Mobile and web application development refers to the process of creating software applications specifically designed for use on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets or on web browsers. It involves a combination of programming languages, frameworks, and tools to build functional and interactive applications that can run on various platforms and devices.

In mobile application development, developers use programming languages like Java, Kotlin (for Android) or Swift, Objective-C (for iOS) to create native applications that are specifically designed for a particular operating system. They can also use frameworks like React Native or Flutter to develop cross-platform applications that can run on multiple platforms using a single codebase.

Web application development, on the other hand, involves creating applications that are accessed through web browsers. Developers primarily use web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build web applications. They can leverage frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, or Vue.js to streamline the development process and enhance the application's functionality.

During the development process, developers follow various stages such as requirement gathering, design, coding, testing, and deployment. They consider factors like user experience, performance, security, and scalability to create applications that meet the needs of the target audience.

Overall, mobile and web application development aims to provide users with feature-rich, intuitive, and reliable applications that enable them to perform various tasks, access information, and engage with digital services seamlessly on their devices or through web browsers.