need high-performance applications for macOS, Cocoa is an excellent option.
• Team expertise. Consider the skills and experience of your development team. If your team has a strong background in web development, Electron Js might be easier to adopt. For teams with experience in .NET, WPF or WinForms could be more efficient. If your team is proficient in Swift or Objective-C, Cocoa is the way to go.
• Target audience. Understand your target audience and their preferred platforms. If your users primarily use Windows, developing with WPF, WinForms, or UWP might be more appropriate. For macOS users, Cocoa is the obvious choice. For a diverse audience across multiple platforms, Electron Js provides the flexibility to reach users on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select the most suitable platform for your desktop application, ensuring a successful development process and a high-quality end product.

Other tools and frameworks

Various tools and frameworks play crucial roles in desktop application development, enhancing productivity, maintaining code quality, and ensuring smooth project management.

This section looks into integrated development environments (IDEs), version control systems, and libraries, offering comparisons to help you choose the right tools for your needs.

IDEs

Version control systems

Libraries and frameworks

How to get started developing desktop applications

Developing desktop applications can be engaging and rewarding. However, knowing how to get started can be challenging.

Below are some steps you can follow to get started developing your desktop applications:

1. Develop an idea and interest

Developing desktop applications can sometimes be frustrating, even if your project is rewarding in the end. To get through times like these, you’ll need passion and interest. Dedicating time to solving different programming challenges is possibly the most important step in developing great desktop applications.

Establish clear goals as well, and determine why you want to develop desktop applications. This can give you a better idea of some of the apps you might want to build.

Clearly defining your goals could have a positive impact on your development journey and possibly even your career.

2. Design the application

When you’re ready to start building, it’s time to develop some designs and mockups for your desktop application. Designs help you expand your ideas and understand how your application might work.

To create designs and mockups for your application, consider trying some of these tools:

• Moqups. This is a great tool for designing mockups, wireframes, and prototypes. Moqups is also useful for visualizing and validating your app ideas, providing an environment for sharing ideas and collaborating with teammates.
• Adobe XD. This tool helps you create web, app, and game designs. You can also create interactive wireframes and prototypes for your application.
• Mockplus. This is a simple drag-and-drop tool for creating prototypes for web, mobile, and desktop apps. The integrated drag-and-drop editor and pre-designed components make Mockplus suitable for beginners. You can also collaborate with other teammates to complete designs.

During the design process, consider the following tips:

• Function. The design should highlight how the application works and emphasize its key features.
• Usability. Determine how your application will help users accomplish specific goals. Having an easy-to-use interface can boost the overall user experience.
• Responsiveness. Today, users have devices with a variety of screen sizes. Your application should be responsive and support different device displays.
• Typography. Use legible fonts. Unless necessary, avoid fancy fonts that take too long to load. These can negatively impact user experience.

3. Choose a programming language

Choose a programming language to help you achieve your goals. Some popular languages for building desktop applications include Java, JavaScript, Go, C++, and C#.

Don’t try to learn all the programming languages at once—you’ll likely get overwhelmed and disheartened. At best, it would consume a lot of your time and affect your long-term productivity. Instead, try to master a specific language first.

If you’re building native applications for Windows devices, you should focus on C# or C++. For cross-platform applications, you should embrace JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.

4. Select a development platform

Though you can create a desktop application entirely from scratch using native tools and languages, this can be unnecessarily time-consuming.

Electron JS is best suited for cross-platform applications. You can use a single code base to deploy an application on Windows and MacOS which saves significant time.

If you’re targeting Windows devices only, consider using Universal Windows Platform since it provides the latest tools for building apps. Apple has a somewhat limited development environment. Therefore, you’ll need to use the default Cocoa framework to create macOS-specific applications.

5. Install an IDE

Once you’ve chosen your preferred development framework, you can install an integrated development environment (IDE). An IDE helps you write better code, save time, and identify errors in your program’s source code.

Depending on your operating system and development framework, you can download and use IDEs such as Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, and XCode.

6. Create the application

Now, you can start developing your application. Remember, if you experience challenges, you can consult online forums such as Stack Overflow and official documents to find solutions.

At this stage, you should have a list of all features that your app requires to work. Rather than trying to implement everything at once, consider going step by step. In other words, finish implementing one feature before moving to the next. This strategy can help limit confusion in the development process and allow you to measure progress.

Though you can write code using basic tools such as Notepad, this isn’t recommended; identifying errors using this method is difficult. You should instead use an integrated development environment since it has valuable features such as debugging tools, code insight and completion, and resource management. IDEs also allow you to quickly compile, package, and build your desktop application.

Before taking a break, remember to save your work. Though most IDEs can save your code automatically, it doesn’t hurt to double-check. Otherwise, you may lose your code, which could set you behind.

7. Test your application

Once you finish coding, test your desktop application to ensure all features work as expected. Consider sharing your application with family and friends to get their feedback. Analyzing early user experience can be an important step in improving your application.

If possible, ask for feedback from professional application testers. They might identify issues that could affect your application's performance and could provide improvement tips.

8. Distribute the app

Once your application is complete, you can begin delivering it to users. If your app is for Windows users, use the Microsoft Store. If it's for macOS users, use the Apple Store.

Alternatively, you can host your application on a website and then direct users to download and install it from there.

You can use social media marketing and digital ads to promote your application and attract even more users. Social platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok may help you reach a large audience quickly for little or no cost.

9. Track progress

Once you’ve distributed your application, you need to track how it’s being used. Use analytical tools such as Azure Monitor to keep an eye on your application’s performance and make improvements.

Once you’ve mastered a programming language and gained essential software development skills, consider gaining more experience by providing development services through Upwork.

Best practices in desktop application development

Developing desktop applications involves a series of best practices to ensure high quality, user satisfaction, and maintainability. Best practices in desktop application development include:

• Conducting thorough research and feedback collection. Start by conducting in-depth research to understand the needs and preferences of your target audience. Engage with potential users through surveys, interviews, and usability testing. Collect feedback regularly throughout the development process to ensure your application meets user expectations and solves their problems effectively.
• Creating detailed planning. Develop a clear project plan outlining all stages of the development process. This should include timelines, milestones, resources, and risk management strategies. Detailed planning helps manage the project efficiently and avoid scope creep.
• Designing user-friendly and responsive interfaces. Design interfaces that are intuitive and easy to navigate. Ensure the application is responsive and adapts well to different screen sizes and resolutions. Use design tools like Adobe XD, Figma, or Sketch to create wireframes and prototypes that can be tested with users before actual development.
• Opting for cross-platform compatibility. If your application needs to run on multiple operating systems, choose technology stacks that support cross-platform development. Tools like Electron JS and Qt allow you to write code once and deploy it across different platforms, saving time and resources.
• Following clean code principles. Write clean, readable, and maintainable code by following best practices such as proper naming conventions, modular design, and avoiding code duplication. Use comments and documentation within the code to explain complex logic.
• Performing regular code reviews. Conduct regular code reviews to ensure code quality and consistency. Peer reviews help identify potential issues early, improve code standards, and facilitate knowledge sharing among team members.
• Using version control. Use version control systems like Git to manage your codebase effectively. They allow you to track changes, collaborate with other developers, and revert to previous versions if needed.
• Learning optimization techniques. Optimize your application for performance by using efficient algorithms, minimizing resource consumption, and leveraging hardware acceleration where possible. Profile your application to identify performance bottlenecks and address them promptly.
• Protecting user data. Implement robust security measures to protect user data and ensure privacy. Use encryption for data storage and transmission, implement secure authentication and authorization mechanisms, and regularly update your application to patch security vulnerabilities.
• Conducting unit, integration, and user testing. Conduct thorough testing at different levels, including unit testing for individual components, integration testing for interactions between components, and user testing to ensure the application meets user requirements. Automated testing tools like Selenium, TestComplete, and JUnit can streamline the testing process and improve efficiency.
• Providing documentation for users and developers. Provide comprehensive documentation for both end-users and developers. User documentation should include installation guides, user manuals, and FAQs. Developer documentation should cover code structure, APIs, and development guidelines. Clear documentation helps users make the most of your application and assists developers in maintaining and extending the codebase.
• Performing ongoing maintenance. Regularly update your application to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. Engage with your user base to gather feedback and address issues promptly. Continuous maintenance ensures your application remains relevant and useful over time.

Modern trends

Desktop application development is evolving with technological advancements and changing user expectations. Cross-platform development is a key trend, with tools like Electron JS, Qt, and Xamarin enabling single-codebase applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Progressive web apps (PWAs) also offer offline functionality and native-like performance.

AI and machine learning are increasingly integrated into desktop applications, providing personalized features like natural language processing and predictive analytics. AI automates tasks, optimizes workflows, and enhances productivity and security.

Cloud integration enables real-time data synchronization, remote access, and collaboration, as seen in Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud. Cloud infrastructure improves scalability and performance for handling large data volumes and complex computations.

Emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are set to revolutionize desktop applications, offering immersive experiences and smart device interactions. Edge computing brings computation closer to data sources, reducing latency and enhancing real-time processing. Blockchain technology enhances security and data management, while quantum computing promises faster solutions for complex problems.

By embracing these trends and technologies, developers can create innovative, future-proof desktop applications that meet evolving user and business needs.

Desktop application FAQ

Discover some answers to the questions you might have regarding desktop application development.

What is a desktop application?

A desktop app is software that runs on a computer device with an operating system such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, or MacOS.

What is desktop application development?

Desktop application development is the process of creating apps that run locally on computers.

What is a desktop app development framework?

A desktop application development framework contains the libraries and plugins that help you to create programs. You can find examples of desktop development frameworks in this section. A desktop application development framework contains the libraries and plugins that help you to create programs.

Who creates applications?

A person who creates applications is called a software engineer or a developer. To be a software engineer, you need some programming knowledge and skills.

Are desktop applications dead?

Though web applications have become popular, desktop applications are still very much "alive" and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future.

What language are most desktop applications written in?

Most desktop applications are written using programming languages such as C, C#, Java, and C++. However, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS are becoming popular development languages due to frameworks such as Electron Js.

Where can I store the desktop application code to avoid losing it?

You can store your application code on GitHub, which allows you to retrieve it and work on it later.

Get custom desktop application services

In this article, we discussed what desktop application development is, as well as the steps you can follow and the frameworks you can use to launch your development career.

Getting started with desktop application development can be challenging, especially if you’re a beginner. If you need help, consider hiring qualified desktop application developers through Upwork to help point you in the right direction.

If you’re a developer looking for work, get started by providing your services to hundreds of prospective clients on Upwork today.

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Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.