8 Best-Selling Desktop App Development Books Millions Trust

When Charles Petzold first got deeply involved in Windows programming, he realized there was a lack of clear guidance on the core Win32 API that developers needed to master. This book breaks down fundamental Windows programming concepts like input/output, dialog boxes, Unicode handling, graphics, multitasking, and more, offering detailed examples that teach you how to work directly with Windows 95, 98, and NT internals. You’ll gain precise skills in creating robust desktop applications with practical insights into dynamic-link libraries and multiple-document interfaces. If you're aiming to understand Windows programming beyond surface-level frameworks, this book gives you the foundational knowledge you need, though it’s best suited for those comfortable with programming basics.

Drawing from his extensive experience as an educator and MCSD developer, Matthew MacDonald crafted this book to demystify Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) for developers familiar with C#. You’ll start with solid grounding in fundamental concepts before progressing to advanced techniques, learning how to build rich, responsive Windows applications that leverage the full power of the .NET 4.5 framework. Chapters on data binding, control templating, and animation provide concrete skills you can apply immediately. If you’re aiming to deepen your desktop development expertise, this book delivers a thorough, example-driven path without unnecessary jargon.

This tailored book explores proven strategies for mastering Windows desktop application development, focusing on your interests and background to provide a truly personalized learning journey. It examines essential concepts such as Windows APIs, user interface design, and application architecture while addressing your specific goals for building robust, efficient desktop software. By blending widely validated knowledge with insights tailored just for you, it reveals practical approaches to enhance your development skills and deepen your understanding of core technologies. Readers will appreciate how this tailored content matches their experience and desired focus areas, making complex topics accessible and engaging throughout.

Drawing from decades of experience with Microsoft technologies, Pete Brown offers a detailed guide to building Windows Store apps using C# and XAML. You’ll gain practical knowledge of the Windows 8.x app model, touching on everything from layout panels and controls to asynchronous programming and app deployment. The book covers integrating new Windows features like touch input, app-to-app communication, and network services, with clear examples illustrating each concept. If you have a background in C# but are new to Windows Store development, this book helps you bridge that gap effectively, showing how to create apps that leverage the Windows Runtime and .NET 4.5.

When Paul Jensen noticed the challenges developers faced with traditional desktop app frameworks, he crafted this guide to harness web skills for desktop environments. You’ll learn to build cross-platform apps using Node.js with Electron and NW.js, covering practical projects like a file explorer, a selfie app, and desktop notifications. The book dives into APIs for camera access, clipboard handling, and keyboard shortcuts, plus testing and packaging your apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It suits developers familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript seeking to bridge web development with desktop application creation.

When Pouria Amirian first realized how steep the learning curve was for leveraging ArcGIS with .NET, he set out to demystify the process for developers and GIS professionals alike. This book guides you through mastering ArcObjects within the ArcGIS for Desktop environment, starting from programming basics in C# and VB.NET to building custom commands, tools, and extensions. You'll gain hands-on experience with querying, processing, visualizing geographic data, and deploying add-ins for desktop applications. If you're striving to bridge geographic information systems with software development, this book offers a concrete pathway through complex concepts to practical application.

This tailored book explores a step-by-step approach to building desktop applications using Electron and NW.js, blending foundational concepts with your unique interests and goals. It covers essential topics like cross-platform compatibility, user interface design, and native integration, focusing on techniques that match your background and learning objectives. By integrating proven development methods with personalized guidance, it reveals how to efficiently craft versatile apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux within a 30-day framework. This personalized resource ensures you focus on the most relevant aspects, accelerating your mastery of desktop app development in a way that resonates with your experience and aspirations.

Unlike most desktop app development books that dive straight into theory, Roger Deutsch draws on his 23 years in IT to guide you through programming Windows 10 Universal Windows Apps with a hands-on approach. You’ll build projects from the ground up, following the author’s clear examples and screenshots that walk you through creating functional desktop apps. The book emphasizes learning by doing, helping you grasp how apps behave and why, rather than overwhelming you with exhaustive background. If you’re comfortable starting with practical experience and want to understand UWP development specifically for Windows 10 desktop environments, this book is tailored for you.

When Mr. Alex Khang Phd first realized the complexity behind building robust Windows desktop applications, he drew on nearly three decades in IT to create a resource that untangles WPF and C# programming. You’ll gain a deep understanding of over 50 key WPF features—from UI controls and data binding to Entity Framework integration and deployment strategies—equipping you to build professional, maintainable software. The book’s chapters, like those on data grouping, routed events, and drag-and-drop infrastructure, offer detailed explanations and practical examples that sharpen your coding skills. If you’re aiming to develop modern Windows desktop apps with reusable and scalable code, this book aligns well with your goals, though those seeking only basic introductions might find it dense.

After analyzing countless programming tools and environments, Ockert J. du Preez developed a thorough guide to mastering Visual Studio 2019. This book walks you through everything from installation to advanced features like custom IDE extensions, Live Unit Testing, and Azure integration. You’ll learn how to streamline your coding workflow, debug effectively, and create cloud-powered applications using real-world examples. Whether you’re new to .NET or a seasoned developer, the detailed chapters on ASP.NET, mobile tools, and Azure DevOps extensions equip you to tackle complex desktop, web, and mobile projects with confidence.