The web is swallowing the desktop whole (2017)
If desktops could make a platform where I can write my app in one language, host it on my own server and get global distribution running in a sandboxed environment then I&#x27;d consider it.<p>The web distribution model is just so much nicer for users and devs.  No app stores, no install&#x2F;uninstall process, no access to system internals.<p>I can deploy an app today and just send a link to my friends for them to use it.  It takes a day just to put together an app store submission with all the necessary screenshots and configuration, not to mention the lengthy review process which could then deny me permission to launch.<p>The difficulty and uncertainty means that many MVPs launch web first where there&#x27;s less risk, and more reach, for the same amount of effort.  Only after a successful web launch are native apps developed.<p>Sure there are exceptions if the app requires features not yet available on the web (persistence, actually good multithreading, low level access) but the feature gap is closing slowly.