What "development" means in chess

Development refers to the process of moving your pieces from their starting positions to more active and effective positions on the board. It is an essential strategy to control the center of the board and prepare for a strong attack or defense. The development of pieces helps in maintaining an advantageous position on the board, providing more mobility, and keeping the king safe. It is a crucial part of the opening stage of a chess game, where players strive to achieve better control over the board, and the game's outcome is often determined by the quality of their development.