Development vs. Implementation — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 5, 2023
Development is the process of creating or improving something, while implementation is the act of putting it into effect or action.
Difference Between Development and Implementation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Development encompasses the process of ideating, designing, and creating a new product, system, or plan. It is a multifaceted phase involving research, innovation, and refinement. During development, objectives are set, and prototypes may be created.
Implementation takes the outcomes of development and puts them into real-world operation. This phase is where theories and designs are translated into functional, working systems or products. Implementation often involves logistical planning, training, and problem-solving.
In the realm of software, for example, development involves writing code and creating software functions, while implementation involves installing the software on devices and ensuring it works as intended for the end-users.
Development can also refer to personal or professional growth, whereas implementation does not have a personal growth connotation but is about execution. Development implies evolution and progress, while implementation is about realization and action.
Development is a necessary precursor to implementation. One cannot implement what has not been developed. However, a developed plan or product that is not implemented holds no value in practice. Thus, development and implementation are sequential and complementary processes.
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Comparison Chart
Phase
Initial phase: ideating and creating.
Later phase: executing and operating.
Focus
Process-oriented, often experimental.
Results-oriented, focused on practical application.
Goal
To bring something into existence or improve it.
To put the developed product or plan into action.
Skill Set
Often requires creativity and technical knowledge.
Requires organizational and execution skills.
Tangibility
May not result in an immediate tangible product.
Results in a tangible change or product in use.
Compare with Definitions
Development
The act of bringing to a more advanced or effective state.
Her development of a new marketing strategy increased sales.
Implementation
The action of executing or practicing a plan or procedure.
The implementation of the new software began across all departments.
Development
Growth or progress in personal, social, economic, or cultural spheres.
Early childhood development is critical for lifelong learning.
Implementation
The process of putting a plan or system into operation.
Successful implementation of the policy required thorough training.
Development
The process of developing or being developed
The paintings provide evidence of his artistic development
She traces the development of the novel
Implementation
The act of realizing an application, or execution of a plan, idea, model, etc.
He was responsible for the implementation of the new teaching method at the school.
Development
An event constituting a new stage in a changing situation
I don't think there have been any new developments since yesterday
Implementation
The carrying out or execution of a plan, idea, model, design, specification, standard, algorithm, or policy.
The project's implementation phase ran smoothly, despite some initial concerns.
Development
The process of converting land to a new purpose by constructing buildings or making use of its resources
Land suitable for development
Implementation
The conversion of a strategic, tactical plan into action.
The team celebrated the successful implementation of the event.
Development
The process of starting to be affected by an ailment or feeling
The development of brittle bones
Implementation
Implementation is the realization of an application, or execution of a plan, idea, model, design, specification, standard, algorithm, or policy.
Development
The process of treating photographic film with chemicals to make a visible image
Agitation is carried out while a film is processed to ensure even development
Implementation
The process of putting a decision or plan into effect; execution
She was responsible for the implementation of the plan
Development
The process of bringing one's pieces into play in the opening phase of a game
I sought to take advantage of Black's defective development
Implementation
A tool, utensil, or other piece of equipment used in doing work
A gardening implement.
Development
The application of techniques or technology to the production of new goods or services.
Implementation
An article used to outfit or equip someone
Ecclesiastical implements.
Development
The business of constructing buildings or otherwise altering land for new uses.
Implementation
A means of achieving an end; an instrument or agent.
Development
A significant event, occurrence, or change
A news story covering the latest developments in the scandal.
Implementation
To put into practical effect; carry out
Implement the new procedures.
Development
A group of dwellings built by the same contractor
Bought a condo in a new development built by the river.
Implementation
To supply with implements.
Development
The organized activity of soliciting donations or grants; fundraising.
Implementation
The process of moving an idea from concept to reality. In business, engineering and other fields, implementation refers to the building process rather than the design process.
Now that the requirements are complete we can move on to implementation.
Development
Elaboration of a theme with rhythmic and harmonic variations.
Implementation
(electronics) A result of implementing something; a finished product, system or device.
His implementation works, but it needs some fine-tuning.
Development
The central section of a movement in sonata form, in which the theme is elaborated and explored.
Implementation
The act of accomplishing some aim or executing some order;
The agency was created for the implementation of the policy
Development
(uncountable) The process of developing; growth, directed change.
The development of this story has been slow.
Implementation
The act of implementing (providing a practical means for accomplishing something); carrying into effect
Development
The process by which a mature multicellular organism or part of an organism is produced by the addition of new cells.
The organism has reached a crucial stage in its development.
Development
(countable) Something which has developed.
Our news team brings you the latest developments.
Development
A project consisting of one or more commercial or residential buildings.
Development
The building of such a project.
Development
(uncountable) The application of new ideas to practical problems (cf. research).
Our development department has produced three new adhesives this year.
Development
The active placement of the pieces, or the process of achieving it.
White's development is good, but black's has been hampered by the pawn on e5.
Development
(music) The process by in which previous material is transformed and restated.
Development
(music) The second section of a piece of music in sonata form, in which the original theme is revisited in altered and varying form.
Development
(math) The expression of a function in the form of a series.
Development
The act of developing or disclosing that which is unknown; a gradual unfolding process by which anything is developed, as a plan or method, or an image upon a photographic plate; gradual advancement or growth through a series of progressive changes; also, the result of developing, or a developed state.
A new development of imagination, taste, and poetry.
Development
The series of changes which animal and vegetable organisms undergo in their passage from the embryonic state to maturity, from a lower to a higher state of organization.
Development
The act or process of changing or expanding an expression into another of equivalent value or meaning.
Development
The elaboration of a theme or subject; the unfolding of a musical idea; the evolution of a whole piece or movement from a leading theme or motive.
Development
A tract of land on which a number of buildings have been constructed; - especially used for tract on which from two to hundreds of houses have been constructed by a commercial developer{4} for sale to individuals.
Development
Act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining;
He congratulated them on their development of a plan to meet the emergency
They funded research and development
Development
A process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage);
The development of his ideas took many years
The evolution of Greek civilization
The slow development of her skill as a writer
Development
A recent event that has some relevance for the present situation;
Recent developments in Iraq
What a revolting development!
Development
The act of making some area of land or water more profitable or productive or useful;
The development of Alaskan resources
The exploitation of copper deposits
Development
A district that has been developed to serve some purpose;
Such land is practical for small park developments
Development
A state in which things are improving; the result of developing (as in the early part of a game of chess);
After he saw the latest development he changed his mind and became a supporter
In chess your should take care of your development before moving your queen
Development
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level;
He proposed an indicator of osseous development in children
Development
Processing a photosensitive material in order to make an image visible;
The development and printing of his pictures took only two hours
Development
The process of creating or improving products, systems, or plans.
The software's development took two years of intense coding.
Development
The systematic use of scientific and technical knowledge to meet specific objectives.
The development of the new drug involved numerous clinical trials.
Development
A step in the lifecycle of a product or concept before it is ready for use.
The housing development included plans for both homes and parks.
Common Curiosities
Can the same team handle both development and implementation?
Yes, but it may require different skill sets and expertise.
What is the first step in development?
The first step is often identifying a need or an idea for improvement.
Can implementation occur without development?
No, because there must be something developed to implement.
Can implementation affect the overall success of a project?
Absolutely, poor implementation can undermine even the best development work.
Are there industries where development is more critical than implementation?
No, both are critical across all industries for success.
Does development always lead to implementation?
Not always; some developments may never be implemented.
Is development more creative than implementation?
Generally, yes, development often requires more creative thinking.
How do timeframes for development and implementation compare?
Development timeframes can be variable, while implementation often has a stricter schedule.
Is user feedback more important in development or implementation?
It's important in both, but especially in development to ensure the end product meets user needs.
Are there methodologies specific to development?
Yes, such as Agile or Waterfall in software development.
Does development typically involve more research?
Yes, development often requires extensive research and testing.
Can implementation involve training?
Yes, especially if the development is related to new systems or processes.
Is implementation always the final phase?
Typically, yes, though it can be followed by evaluation and further development.
Can a project be re-implemented after further development?
Yes, further development can lead to subsequent rounds of implementation.
Is development an ongoing process?
Yes, it can be, especially in fields like technology where continuous improvement is essential.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
