Website development and website design are closely related but distinct fields.
Website Design
Website design focuses on the visual and user experience (UX) aspects of a website. It involves creating the layout, color schemes, typography, and overall aesthetic appeal. Designers use tools like Adobe XD, Figma, and Sketch to craft wireframes and mockups before development.
Example: A UI/UX designer creates a sleek, modern homepage layout for an e-commerce store, ensuring easy navigation and an attractive product display.
Website Development
Website development involves coding and programming to bring the design to life. Developers use languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript (for front-end), and PHP, Python, or Node.js (for back-end). They ensure the website functions correctly, loads quickly, and integrates with databases or third-party tools.
Example: A developer takes the designer’s e-commerce layout and codes it using React.js for interactivity and a back-end system like Shopify or WooCommerce for order processing.
In short, design makes a website look good, while development makes it work.