The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the abducens nerve over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The motor function of the abducens nerve is to contract the lateral rectus which results in abduction of the eye. [ http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/go/references/0000021 http://openisbn.com/search.php?q=0838580343&isbn=1/ GOC:dgh GOC:jid GOC:cls GOC:dph ]