As a best practice, how should workflows use a local desktop application?

The best practice for using a local desktop application within workflows involves first verifying whether the application is already running. This is crucial because attempting to open an application that is already in use can lead to errors or data conflicts. If the application is not running, the workflow should then launch it to ensure the necessary functionality is available for the task at hand.

Once the interaction with the application is complete, the workflow should appropriately close the application to free up system resources and prevent unnecessary background processes from consuming memory or CPU power. This approach not only optimizes performance but also helps maintain a clean working environment on the user's desktop.

Opening all applications at once can lead to inefficiency and may overwhelm system resources, making it difficult to manage interactions effectively. Simply interacting directly without checking if the application is running could result in errors or disruptions. Avoiding local applications altogether might not be practical, as many automated tasks rely on desktop applications to function. This illustrates the importance of a balanced and methodical approach to workflow management when working with local desktop applications.