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Lots of software would be better (from the user's POV) as a desktop app. However as a developer and as a software business owner/investor, it's (much) better to
by roel_v 6y ago
Lots of software would be better (from the user's POV) as a desktop app. However as a developer and as a software business owner/investor, it's (much) better to write web apps. So it depends on what you're asking here. Should you invest in desktop dev skills to further your career? No. Should you write your software idea as a desktop app if you want to make a business of it? Not if you can avoid it. If you're asking something else, well I guess the answer is 'maybe'.
- cpach 6y agoOTOH, creating desktop apps is a skill in itself that one might want to master. At least in the Mac ecosystem this is a regarded skill and amongst the users there is a willingness to pay for apps. SaaS might still be more lucrative though.
- chadcmulligan 6y ago> However as a developer and as a software business owner/investor, it's (much) better to write web apps. Why do you say that?
- dtly 6y agoScaling out cross-platform, lower cost of investment to support multiple OS/Devices. User does not need to worry about dependencies and libraries - they just need to make sure they're running a somewhat up-to-date version of a modern browser. Users are not tied to a single device either.
- Dotnaught 6y agoAs a business, it's not to your advantage to have to ask permission from app store owners. The web does not require permission from a third-party that may decide to compete with you.
- benibela 6y agoBut with the app stores you get more users I basically had no users for one of my desktop apps for seven years, till I ported it to mobile and put it in the normal app store
- amelius 6y agoBecause of the main advantages of SaaS: recurring payments and data lock-in.
- tonyedgecombe 6y agoAdobe achieves that with desktop apps, if you can call it an achievement.
- TomMarius 6y agoSadly I am not Adobe
- WilliamEdward 6y agoAchievement is a big word here. They had to shove it down people's throats with a bloated, buggy, and expensive app suite.
- tonyedgecombe 6y agoYes although people still put their hand in their pocket every month so they must be getting some value from it.
- rohan1024 6y agoI think he is saying that because with webapps you have - control over your software and updates - no one can pirate your software/service
- ken 6y agoHow do you have more "control over your software" with a web app? With a native app, I can do virtually anything. With a web app, I can really only do what (Google ∩ Apple ∩ Microsoft)'s web browser teams decided to prioritize, and allow, and optimize. As for 'pirating', is that a serious concern these days? I've only ever heard about it being an issue at big companies selling software to other big companies, where it's solved with "license servers".
- hellisothers 6y agoI think they mean rapid, continuous deployment. If it’s a web app you can push out changes every day to near universal adoption. With a native app you have to cajole users to update
- ZoomZoomZoom 6y ago>> How do you have more "control over your software" with a web app? It means they can break a program I'm using at any moment they wish, even after I paid for it.
- tfehring 6y agoHere's PG's response from 2001: http://www.paulgraham.com/road.html http://www.paulgraham.com/road.html