What is the process of preparing a website for live users on a web server called?

The process of preparing a website for live users on a web server is accurately referred to as publishing the website. This term specifically encompasses all the necessary steps taken to transfer the finished product from a local environment, where it has been developed and tested, to a live server, making it accessible to users on the internet.

Publishing involves several critical actions, such as uploading files, configuring the server settings, and ensuring that all elements of the website function properly in the live environment. It marks the transition from development to a publicly accessible site and typically includes steps like domain registration and DNS configuration.

In contrast, launching the site may refer to the act of making it available to users, but it does not underline the technical steps involved in making it live, which is a key aspect of publishing. Web development refers to the entire process of creating the site, including design and coding, while site maintenance relates to activities performed after the website is live, like updates and troubleshooting, rather than the initial preparation for user access.