Overview
In this tutorial, we will learn about desktop applications. Desktop applications run on desktop computers, workstations, laptops, and personal computers(PCs).
What is a desktop application?
A desktop application is a software program that runs locally on a desktop computer and interacts with the Operating System(Windows, Mac, Linux, etc). The user or administrator must install the software on the computer to use it. These applications are also called stand-alone applications.
It usually has a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows desktop users to interact with the application, input and output data. Desktop applications are distinct from web-based or mobile apps that operate on a web browser or mobile device. Web-based and mobile apps typically need an internet connection, whereas desktop applications can function offline. Some desktop applications may have online capabilities like cloud synchronization, storage, etc.
Examples
Some examples of desktop applications are as follows:
Windows operating system:
Microsoft Word, MS Excel, Photoshop, Notepad, etc.
Linux operating system:
Thunderbird, Firefox, LibreOffice suite, etc.
Technologies
Desktop applications are developed using various programming languages and frameworks based on the operating system and intended functionality. Windows is a commonly used OS for running desktop apps.
The technologies frequently used to build desktop applications are as follows:
- Java (JavaFX, AWT, and Swing)
- .NET Framework (VB.NET, WinForms)
- Visual Basic
- Visual C++, etc
Testing Desktop applications
Software testing involves examining the functionality, security, usability, and stability of desktop applications. Some common types of desktop testing techniques include:
Functionality testing: To verify that the application meets the specified requirements and performs the intended tasks.
GUI feature testing: To check the appearance, layout, and navigation of the user interface elements.
Load testing: To measure the performance and behavior of the application under different workloads and scenarios.
Backend (database) testing: To validate the data integrity and consistency between the application and the database.
Memory leaks defect testing: To detect any memory leaks or resource consumption issues that may affect the application’s performance or stability.
Compatibility testing: To ensure the application works well with different operating systems, hardware configurations, and software dependencies.