What is Web Development? (Types + Tech Stack + Process)

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What is Web Development?

Web development refers to the process of designing, developing and maintaining websites or web apps that operate online. This process involves both front-end development focusing on creating user interface and user experience, and back-end development that deals with developing server-side functionality.

Web developers use multiple programming languages to create and maintain websites or web applications. The choice of these languages relies on what the website or web app needs to do and accomplish. Also, for different types of development, different technologies are used. So, first, let’s discuss the core types of web development.

3 Core Types of Web Development

Here are the core types of web development.

Front-end development (client-side development): The practice of designing a website’s or app’s user interface and user experience. This entire process involves creating and executing the visual and interactive components like pictures, design aspects, and buttons with the help of front-end developers.
Back-end development (server-side development): The method of making a website or app’s back-end functions and rules run on a server. This includes managing user logins, keeping data safe and making sure the server properly deals with user requests.
Full-stack Development: This kind of development includes back-end and front-end web development. Full-stack engineers might work on end-user and server-side components of a web project. Their work creates all-encompassing online solutions by connecting the front-end and back-end.

Now let’s discuss the technologies used for web development.

Key Technologies Used in Web Development

Here are the key technologies used in web development shown using different categories.

Front-end Development

Technologies	Description
HTML	HTML is a standard markup language for creating web pages.
CSS	CSS, or Cascading Style Sheets, defines HTML document presentation.
Javascript	JavaScript is a scripting language that enables web page interactivity and dynamic behavior.
Typescript	TypeScript is a superset of JavaScript, adding static types to improve code quality.
Frameworks	React.js, Angular.js, and Vue.js are JavaScript UI libraries for building interactive web applications.
Bootstrap	Bootstrap is a framework that facilitates mobile-responsive web design.
SASS	SASS is CSS preprocessors that enhance stylesheets with dynamic behavior.
jQuery	jQuery is a feature-rich JavaScript library for simplifying DOM manipulation tasks.

Back-end Development

Technologies	Description
Node.js	Node.js is a JavaScript runtime used for building scalable network applications.
PHP	PHP is a scripting language specifically suited to web development tasks.
Python	Python is a high-level language known for its readability and versatility in various applications.
Ruby	Ruby is a dynamic, open-source programming language with a focus on simplicity and productivity.
Java	Java is an object-oriented programming language widely used for building enterprise-scale applications.
.NET	.NET is a Microsoft framework for developing applications that run across various platforms.
Databases	MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Oracle are systems used for storing and managing data in different ways.
Server Technologies	Apache and Nginx are web server software solutions designed for handling HTTP requests and serving web content.

Now, you know the technologies used to make websites. If you want to learn more about these technologies, our a detailed post on top web development technologies to use. This article will make it easier for you to learn about different tech tools and pick the best one for your online project.

Difference Between Web Development and Web Design

Here is a table that shows a complete comparison of web development and web design.

Aspect	Web Development	Web Design
Focus	Focuses on coding, programming, and server-side functionality.	Focuses on aesthetics, user interface (UI), and user experience (UX) design.
Core Skills	Proficiency in web programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and backend programming languages (e.g., Python, PHP, Ruby).	Proficiency in graphic design tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and UI/UX design principles.
Responsibilities	Building website functionality, working with databases, ensuring site responsiveness, and optimizing for performance.	Creating the website’s visual identity, designing layouts, wireframing, and selecting fonts and color schemes.
Tools and Software	Text editors, integrated development environments (IDEs), version control systems (e.g., Git), and server management tools.	Graphic design software (e.g., Adobe XD, Sketch), wireframing tools (e.g., Balsamiq, Figma), and prototyping tools.
Collaboration	Collaborates with web designers to implement the visual aspects of a website. Works closely with clients or project managers.	Collaborates with web developers to ensure the design is translated accurately into the final website.
Deliverables	Functional website or web application with working features and interactivity.	Visual design mockups, wireframes, style guides, and assets like images and icons.
User Interaction	Concerned with how users interact with the website’s features and functions.	Concerned with how users perceive and navigate the website, focusing on aesthetics and usability.
Testing and Debugging	Emphasis on testing code, debugging errors, and ensuring cross-browser compatibility.	Focuses on user testing, gathering feedback, and refining the design based on user experience.

Knowing the difference between making websites and designing them is needed for businesses when they plan web projects. If you want to make a website and need ideas about it, you can check out our blog on the best web development project ideas. These ideas are made to help your business keep on track with all the newest trends and technology.

7 Easy Steps for Successful Web Development

Here are the steps you need to follow for the web development process. Whether you opt to manage it on your own or work with a web development firm for experienced assistance and support.

Step 1: Make clear what your website is for and what it wants to achieve before you begin creating it. Understanding what you want to achieve is very important when making choices during the process of creating something new.

Step 2: Make a website map to arrange your site’s pages in an orderly way. This picture shows how people move around and where the main information is located.

Step 3: Pick the best technologies for your project, such as coding languages, frameworks and content management systems.

Step 4: Make a nice and easy-to-use screen with a focus on how it’s organized, what colors are used, the font types, and how people can interact. This will help make their experience better.

Step 5: Change your design into a working website. Make simple code for creating websites and apps. Check thoroughly for working properly, reacting quickly and matching well.

Step 6: Make great content and make it easy for search engines to find. Use words you know, describe what your page is about and use good coding methods to ensure it loads quickly.

Step 7: Start your website, share it in different ways and check how well it’s doing using tools that measure results. Keep updating content and learn about internet tools to keep winning long-term.

Now you know how to make a website, but this is just a short explanation. If you want to understand the full website development process better, check out our guide on how to create a website from scratch. By following this guide, you can get important info that aids in creating your site from beginning to end.

In conclusion, web development includes many tasks and tools needed for making and looking after websites and apps. It includes core 3 types of development which are front-end, back-end, and full-stack development, each serving distinct purposes.