Website development is the process of creating, building, and maintaining websites or web applications that run on the internet or intranet. It involves tasks like planning, designing the site layout and visual elements, programming the front-end (user interface) and back-end (server and database), content creation, testing for functionality and usability, launching the site, and ongoing maintenance to keep it updated and secure. This process uses programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and tools like content management systems (CMS) to make development easier and more efficient. Web development ranges from creating simple static pages to complex dynamic web applications and e-commerce sites, aiming to deliver an engaging and functional user experience.