Web development is a broad term for any activities related to developing a web site for the World Wide Web or an intranet. This can include e-commerce business development, web design, web content development, client-side/server-side coding, and web server configuration. However, among web professionals, "web development" usually refers only to the non-design aspects of building web sites, e.g. writing markup and coding. Web development can range from developing the simplest static single page of plain text to the most complex web-based internet applications, electronic businesses, or social network services.

For larger businesses and organizations, web development teams can consist of hundreds of people (web developers). Smaller organizations may only require a single permanent or contracting webmaster, or secondary assignment to related job positions such as a graphic designer and/or Information systems technician. Web development may be a collaborative effort between departments rather than the domain of a designated department.

Typical Areas:

Web Development can be split into many areas and a typical and basic web development hierarchy might consist of;
Client Side Coding
CSS, XHTML (in accordance to modern web design standards, XHTML's use is replacing the older HTML), Javascript,Flash (Adobe Flash Player is a ubiquitous client-side platform ready for RIAs. Flex 2 is also deployed to the Flash Player (version 9+), Microsoft SilverLight But doesnt seem to support older win9x versions.
Server Side Coding
PHP and MySQL, ASP and MSSQL, ASP.NET and MSSQL, CGI and/or Perl, Java, e.g. J2EE or WebObjects, Python, e.g. Django (web framework), Ruby, e.g. Ruby on Rails
Smalltalk e.g. Seaside, ColdFusion, Lotus Domino.