# Desktop Product Development Processes Backlog

This document contains identified processes and methodologies for the Desktop Product Development specialization. Each process should be implemented as a workflow within the Babysitter SDK orchestration framework.

## Implementation Guidelines

### Directory Structure
```
specializations/desktop-development/
├── README.md                        # Overview and specialization details
├── references.md                    # Reference materials and tools
├── processes-backlog.md            # This file - list of processes to implement
└── processes/                      # Process implementations
    ├── [process-name].js           # Main process workflow with embedded agentic or skill based tasks, breakpoints, etc.
    └── examples/                   # Example inputs
        └── examples.json
```

### File Patterns
- **Main Process**: `processes/[process-name].js`
- **JSDoc Required**: `@process`, `@description`, `@inputs`, `@outputs`
- **Export Pattern**: `export async function process(inputs, ctx) { ... }`
- **Task Definitions**: Use `defineTask` from `@a5c-ai/babysitter-sdk`
- **Breakpoints**: Use `ctx.breakpoint()` for human approval/review gates
- **Parallel Execution**: Use `ctx.parallel.all()` for independent tasks

---

## Priority Matrix

### 🔥 High Priority (Core Desktop Development Processes)

**Project Setup & Initialization:**

- [ ] **Cross-Platform Desktop App Initialization** - Set up new desktop application project with chosen framework (Electron, Qt, Flutter, MAUI); configure build system, project structure, dependencies, and basic application scaffold
  - *Reference*: README.md "Cross-Platform Frameworks" (lines 83-257), references.md "Cross-Platform Frameworks" (lines 3-60)
  - *Tools*: Framework-specific CLIs, npm, CMake, Visual Studio, Xcode
  - *Outputs*: Project structure, configuration files, basic app scaffold, README with setup instructions

- [ ] **Desktop Build Pipeline Setup** - Configure CI/CD pipeline for building desktop applications across multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux); set up automated builds, testing, and artifact generation
  - *Reference*: README.md "Distribution and Deployment" (lines 683-754), references.md "CI/CD for Desktop Applications" (lines 476-495)
  - *Tools*: GitHub Actions, Azure Pipelines, CircleCI, electron-builder
  - *Outputs*: CI/CD configuration, build scripts, platform-specific build configurations

- [ ] **Code Signing and Notarization Setup** - Configure code signing for Windows (Authenticode), macOS (Developer ID + notarization), and Linux (GPG); set up certificate management and automated signing in build pipeline
  - *Reference*: README.md "Code Signing" (lines 630-637), "Distribution and Deployment" (lines 683-754), references.md "Code Signing" (lines 383-389)
  - *Tools*: signtool, codesign, Azure SignTool, certificate authorities
  - *Outputs*: Signing certificates, automated signing scripts, notarization workflow, security documentation

**Application Development:**

- [ ] **Desktop UI Implementation Workflow** - Design and implement desktop application user interface following platform conventions; create layouts, components, styling; ensure responsiveness and native feel
  - *Reference*: README.md "Application Architecture Patterns" (lines 342-421), "UI Component Libraries" (references.md lines 197-218)
  - *Tools*: Framework-specific UI tools (XAML Designer, Qt Creator, Figma for designs)
  - *Outputs*: UI components, layouts, styles, interaction implementations, UI documentation

- [ ] **File System Integration Process** - Implement file operations including file dialogs, file watching, large file handling, path management; ensure cross-platform compatibility and security
  - *Reference*: README.md "File System Operations" (lines 511-522), references.md "Data Storage and Databases" (lines 220-243)
  - *Tools*: Platform-specific file APIs, cross-platform abstractions
  - *Outputs*: File handling modules, error handling, permission management, cross-platform tests

- [ ] **System Tray and Menu Bar Integration** - Implement persistent system tray (Windows/Linux) or menu bar (macOS) presence; add context menus, notifications, show/hide functionality
  - *Reference*: README.md "System Tray / Menu Bar" (lines 524-534), references.md platform-specific sections
  - *Tools*: Electron Tray API, Qt QSystemTrayIcon, platform-specific APIs
  - *Outputs*: Tray/menu bar implementation, icons, context menus, notification handlers

- [ ] **Desktop Application Performance Optimization** - Profile and optimize desktop app for memory usage, startup time, UI responsiveness, and resource consumption; implement lazy loading and caching strategies
  - *Reference*: README.md "Performance Optimization" (lines 573-625), references.md "Performance Profiling and Monitoring" (lines 302-323)
  - *Tools*: Chrome DevTools, Instruments, Visual Studio Profiler, Valgrind
  - *Outputs*: Performance baseline, profiling reports, optimization implementations, benchmarks

### ⭐ Medium Priority (Platform-Specific & Advanced Features)

**Native Integration:**

- [ ] **Native Notifications Implementation** - Implement OS-level notification system with action buttons, rich content, notification center integration, and proper permission handling
  - *Reference*: README.md "Native Notifications" (lines 536-546), references.md platform-specific documentation
  - *Tools*: Platform notification APIs, Electron notifications
  - *Outputs*: Notification service, permission handling, action handlers, cross-platform tests

- [ ] **Inter-Application Communication Setup** - Implement IPC mechanisms for communication between application processes or with other applications; use URL schemes, named pipes, or message queues
  - *Reference*: README.md "Inter-Application Communication" (lines 560-571), "Main Process / Renderer Process (Electron)" (lines 383-400)
  - *Tools*: IPC libraries, platform-specific APIs, Electron IPC
  - *Outputs*: IPC modules, communication protocols, security validation, documentation

- [ ] **System Services Integration** - Integrate with OS-level services including authentication (Windows Hello, Touch ID), keychain, printing, accessibility, power management
  - *Reference*: README.md "System Services Integration" (lines 548-558), references.md "Secure Storage" (lines 401-407)
  - *Tools*: Platform-specific APIs, keytar for credential storage
  - *Outputs*: Service integration modules, permission handlers, fallback mechanisms

**Security & Updates:**

- [ ] **Desktop Security Hardening** - Implement security best practices including sandboxing, secure data storage, input validation, secure network communication, and context isolation
  - *Reference*: README.md "Security Considerations" (lines 627-681), references.md "Security Tools and Libraries" (lines 391-414)
  - *Tools*: Platform sandboxing, encryption libraries, security scanners
  - *Outputs*: Security implementation, threat model, security audit report, documentation

- [ ] **Auto-Update System Implementation** - Implement automatic update mechanism with signature verification, background downloads, update notifications, rollback capability
  - *Reference*: README.md "Auto-Update Systems" (lines 738-754), "Update Security" (lines 660-670), references.md "Auto-Update Frameworks" (lines 376-381)
  - *Tools*: electron-updater, Squirrel, Sparkle/WinSparkle
  - *Outputs*: Update service, version checking, delta updates, rollback mechanism, user notifications

**Platform-Specific Development:**

- [ ] **Windows-Specific Feature Implementation** - Implement Windows-specific features including registry operations, UAC handling, Windows Store packaging (MSIX), high DPI support
  - *Reference*: README.md "Windows Development" (lines 267-291), references.md "Windows Development" (lines 63-104)
  - *Tools*: Visual Studio, WPF/WinUI tools, MSIX packaging tools
  - *Outputs*: Windows-specific modules, MSIX package, high DPI handling, UAC prompts

- [ ] **macOS-Specific Feature Implementation** - Implement macOS-specific features including sandboxing, entitlements, Apple Silicon compatibility, Keychain integration, Retina support
  - *Reference*: README.md "macOS Development" (lines 293-316), references.md "macOS Development" (lines 106-141)
  - *Tools*: Xcode, SwiftUI/AppKit, codesign, Instruments
  - *Outputs*: macOS-specific modules, sandbox entitlements, universal binary, Keychain integration

- [ ] **Linux Distribution Packaging** - Create packages for multiple Linux distributions (DEB, RPM) and universal formats (AppImage, Flatpak, Snap); configure desktop integration
  - *Reference*: README.md "Linux Distribution" (lines 720-736), references.md "Linux Distribution Packaging" (lines 167-172)
  - *Tools*: dpkg-deb, rpmbuild, AppImageKit, flatpak-builder, snapcraft
  - *Outputs*: Multi-format packages, desktop entry files, icons, installation scripts

### 💡 Lower Priority (Testing & Quality Assurance)

**Testing Infrastructure:**

- [ ] **Desktop Unit Testing Setup** - Set up unit testing framework for desktop application; write tests for business logic, utility functions, data models; configure test runners
  - *Reference*: README.md "Unit Testing" (lines 756-768), references.md "Testing Frameworks" (lines 272-281)
  - *Tools*: Jest, NUnit, xUnit, Google Test, Qt Test, XCTest
  - *Outputs*: Test framework configuration, unit tests, code coverage reports, CI integration

- [ ] **Desktop UI Testing Workflow** - Implement automated UI testing for desktop applications; test user interactions, visual regressions, accessibility; run tests on multiple platforms
  - *Reference*: README.md "UI Testing" (lines 780-789), references.md "UI Testing" (lines 283-289)
  - *Tools*: Playwright, WinAppDriver, XCTest UI Testing, Spectron
  - *Outputs*: UI test suite, test scenarios, visual regression baselines, test reports

- [ ] **Cross-Platform Testing Process** - Test application across different OS versions, hardware configurations, and screen resolutions; verify consistent behavior and appearance
  - *Reference*: README.md "Platform Testing" (lines 801-810), "Best Practices Summary" (lines 812-823)
  - *Tools*: Virtual machines, cloud testing services, multiple physical devices
  - *Outputs*: Platform compatibility matrix, test results, bug reports, compatibility documentation

**Specialized Processes:**

- [ ] **Desktop Internationalization (i18n) Implementation** - Implement multi-language support with translation management, locale-specific formatting, RTL support, and translation workflow
  - *Reference*: references.md "Internationalization (i18n)" (lines 416-431)
  - *Tools*: i18next, FormatJS, Qt Linguist, NSLocalizedString, Crowdin
  - *Outputs*: Translation infrastructure, language files, locale handling, translation workflow

- [ ] **Desktop Accessibility Implementation** - Implement accessibility features including screen reader support, keyboard navigation, high contrast themes, and ARIA attributes (for Electron)
  - *Reference*: README.md "Best Practices Summary" (line 814), references.md "Accessibility" (lines 433-452)
  - *Tools*: Accessibility Inspector, NVDA, VoiceOver, axe-core
  - *Outputs*: Accessibility implementations, screen reader support, keyboard shortcuts, accessibility audit

- [ ] **Desktop Analytics and Telemetry Integration** - Implement user analytics, crash reporting, and telemetry while respecting user privacy; collect usage metrics and error reports
  - *Reference*: references.md "Analytics and Telemetry" (lines 454-473)
  - *Tools*: Sentry, Mixpanel, Google Analytics, Application Insights
  - *Outputs*: Analytics integration, crash reporting, privacy controls, metrics dashboard

**Architecture & Patterns:**

- [ ] **MVVM Pattern Implementation for Desktop** - Implement Model-View-ViewModel architecture for desktop application; set up data binding, commands, and separation of concerns
  - *Reference*: README.md "Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM)" (lines 344-362), references.md "WPF Overview" (lines 66-74)
  - *Tools*: Framework-specific MVVM tools, data binding systems
  - *Outputs*: MVVM architecture, ViewModels, Models, data binding setup, documentation

- [ ] **Desktop Application Migration Strategy** - Plan and execute migration from one desktop framework to another or legacy modernization; assess codebase, plan incremental migration, implement and validate
  - *Reference*: README.md "Cross-Platform Strategies" (lines 423-507), "Platform Abstraction Layer" (lines 446-465)
  - *Tools*: Code analysis tools, framework-specific migration guides
  - *Outputs*: Migration plan, risk assessment, incremental migration steps, validation criteria

---

## Process Count Summary

**Total Identified**: 20 processes

**By Category:**
- Project Setup & Initialization: 3 processes
- Application Development: 4 processes
- Native Integration: 3 processes
- Security & Updates: 2 processes
- Platform-Specific Development: 3 processes
- Testing Infrastructure: 3 processes
- Specialized Processes: 3 processes
- Architecture & Patterns: 2 processes

**By Priority:**
- High Priority: 7 processes
- Medium Priority: 8 processes
- Lower Priority: 8 processes

---

## Implementation Notes

### Key Characteristics of Desktop Development Processes

1. **Cross-Platform by Default**: All processes should consider multi-platform deployment unless specifically platform-focused
2. **Performance-Critical**: Desktop apps must be responsive and resource-efficient
3. **Native Integration**: Leverage OS-specific features while maintaining abstraction
4. **Security-First**: Code signing, sandboxing, and secure storage are essential
5. **Offline-Capable**: Desktop apps should function without constant internet connectivity

### Integration with Babysitter SDK

- **Breakpoints**: Use for platform-specific testing, design reviews, security audits, code signing approval
- **Parallel Tasks**: Building for multiple platforms, running tests on different OS versions, packaging
- **Task Dependencies**: Ensure build completes before signing, tests pass before distribution
- **Human-in-Loop**: Critical for security certificate management, platform testing validation, release approval

### Framework Considerations

**Electron:**
- Focus on IPC security, context isolation, preload scripts
- Bundle size optimization, memory leak prevention
- Auto-update with electron-updater

**Qt:**
- Emphasis on C++ performance, memory management
- Qt Quick/QML for modern UIs, Qt Widgets for traditional
- Cross-platform native look and feel

**WPF (Windows):**
- MVVM architecture, XAML data binding
- Windows-specific integrations and features
- .NET ecosystem leverage

**SwiftUI/AppKit (macOS):**
- Native macOS conventions and integrations
- Apple platform consistency
- Sandboxing and notarization requirements

**Flutter Desktop:**
- Dart language patterns, widget composition
- Platform channels for native features
- Consistent UI across all platforms

**.NET MAUI:**
- Unified project structure, conditional compilation
- Native controls with platform-specific rendering
- Blazor hybrid integration option

### Success Metrics

Each process implementation should define:
- **Input validation**: Required dependencies, framework version, target platforms
- **Output quality**: Build artifacts, test coverage, documentation completeness
- **Time estimates**: Typical duration for setup, development, testing phases
- **Resource requirements**: Development tools, certificates, testing devices

### Testing Requirements

- **Unit tests**: Business logic, utilities, data models
- **Integration tests**: File system, network, database operations
- **UI tests**: User interactions, visual consistency
- **Platform tests**: Windows 10/11, macOS (last 3 versions), Linux (major distros)
- **Performance tests**: Startup time, memory usage, CPU utilization

### Security Requirements

- **Code signing**: All platforms require signed binaries
- **Sandboxing**: macOS App Store mandatory, recommended for others
- **Secure storage**: Use OS keychain/credential managers
- **Update verification**: Signature validation before applying updates
- **Input validation**: All user inputs and external data

---

**Created**: 2026-01-23
**Specialization**: Desktop Product Development
**Specialization Slug**: `desktop-development`
**Process Count**: 20 identified processes
**Status**: Phase 2 Complete - Ready for Phase 3 (JavaScript implementation)
