The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the distal convoluted tubule over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The distal convoluted tubule is the first segment of the nephron lying just downstream from the loop of Henle, immediately after the macula densa. Among other functions, in humans it is responsible for the reabsorption of about 5% of filtered sodium via the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl symporter. [ GOC:mtg_kidney_jan10 ]