Static Vs. Dynamic Websites


static-vs-dynamic-websites-1024x410 Static Vs. Dynamic Websites

Static websites

A static site is usually written in plain HTML, and the content that gets created through this code is the only matter which is displayed to the user. These pages cannot be modified without a developer editing the source code. Many websites on the Internet are static. It is usually smaller websites that find a static site adequate for their needs because they use their websites to deliver information without much functionality, variations or effects. However, it is not necessary that these web pages be simple, plain text. They can feature multimedia content, rich design and video. But the exact same text, design or video will greet every visitor to that page, each time they visit the page. Simply put, a static website is not interactive. It is a one-way delivery of information from the website to the visitor.

Advantages of static websites

  1. They are quick and affordable to develop and host.
  2. More flexibility since every page can be different if desired, facilitating themes. The layout can be matched to different content, and the designer has the option to add unique special effects to different pages. For example; an author can use a different theme for various books/associated pages or for a series of books, to match the cover designs or the context of the stories.
  3. The cost of static websites is lower when compared to dynamic websites.

Disadvantages of static websites

  1. It is often hard to update the content unless a person is qualified in HTML or has web development expertise. If not, the original designer would have to make the content changes. This may be feasible if a new page requiring design input is necessary, but if the change is minor, it can be time-consuming for the client and designer.
  2. Scalability is limited in static sites. For example; if you wish to sell a wide range of products on the website, individual pages need to be constructed for each one. This involves much time, effort, and cost.
  3. Additional expenses are necessary to update content.
  1. These sites are not interactive or engaging.
  2. If the content is not updated regularly, it can stagnate and lose its appeal.

Dynamic websites

A dynamic website is one which can be updated and allows for new content to be added as well. The content is driven by using a content management system, scripting language from other files or a database depending on actions taken by the user. These sites can deliver content customized to the visitor, based on the location, operating system, browser or device the visitor is using. Dynamic websites can also be interactive where visitors can engage with the site through commenting, posting on the site, uploading files.

Dynamic sites are ideal for large websites that require constant content management, e-commerce, bulletin/discussion boards, intranet or extranet facilities. Also great for sites that need to provide an ability to upload documents, to create content and/or add information to a site. Dynamic sites are usually written using a server-side scripting language such as PHP, ASP, JSP, or Coldfusion.

Advantages of dynamic websites

  1. They are more functional and easy to update.
  2. New content attracts more visitors and helps with better ranking in search engines.
  3. Help facilitate staff or users to collaborate with one another.
  4. Information can be assimilated and organized in a structured manner from dynamic websites to create product pages or categories of related products sorted in a variety of different ways, depending on the user.
  5. Connecting to a database allows for the creation of a content management system, an interface that allows the client to input and manage data through web-based administration pages. The content can be the text for their pages, images associated with the text, or items in the product range with categories, specifications, short, long descriptions, images, and so on. It can be simple or complex, as per the client’s needs.
  6. Ongoing costs are minimal unless there is a change in the basic design or addition of other

Disadvantages of dynamic websites

  1. The design of a dynamic site can be restrictive since many pages are primarily a template into which data and content are fed to create multiple similar pages. For example product pages are likely to have the same page layout with different data displayed. The possibility for customization is limited because selection is from a set of pre-defined options. It is usually not possible to make individual layout changes to particular pages.
  2. Initial costs incurred are higher and additional functionality may also cost more, especially if there are some unexpected additions which were not part of the original plan but need to be re-written into the core code or database.
  3. Since these websites offer more, it is slower and more expensive to develop as well as host.

Static vs. dynamic website building

Developers create static pages with HTML but use a content management system (CMS) or languages like PHP, Javascript, or Actionscript to create dynamic pages. They can also use frameworks like Ruby on Rails, Django, or Flex for dynamic pages. Dynamic languages and frameworks also have the technical capacity to create static web page content. However, doing so creates source code that is unnecessarily complex for its purpose and harder to maintain.

Static websites were popular with the advent of the World Wide Web and internet. It was meant to give the company or business mere online presence and information about its products and services. Today, the majority of businesses need to have a versatile online presence with a host of services to offer. Dynamic websites can provide the flexibility and variations required to have a formidable online imprint and create a professional, enjoyable experience for your visitors. However, it is dependent on the nature of the business, size, scale, goals and prospects to decide whether to opt for static or dynamic websites.

Not sure if you need a static or dynamic website? Talk to us for a no commitment assessment and recommendation based on your business needs and goals.

fb50c5bf790872a8ecad33a6bd15d358?s=100&d=mm&r=g Static Vs. Dynamic Websites

CEO, Flying Cow Design
Attended University of Auckland
Lives in San Francisco Bay Area

June 21st, 2013


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