Desktop-based software refers to applications that are installed directly on a user’s computer system—such as Windows, macOS, or Linux. These programs run locally on the device and do not rely on continuous internet connectivity for most of their operations.
Accounting and financial management tools
Inventory and stock control systems
Offline editors and utility software
PC gaming applications
High-performance tools like video editors, graphic design suites, and CAD systems
For Windows (.NET based):
C# with .NET Framework or .NET Core
WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation)
WinForms (Windows Forms)
UWP (though now less commonly used)
Cross-platform options:
JavaFX / Swing (Java)
Qt (C++ or Python)
Electron (JavaScript / Node.js)
Python Tkinter / PyQt
High processing speed and smooth performance
Can run without the internet
Direct interaction with system hardware and OS features
Reliable for internal enterprise applications
Must be installed on each device
Updating multiple systems can be challenging
Often tied to a specific operating system unless cross-platform tools are used
Web-based software is accessed through web browsers such as Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. These applications operate over the internet or an internal network and do not require installation on individual devices.
Online shopping and e-commerce platforms
School and college ERP solutions
Online banking and finance portals
Social networking websites
CRM, HRM, analytics dashboards, and business portals
Frontend:
HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Frameworks: React, Angular, Vue
Backend:
ASP.NET MVC / ASP.NET Core (C#)
Node.js
PHP / Laravel
Python / Django
Java / Spring Boot
Databases:
SQL Server
MySQL
PostgreSQL
MongoDB
No installation required on user devices
Updates reach all users instantly
Works across multiple platforms, including mobiles
Can scale easily for large user bases
Requires internet access for most features
Performance may vary based on server and browser
Security measures must be strong
Browser compatibility can sometimes cause issues
| Feature | Desktop Software | Web-Based Software |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Required | Not required |
| Performance | Very fast | Depends on server/browser |
| Access | Local machine/LAN | Any device with browser |
| Updates | Manual | Automatic & instant |
| Internet Need | Not always needed | Usually required |
| Platform | OS-specific | Cross-platform |
Your technology stack—C#.NET with SQL Server—suits both desktop and web environments:
C# WinForms + SQL Server
C# WPF + SQL Server
ASP.NET WebForms
ASP.NET MVC
Php
All using SQL Server as the backend database