Web development is a complex process that involves the building of a site from scratch while encompassing all the design as well as non design elements. The process can be divided into different life cycle steps to give a systematic explanation of the development processes. This article focuses on the life cycle of web development.

The first step of the web development process is analysis. Analysis covers how the site to be created will help the business in question and how it is going to be integrated into the already existing business system. It will consider the target audience and the present software, hardware, data and people. The analysis process should not take too much time but it should review all the important information and come up with a cost efficient plan that is also realistic by consulting all the stake holders that is the designers, developers and even testers.

Step number two is specification building and it involves drawing up of the initial specifications that cover each and every element required for the development process. Elements such as the website layout, navigation system and dynamic parts of the site should all be drawn up in the specifications. If the website is going to be a corporate or ecommerce site, further consultations may be necessary for any additional elements required. Once all the specifications are defined, they are compiled in a proposal that details the whole scope of the project.

The third step is the design and development process. This step involves designing the general layout and navigation of the site while including all the specified elements in the proposal such as graphics. It requires the co-operation of the designer with the client in order to give the client something that is not only appealing for them but also that will work for their site. This step is followed by content building for the site. The client may choose to use professional for this step or do it themselves.

The step that follows is coding which is done by programmers. The codes specify how the site will look on computers or browsers and they should not interfere with the design. For dynamic sites, the code should make use of the website template. The step generates database driven functions as well as technical documents. The step that follows is testing and it is carried out to ensure that the site will function well in the system that it will be integrated into. Some of the things tested for include integration, scalability, load time, resolution and cross-browser compatibility.

Once the testing is done, the site is marketed in order to draw traffic. This step includes creation of Meta tags as well as submission of URL into search engines and directories.  URL submission can take place in intervals of two months and the webmaster can also consider using other promotion methods such as paid click submissions at a small fee. The last step is the maintenance and updating of the site. The site will need constant updating to keep it fresh and in touch with new trends as well as to offer current information to visitors.