Web development is a crucial aspect of the internet, involving the creation and upkeep of websites and web applications. It merges front-end development, which deals with user interface and experience, and back-end development, which handles server-side logic and databases. Technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks such as React and Node.js are integral to this field. Web development ensures that websites are visually appealing, functional, and accessible to users across various devices and platforms.