What is web development and how is it different to software development and web design?

Web development is often used interchangeably with software development and web design. But while there is overlap between all three terms, there are also differences in focus that can be important to understand in specific circumstances.

For example, a company that positions itself as a web development agency would be likely to have a slightly different focus to another that styles itself as a software development company. Alternatively, depending on your needs, it might make the most sense to contact companies that describe themselves as web design agencies.

So let’s concisely define the differences between software development vs web development and web development vs web design.