Develop vs. Build — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 8, 2024
Develop involves gradual improvement or creation of ideas, skills, or products, focusing on progress and refinement. Build refers to the physical or digital construction of objects, structures, or systems, emphasizing the assembly and creation process.
Difference Between Develop and Build
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Develop is a term that captures the essence of gradual enhancement, growth, or creation across various domains, including software, skills, and business strategies. It encompasses a broad spectrum of activities aimed at refining, expanding, or advancing existing conditions or creating new ones from the ground up. On the other hand, build specifically refers to the act of constructing something through the assembly of parts or elements. This can involve physical construction, like buildings or machinery, or the creation of digital structures, such as software or websites.
Development is often associated with a process that includes research, innovation, and the application of knowledge to achieve improved outcomes. Building emphasizes the tangible aspects of creation, bringing components together to form a cohesive whole.
In software terminology, to develop means to design, write, and improve code, focusing on the entire lifecycle of software creation, including planning, programming, testing, and maintenance. Development processes aim to meet user needs, address bugs, and add new features, reflecting an ongoing commitment to enhancement. Conversely, to build in software development often refers to the specific process of compiling source code into executable programs. The building phase is a crucial step that translates human-readable code into a form that computers can execute, representing a subset of the broader development lifecycle.
In the context of business and personal growth, developing skills or strategies involves identifying areas for improvement, acquiring new knowledge, and applying it to achieve better performance or outcomes. Development in this sense is continuous, focusing on evolution and adaptation over time. Building, in a business context, might refer to establishing a company's physical presence, infrastructure, or creating a team laying down the foundational elements necessary for the business to operate and grow.
Urban development and building construction showcase the distinction between these terms in the real estate and architecture industries. Urban development includes planning, designing, and improving land use, infrastructure, and public spaces to enhance quality of life and meet community needs. It involves strategic decisions on how to best use resources and space for sustainable growth. Building construction, in contrast, focuses on the actual process of erecting structures, applying architectural designs, and engineering principles to create buildings that serve specific purposes within the developed urban landscape.
ADVERTISEMENT
While developing a project or concept often entails a comprehensive approach that includes ideation, planning, and continuous improvement, building is more narrowly focused on the physical or digital manifestation of those ideas. Development can be seen as a more abstract, encompassing concept that might include building as one of its phases, whereas building is a concrete action that realizes a part of the development process.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The process of improving, growing, or creating something.
The act of constructing something from parts.
Focus
Enhancement, innovation, progress.
Assembly, construction, creation.
Domains
Software, skills, business strategies, urban planning.
Physical objects, structures, software, websites.
Key Activities
Researching, designing, programming, planning.
Compiling, constructing, erecting, assembling.
Outcome
Improved products, skills, strategies, or living conditions.
Tangible objects, structures, or functional software.
Compare with Definitions
Develop
Creating software.
The team is developing a new app to improve productivity.
Build
Constructing a house.
They plan to build a new house in the suburbs.
Develop
Business strategy formulation.
They're developing a new marketing strategy to increase brand awareness.
Build
Software compilation.
After making changes to the code, you need to build the project again.
Develop
To enhance a skill.
She aims to develop her coding skills through practice and coursework.
Build
Team formation.
The company is building a new team to focus on innovation.
Develop
Urban planning.
The city plans to develop a new public park in the downtown area.
Build
Assembling machinery.
The engineer is building a prototype of the new device.
Develop
Personal growth.
He is focused on developing his leadership qualities through mentoring.
Build
Creating a website.
She is building a personal website to showcase her portfolio.
Develop
Grow or cause to grow and become more mature, advanced, or elaborate
Enabling individuals to develop their personal skills
Motion pictures were to develop into mass entertainment
Build
To form by combining materials or parts; construct.
Develop
Start to exist, experience, or possess
A strange closeness developed
Call the doctor if your child develops a rash
I developed an interest in law
Build
To order, finance, or supervise the construction of
The administration built several new housing projects.
Develop
Treat (a photographic film) with chemicals to make a visible image
She came to get the film developed
Build
To develop or give form to according to a plan or process; create
Build a nation.
Built a successful business out of their corner grocery store.
Develop
Bring (a piece) into play from its initial position on a player's back rank
He preferred to develop his bishop on e7
Build
To increase or strengthen by adding gradually to
Money building interest in a savings account.
Build support for a political candidate.
Develop
To bring from latency to or toward fulfillment
An instructor who develops the capabilities of each student.
Build
To establish a basis for; found or ground
Build an argument on fact.
Develop
To expand or enlarge
Developed a national corporation into a worldwide business.
Build
To make something by combining materials or parts.
Develop
To aid in the growth of; strengthen
Exercises that develop muscles.
Build
To engage in the construction or design of buildings
"Each of the three architects built in a different style" (Dwight Macdonald).
Develop
To improve the quality of; refine
Develops his recipes to perfection.
An extra year of study to develop virtuosic technique.
Build
To develop in magnitude or extent
Clouds building on the horizon.
Develop
To cause to become more complex or intricate; add detail and fullness to; elaborate
Began with a good premise but developed it without imagination.
Build
To progress toward a maximum, as of intensity
Suspense building from the opening scene to the climax.
Develop
(Music) To elaborate (a theme) with rhythmic and harmonic variations.
Build
The physical makeup of a person or thing, especially one's physique
An athletic build.
Develop
To bring into being gradually
Develop a new cottage industry.
Build
(Computers) Any of various versions of a software product as it is being developed for release to users.
Develop
To set forth or clarify by degrees
Developed her thesis in a series of articles.
Build
(transitive) To form (something) by combining materials or parts.
Develop
To come to have gradually; acquire
Develop a taste for opera.
Develop a friendship.
Build
(transitive) To develop or give form to (something) according to a plan or process.
Develop
To become affected with; contract
Developed a rash.
Developed agoraphobia.
Build
(transitive) To increase or strengthen (something) by adding gradually to.
Develop
To influence the behavior of toward a specific end
An investigator who develops witnesses through flattery and intimidation.
Build
(transitive) To establish a basis for (something).
Develop
To cause (a tract of land or a building) to serve a particular purpose
Developed the site as a community of condominiums.
Build
(intransitive) To form by combining materials or parts.
Develop
To make available and effective to fulfill a particular end or need
Develop the state's water resources to serve a growing population.
Build
(intransitive) To develop in magnitude or extent.
Develop
To convert or transform
Developed the play into a movie.
Build
To construct (software) by compiling its source code.
Develop
(Games) To move (a chess piece) to or toward a more strategic position.
Build
To be converted into software by compilation, usually with minimal human intervention.
This code won’t build any more. Have you made any changes?
Develop
To process (a photosensitive medium such as exposed film) in order to produce a photographic image.
Build
The physique of a human or animal body, or other object; constitution or structure.
Rugby players are of sturdy build.
Develop
To produce (a photographic image) by use of a photosensitive medium or by printing from a digital file.
Build
Any of various versions of a software product as it is being developed for release to users.
The computer company has introduced a new prototype build to beta testers.
Develop
To grow by degrees into a more advanced or mature state
With hard work, she developed into a great writer.
Build
A structure, such as a building, statue, pool or forest, or a configuration of a character's items or skills, created by the player.
I made a build that looked like the Parthenon in that game.
Develop
To increase or expand
Sales developed until we needed a bigger warehouse.
Build
To erect or construct, as an edifice or fabric of any kind; to form by uniting materials into a regular structure; to fabricate; to make; to raise.
Nor aught availed him nowTo have built in heaven high towers.
Develop
To improve; advance
Their skill developed until it rivaled their teacher's.
Build
To raise or place on a foundation; to form, establish, or produce by using appropriate means.
Who builds his hopes in air of your good looks.
Develop
To come gradually into existence or activity
Tension developed between students and faculty.
Build
To increase and strengthen; to increase the power and stability of; to settle, or establish, and preserve; - frequently with up; as, to build up one's constitution.
I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up.
Develop
To come gradually to light; be disclosed
Reports the news as it develops.
Build
To exercise the art, or practice the business, of building.
Develop
To progress from earlier to later stages of a life cycle
Caterpillars develop into butterflies.
Build
To rest or depend, as on a foundation; to ground one's self or one's hopes or opinions upon something deemed reliable; to rely; as, to build on the opinions or advice of others.
Develop
To progress from earlier to later stages of evolution
Mammals developed during the Mesozoic Era.
Build
Form or mode of construction; general figure; make; as, the build of a ship; a great build on a man.
Develop
To discover, find out; to uncover.
Build
Constitution of the human body
Develop
(intransitive) To change with a specific direction, progress.
Let's see how things develop and then make our decision.
Build
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Develop
(ambitransitive) To progress through a sequence of stages.
Isabel developed from a tropical depression to a tropical storm to a hurricane.
An embryo develops into a fetus and then into an infant.
Build
Make by combining materials and parts;
This little pig made his house out of straw
Some eccentric constructed an electric brassiere warmer
Develop
(transitive) To advance; to further; to promote the growth of.
Build
Form or accumulate steadily;
Resistance to the manager's plan built up quickly
Pressure is building up at the Indian-Pakistani border
Develop
(transitive) To create.
I need to develop a plan for the next three weeks.
Build
Build or establish something abstract;
Build a reputation
Develop
(transitive) To bring out images latent in photographic film.
Please develop this roll of film.
Build
Improve the cleansing action of;
Build detergents
Develop
(transitive) To acquire something usually over a period of time.
I have been in England enough to develop a British accent.
You will develop calluses if you play the cello.
She developed bad eating habits.
Build
Order, supervise, or finance the construction of;
The government is building new schools in this state
Develop
To place one's pieces actively.
I need to develop my white-square bishop.
Build
Give form to, according to a plan;
Build a modern nation
Build a million-dollar business
Develop
To cause a ball to become more open and available to be played on later. Usually by moving it away from the cushion, or by opening a pack.
Build
Be engaged in building;
These architects build in interesting and new styles
Develop
(math) To change the form of (an algebraic expression, etc.) by executing certain indicated operations without changing the value.
Build
Found or ground;
Build a defense on nothing but the accused person's reputation
Develop
To free from that which infolds or envelops; to unfold; to lay open by degrees or in detail; to make visible or known; to disclose; to produce or give forth; as, to develop theories; a motor that develops 100 horse power.
These serve to develop its tenets.
The 20th was spent in strengthening our position and developing the line of the enemy.
Build
Bolster or strengthen;
We worked up courage
Build up confidence
Ramp up security in the airports
Develop
To unfold gradually, as a flower from a bud; hence, to bring through a succession of states or stages, each of which is preparatory to the next; to form or expand by a process of growth; to cause to change gradually from an embryo, or a lower state, to a higher state or form of being; as, sunshine and rain develop the bud into a flower; to develop the mind.
The sound developed itself into a real compound.
All insects . . . acquire the jointed legs before the wings are fully developed.
Build
Develop and grow;
Suspense was building right from the beginning of the opera
Develop
To advance; to further; to prefect; to make to increase; to promote the growth of.
We must develop our own resources to the utmost.
Develop
To change the form of, as of an algebraic expression, by executing certain indicated operations without changing the value.
Develop
To cause to become visible, as an invisible or latent image upon plate, by submitting it to chemical agents; to bring to view.
Develop
To go through a process of natural evolution or growth, by successive changes from a less perfect to a more perfect or more highly organized state; to advance from a simpler form of existence to one more complex either in structure or function; as, a blossom develops from a bud; the seed develops into a plant; the embryo develops into a well-formed animal; the mind develops year by year.
Nor poets enough to understandThat life develops from within.
Develop
To become apparent gradually; as, a picture on sensitive paper develops on the application of heat; the plans of the conspirators develop.
Develop
Make something new, such as a product or a mental or artistic creation;
Her company developed a new kind of building material that withstands all kinds of weather
They developed a new technique
Develop
Work out;
We have developed a new theory of evolution
Develop
Gain through experience;
I acquired a strong aversion to television
Children must develop a sense of right and wrong
Dave developed leadership qualities in his new position
Develop a passion for painting
Develop
Come to have or undergo a change of (physical features and attributes);
He grew a beard
The patient developed abdominal pains
I got funny spots all over my body
Well-developed breasts
Develop
Come into existence; take on form or shape;
A new religious movement originated in that country
A love that sprang up from friendship
The idea for the book grew out of a short story
An interesting phenomenon uprose
Develop
Change the use of and make available or usable;
Develop land
The country developed its natural resources
The remote areas of the country were gradually built up
Develop
Elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses;
Could you develop the ideas in your thesis
Develop
Create by training and teaching;
The old master is training world-class violinists
We develop the leaders for the future
Develop
Be gradually disclosed or unfolded; become manifest;
The plot developed slowly
Develop
Grow, progress, unfold, or evolve through a process of evolution, natural growth, differentiation, or a conducive environment;
A flower developed on the branch
The country developed into a mighty superpower
The embryo develops into a fetus
This situation has developed over a long time
Develop
Become technologically advanced;
Many countries in Asia are now developing at a very fast pace
Viet Nam is modernizing rapidly
Develop
Cause to grow and differentiate in ways conforming to its natural development;
The perfect climate here develops the grain
He developed a new kind of apple
Develop
Generate gradually;
We must develop more potential customers
Develop a market for the new mobile phone
Develop
Grow emotionally or mature;
The child developed beautifully in her new kindergarten
When he spent a summer at camp, the boy grew noticeably and no longer showed some of his old adolescent behavior
Develop
Make visible by means of chemical solutions;
Please develop this roll of film for me
Develop
Superimpose a three-dimensional surface on a plane without stretching, in geometry
Develop
Move one's pieces into strategically more advantageous positions;
Spassky developed quickly
Develop
Move into a strategically more advantageous position;
Develop the rook
Develop
Elaborate by the unfolding of a musical idea and by the working out of the rhythmic and harmonic changes in the theme;
Develop the melody and change the key
Develop
Happen;
Report the news as it develops
These political movements recrudesce from time to time
Develop
Expand in the form of a series;
Develop the function in the following form
Common Curiosities
How does software development differ from software building?
Software development encompasses the entire lifecycle, including design, coding, and improvement, while software building specifically refers to compiling code into executable programs.
What role does building play in software development?
Building plays a crucial role in software development by translating human-readable code into executable programs, making the software operational.
What is involved in building something?
Building something involves assembling or constructing it from parts, focusing on the physical creation or compilation process.
What is a key difference in focus between developing and building?
The key difference in focus is that developing emphasizes improvement and innovation, while building focuses on the assembly and creation process.
What does it mean to develop something?
To develop something means to gradually improve, grow, or create it, focusing on enhancement and progress.
Can development include building?
Yes, development can include building as one of its phases, especially in contexts like software creation or urban planning.
Is the outcome of development always physical?
No, the outcome of development can be non-physical, such as improved skills or strategies, whereas building usually results in something tangible.
How does the concept of building relate to team formation?
In team formation, building relates to assembling a group of individuals with complementary skills to achieve specific goals.
Can a person be both a developer and a builder?
Yes, a person can be both a developer and a builder, especially in fields like software, where they may design (develop) and compile (build) code.
How do business strategies develop?
Business strategies develop through research, analysis, and planning to identify and exploit opportunities for growth and competitiveness.
How do developers and builders work together in urban projects?
In urban projects, developers plan and design the project focusing on sustainable growth, while builders execute the construction based on those plans.
What challenges can arise during software development?
Challenges in software development can include meeting user needs, addressing bugs, and adapting to new technologies or market demands.
Why is building important in the construction industry?
Building is essential in the construction industry as it brings architectural designs to life, creating structures that serve various purposes.
What skills are important for building physical structures?
Important skills for building physical structures include understanding of engineering principles, proficiency in construction techniques, and the ability to read and follow architectural designs.
What does urban development aim to achieve?
Urban development aims to improve quality of life, meet community needs, and ensure sustainable growth through strategic planning and design.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Uncomplete vs. Incomplete
Next Comparison
Commencement vs. BeginningAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
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.
