Hi there!
In the previous article, we have discussed the different types of websites and now we will be taking a closer look into static and dynamic websites!
A quick recap into what the definition of a website is. It is a collection of informational web pages which are designed to read, unlike web applications which have complex rules and applications.
First, let us look into the major differences between static websites and dynamic websites!
What are the differences between static and dynamic websites?
- Static websites are simply a collection of images, HTML files and resource files which have existed since the original inception of the Internet.
- Each page of the static website had to be manually created and maintained regularly.
- The simplicity of static websites is a huge drawback when compared to dynamic websites.
- Any type of updates to the layout page was incredibly time-consuming, as they had to be manually updated!
- Dynamic websites are based on data and are powered with the help of a server-side programming language such as PHP or Asp.net.
- WordPress or Drupal are powerful content management systems to generate powerful user-generated content.
- Dynamic websites excel at generating HTML pages on the fly, by combining the website content with a HTML template!
- Static site generators such as Hugo and Jekyll have helped tremendously to bridge the gap between dynamic and static websites.
These are all the main differences between static and dynamic websites! Now let us look into the advantages of static and dynamic websites.
What are the pros of using static websites?
- Faster page loading speed:
Static websites have a much higher loading speed compared to dynamic websites, as you are just hosting and serving static files. When the user visits your page the only thing the server has to do is return a file.
With the lack of server-side code execution, this helps to reduce the overall processing time in static websites.
- More secure web pages:
As there is no back-end server-side processing, there is a smaller risk of attacks on your websites, as there is no database that would get compromised.
- Lower costs:
A database can be a liability, as there are fewer moving parts and overall less maintenance. The hosting of static websites can be relatively cheaper compared to dynamic websites!
- Easier to scale:
Static websites are much better to scale in the long term, as you can host your website on a cloud provider with the help of auto-scaling. You can effectively use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to cache your static files and this will lead to a drastic reduction in the calls to your web server.
Even though you use similar techniques for dynamic websites, it can be incredibly complex as database scaling may be required.
- Better backups & Editorial access:
Static websites have much better backups as well as editorial access and this can indirectly use version control such as GIT can help you gain much more control! You can also see who all have made changes to the content as well.
What are the advantages of dynamic websites?
- Easy to update content:
You can utilize a CMS web interface for managing content, to help you make changes much more easily! You can also add a blog post on the go from your phone, any time and anywhere.
- More flexible:
Dynamic websites are much more flexible when you are creating your own website! This can help you get full control of whatever interactive feature that you like.
In conclusion, there are different advantages and disadvantages of using static and dynamic websites! In the next article, we will look into a few more reasons why you should opt for static websites.
