Website development is the technical process that involves the creation, building, and maintenance of websites and web applications. It ranges from developing simple static web pages to complex web-based applications, e-commerce websites, and social network services. Here’s a breakdown of what it typically involves:

1. Front-End Development: This aspect focuses on the parts of the website that users interact with directly. Front-end developers use languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build the layout, design, and interactivity of a website, ensuring that the visual aspects created during the design phase work seamlessly on the web.
2. Back-End Development: This is the part of the website you don’t see. It’s responsible for storing and organizing data and ensuring everything on the client-side actually works. The back-end includes servers, applications, and databases. Back-end developers build the underlying logic and database interaction that power the site’s functionality.
3. Database Management: Many websites need to store data (like user information, content, and transaction records), which is where database management comes in. Developers set up databases to store, retrieve, manage, and manipulate data efficiently and securely.
4. Content Management System (CMS) Development: Developers can also work with a CMS (such as WordPress), which allow non-technical users to easily create, manage, and modify content on a website without the need for specialized technical knowledge.
5. Server Management: Websites need to be hosted on servers to be accessible online. Web development includes configuring and managing servers to ensure they are secure, scalable, and able to handle the website’s traffic.
6. Web Design Integration: While web design focuses on the look and feel of a website, development makes these designs functional. This involves converting the design into a functional website using coding languages and integrating design with back-end functionality.
7. Responsive Design Implementation: Developers must ensure that websites are responsive, meaning they adjust smoothly to different screen sizes and devices. This involves a mix of flexible grids and layouts, images, and an intelligent use of CSS media queries.
8. Testing and Debugging: Before and after a website goes live, it’s essential to test it extensively. This ensures that all features work as intended, the site is user-friendly, and any bugs are fixed.
9. Maintenance and Updates: Websites are not one-time builds; they require ongoing maintenance to ensure they stay up-to-date with new technologies, content, and security standards.

In essence, website development is a multifaceted discipline that requires a blend of technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving to build websites that are not only visually appealing but also functionally robust, user-friendly, and aligned with the goals of the business or individual they represent. It is the backbone of any site, ensuring not only its functionality but also its ability to adapt and evolve in the ever-changing digital landscape.