When working with websites, there are two main stages to be aware of: production and development. Understanding whether a website is in production or development is important for web developers, designers and even users. These two terms define the current state of a website and help manage expectations for functionality, updates and potential bugs.
In this blog, we will explore what website production and website development mean, how to identify which stage your website is in and why it matters.
What Is Website Development?
Website development refers to the process of building or updating a website. During this stage, the website is usually not live for the public and is hosted in a development environment. This environment is where all the testing, troubleshooting, and coding adjustments take place.
In website development, the team of developers works on building features, testing new designs, or resolving bugs. Here are some key characteristics of a website in the development phase:
Testing Environment:
A website under development is typically hosted on a private server that can not be accessed by public. It’s a private space where the developers can make changes without affecting the live website.
Work in Progress:
The website may not be fully functional, and some features might be incomplete. This is normal in the development stage as the website is being worked on.
Frequent Updates:
A website in development will see constant updates, as developers add new features or fix problems. Since it’s not public, users won’t experience interruptions.
The goal of website development is to prepare the website for its public release in the production environment. Once everything is working as expected, the website will move to the next stage—website production.
What Is Website Production?
Website production refers to the live version of a website that is available to the public. This is the final stage where the website is fully functional, and users can access it. In production, the website is expected to operate without major issues, as all the testing and troubleshooting were done during the development phase.
Some key characteristics of a website in production are:
Publicly Accessible:
A website in production is hosted on a live server, allowing anyone to visit it via its URL. It’s the finished product intended for end users.
Stable and Functional:
Once a website has been moved to production, it is expected to function smoothly. Major updates or changes are usually avoided in the production environment to prevent downtime or bugs.
Less Frequent Changes:
Websites in production generally receive fewer updates. However, periodic maintenance or security updates may be performed to keep the website running optimally.
In simple terms, website production is when the website is “live,” while website development is when it’s still being worked on behind the scenes.
How to Tell If a Website Is in Production or Development?
Now that you understand the difference between website development and website production, you might wonder how to figure out if a website is in production or development. Below are some easy ways to check.
URL Structure
- A website in development often has a URL that is different from the final one. For example, it may be hosted on a subdomain or a local server
- Websites in production will use their official URL, such as www.website.com
Website Functionality
- If a website is missing features, or if certain parts don’t work as expected, it might still be in development. Developers may be testing the website before its public release
- A website in production should have all its features fully operational. Any major bugs or issues should have been resolved during development
Password Protection
- Sometimes, websites in development are password-protected. This is to ensure that only authorized users, like developers or project managers, can access the unfinished website
- Production websites are open to the public without any login requirements
Design and Content
- Websites in development often contain placeholder content, such as “Lorem ipsum” text or blank spaces where images will be added later
- Websites in production will have polished content, including the final text, images, and designs
Frequent Changes
- If you notice a website is constantly changing or going offline for updates, it might still be in development. Developers are often working on making it ready for production
- Websites in production have fewer frequent changes, and any downtime is usually planned and announced ahead of time
Why It Matters if a Website is in Production or Development?
Understanding whether a website is in production or development is important for various reasons. This assists developers and stakeholders in setting realistic expectations, scheduling updates and tackling potential challenges.
Here’s why it matters:
For Developers:
Knowing the stage of a website allows developers to focus on different tasks. In the development stage, they can experiment, add features, and troubleshoot without worrying about user impact. In production, the focus shifts to maintaining stability and ensuring the website runs smoothly.
For Project Managers:
Project managers need to keep track of deadlines and deliverables. Knowing whether the website is in development or production helps them provide accurate updates to clients or stakeholders.
For Users:
Website users should know whether they are interacting with a live website or one that is still in development. For example, a user visiting a development site may experience broken links or missing features, while a production site should offer a complete experience.
The Transition from Development to Production
The process of moving a website from development to production is called deployment. During this process, developers will transfer the website’s files and code to the live server. It’s a crucial phase, as any mistakes during deployment can impact how the website operates.
Here’s what typically happens during deployment:
Final Testing:
Before deployment, developers run final tests to ensure everything works as expected.
Backup Creation:
To avoid data loss, a backup of the website is made in case anything goes wrong during the transition.
Go Live:
Once everything is ready, the website is moved from the development environment to the production server. At this point, the website becomes accessible to the public.
Conclusion
Knowing whether a website is in production or development can save time and help you understand how the website is performing. If you’re a developer, managing both stages carefully ensures a smooth transition for users. For non-developers, being aware of these stages can help set expectations when dealing with websites that are still being worked on.
Whether you’re working on website development or managing a website produced for public use, it’s important to stay aware of the differences between these two stages. Each has its unique characteristics, and knowing how to identify them can make all the difference in maintaining a smooth and functional website experience.
