7 Desktop Development Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

While working as a Microsoft MVP and seasoned development consultant, Matt Lacey observed the growing need for apps that run seamlessly across multiple platforms without rewriting code. This book teaches you how to leverage the Uno Platform to build cross-platform applications using familiar C# and XAML, covering Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and WebAssembly. You learn to set up your development environment, create apps for diverse business scenarios, and combine technologies to accelerate your workflow. If you know Windows app development and want to expand your skills efficiently, this book offers a clear path to creating versatile, customer-facing applications.

What started as an exploration of .NET 8’s fresh capabilities became a detailed guide through the evolving landscape of native desktop app development. Sai Kumar Koona, a recognized MVP in C# and Senior Technical Architect, draws on his extensive experience to navigate you through frameworks like WinForms, WPF, MAUI, Blazor Hybrid, and the Windows App SDK. You’ll gain hands-on knowledge of using the .NET CLI, applying design patterns, and leveraging new C# 12 features, with chapters dedicated to practical implementation and architectural best practices. This book suits developers and UI/UX designers who want to deepen their skills in building modern, cross-platform desktop applications using Microsoft’s latest technologies.

This personalized book explores the art of building versatile cross-platform desktop applications, tailored to match your background and goals. It covers essential concepts and practical techniques that bridge multiple operating systems and development environments, ensuring you grasp the nuances of portability and performance. The content focuses on your interests, weaving together core principles with targeted insights to help you master application design and deployment across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. You’ll gain a clear understanding of cross-platform libraries, UI frameworks, and platform-specific considerations, all organized to suit your learning needs. This tailored guide reveals how to navigate and integrate diverse tools efficiently, offering a curated path through complex expert knowledge.

Matthew MacDonald’s decades of experience as an MCSD developer and educator shine through in this detailed guide to Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) in .NET 4.5. You’ll start by revisiting core C# concepts as a foundation before progressing to advanced topics like custom controls, data binding, and animation techniques. The author’s methodical approach demystifies WPF's complexities, helping you harness its full capabilities for rich Windows user interfaces. This book suits developers aiming to deepen their desktop development skills with practical examples and clear explanations, though newcomers to C# might find its pace demanding.

Ockert J. du Preez's extensive background as a self-taught developer and Microsoft MVP shines through this detailed exploration of Visual Studio 2019. You’ll learn how to harness the IDE’s full potential—from customizing your workspace with extensions and mastering debugging tools to leveraging Azure integration for cloud-first applications. The book walks you through practical features like Live Unit Testing and JavaScript IntelliSense improvements, empowering you to write cleaner, faster code. Whether you're fresh to .NET or a seasoned developer, this guide equips you with the skills to tackle desktop, mobile, and web projects efficiently, though those seeking only basic introductions might find it a bit dense.

When Charles Petzold first realized the need for a definitive guide to Windows programming, he set out to decode the complexities of the Win32 API for developers. This edition meticulously covers core topics such as input and output handling, Unicode support, graphics rendering including text and bitmaps, and system-level features like multitasking and dynamic-link libraries. You’ll gain a solid grasp of Windows internals, from dialog boxes to multiple-document interfaces, making it a practical reference whether you’re building simple utilities or sophisticated applications. While some chapters like those on Internet programming reflect the 1990s context, the foundational knowledge remains relevant for anyone delving into classic Windows development.

This tailored book explores a focused pathway designed to rapidly elevate your desktop development skills within three months. It covers essential concepts, practical coding techniques, and platform-specific nuances, all matched to your existing knowledge and personal goals. By concentrating on the areas most relevant to your background, the book delivers a clear, actionable learning experience that moves beyond generic advice to targeted growth in desktop development. The book examines a variety of desktop frameworks, programming languages, and real-world scenarios to help you build confident, versatile software development expertise. This personalized approach ensures your learning journey aligns tightly with what you want to achieve, making the process efficient and deeply engaging.

Dr. Holger Flick's decades of experience in Delphi programming culminate in a detailed guide that moves beyond basics to develop a full-fledged desktop application integrated with an API and ORM. You learn to create an entity class model that enables flexible data management across databases without direct SQL, thanks to TMS Aurelius. The book also walks you through generating dynamic reports with TMS FlexCel and securing web services via TMS XData, making it practical for modern application demands. Whether expanding your Delphi skills or starting fresh, this book equips you with concrete techniques and source code to build robust, maintainable software.

What if everything you knew about desktop app development was wrong? Denys Vuika argues that traditional boundaries between web and desktop apps are fading, thanks to Electron. You learn how to leverage your existing JavaScript and Node.js skills to build cross-platform desktop applications with frameworks like Angular, React.js, and Vue.js. Chapters guide you through practical projects—from a Markdown editor to a music player and even a digital wallet—demonstrating real integration techniques, including analytics and automatic updates. This book suits JavaScript developers ready to expand into desktop development without diving into native languages.