Web Development

The easiest way to determine what is Web Design and what isWeb Development, is that Web Design is about what you see.  All web sites have a web design.  Some web sites also involve programming, database access, perhaps e-commerce capability.  All of these are run behind the scenes.  This backend support is Web Development.

Web Development is both less glamorous and more complex than web design.  It's what makes more complex web designs work.  It can turn a web site into a web application, providing a range of services from document management to online purchasing. 

With databases, a website can maintain email lists, visitor information, forums, surveys, guestbooks, product information, archives, and variable content.  You can use them to personalize your site, providing each visitor with the information and/or format they prefer.  For sites that require registration or membership, databases are used to maintain login and membership information. 

Databases
Databases are used to store and organize information, and to readily retrieve it immediately, or at a later time.  This simple concept can provide a surprising amount of power and flexibility.  If you collect and/or use information, you'll want to use a database.

Programming
Programming is what ties the back end together.  Programming is used to check the information a user enters, insuring for example that all required fields have been filled in, or that a phone number is all digits.  A site can be programmed to save collected information in a database, or to email it to you or to someone else (ie recommend this site to a friend).  Search engines use programming to find the requested information.  Chat rooms, many special effects, and even ecommerce are possible through programming.