There are a variety of methods for creating a website when building your online branding. But in short, at the core, there are only two design types: static and dynamic websites.
In this post, we'll examine the distinctions between static and dynamic web types, as well as how to select implementing static or dynamic content on your website.
1. What is a static site?
In general, static websites predominantly load "static" content, as suggested by their name. This content has been encoded into a file using HTML, CSS, and sometimes JavaScript. The file is then displayed on the internet.
Static websites are typically utilized for sites whose content does not change frequently or when the goal is to develop a website with fast page loads. To modify content on static websites in their most fundamental form, the developer must manually edit the file's code and re-upload it to the server. However, static website generators simplify this process.
2. What is a dynamic site?
Dynamic websites, on the other hand, pull information and data from multiple sources in order to display the website. Typically, a server-side programming language, such as PHP or Javascript (running in Node.js), is used to connect the data and essential files. In particular, we frequently utilize dynamic websites in the form of web applications, such as Google Drive, Facebook, and online email services.
Dynamic websites may pull data on the fly, enabling more useful applications such as e-commerce, account systems, and more.
To understand more about other website types, please refer to our article named:
6 Things You Need To Know About Web App Types And Use Cases
3. An evaluation between a static website and a dynamic website
A. Static Website Pros
The main advantages of static websites derive from their ease since static websites are the simplest to create and maintain from scratch. Also, static sites are an excellent alternative for launching a simple website fast and affordably. With an understanding of HTML and CSS, you may create a decent website with minimal time and expense.
Not just that, static websites are typically faster for users than dynamic websites. This is due to the fact that static website pages are already constructed and require less processing on the back end. Thus, the server must just retrieve and send the requested files.
Static websites are also simpler to cache owing to the lack of content variety. Site speed, commonly referred to as website performance, is essential for a great user experience and influences search engine ranking.
B. Static Website Cons
Indeed, a static website is not always the ideal option. The most obvious issue is scalability: whenever you wish to make a site-wide content update, such as updating the header of your pages, you will need to modify every HTML file individually. In addition, every time you need to add a new page, you must manually write a new HTML file. This is simply not feasible for large websites.
Another drawback of static websites is their lack of customization. If you cannot personalize content for visitors, you may miss the chance to provide a more engaging experience for them. A static website can display information about your business, but what if you could display varied information to visitors based on factors such as their location? That requires a dynamic website.
There are numerous types of websites that cannot be constructed statically. Typically, e-commerce websites allow visitors to add items to their shopping carts and check out, something you cannot do with a static site unless you employ third-party technologies.
For these reasons, the majority of websites you visit nowadays are dynamic. Next, let's investigate what this signifies.
C. Dynamic Website Pros
The main benefit of a dynamic website is the ability to personalize content for each visitor, resulting in a more engaging user experience and an increase in conversions and sales.
Besides personalizing, server-side scripting is incredibly effective and enables a vast array of functional options. Dynamic code enables the development of online apps, SaaS software, and interactive experiences that would be impossible with a static strategy.
On dynamic websites, it is also considerably easier to make site-wide modifications. Rather than altering the source code for each HTML page, administrators can quickly and easily make extensive modifications to a website. This is essential for websites that often update their content and appearance to remain competitive in their respective markets.
Because the server does not store a predetermined amount of pages, dynamic websites are more scalable than static websites. Instead, the server generates each page on demand. To return to our e-commerce site example, suppose you wish to add a number of new products to the site. Rather than creating individual HTML product pages, you only need to store product information in a database. Server-side software can pull this data to automatically generate the product page.
D. Dynamic Website Cons
As dynamic websites are more complicated than static websites, they take a lot more effort, and expertise to develop from start. If you lack the technical knowledge to construct and maintain a dynamic website, you can hire a developer or development team.
Alternatively, you can utilize a website builder or a content management system (CMS) to handle the technical aspects, allowing you to focus more on the content and design of your website. For instance, WordPress constructs its pages dynamically using the server-side programming language PHP.
The use of a dynamic website may also result in a performance decrease. In order to send pages to visitors, dynamic websites perform additional processing on the back end, which might affect load time. There are ways to optimize your site's speed, and software for creating websites has improved in this regard. Managing a dynamic website requires consideration of speed, since delays of fractions of a second can result in increased bounce rates.
4. Which platform is suitable for your projects?
Your choice between static and dynamic websites will rely on your website's purpose and the resources at your disposal.
If your site has fewer than three pages and you do not anticipate the material to change frequently, a static website is more than adequate. They come with faster loading times, making it easier for sites with static content to rank higher on Google and get more visitors.
Due to their relatively lower size, they also lend themselves well to shared web hosting plans, and they may be put up and left to run if the material does not need to be updated.
However, if you want a website that is more useful, such as an online store, a blog, or a forum, then a dynamic website will likely better suit your needs. Thus, you will have complete control over the material and its modification, as well as any content based on user input, such as account systems and user profiles.
Creating dynamic websites from the beginning involves both front- and back-end programming expertise, which can be expensive. A website builder package, on the other hand, can allow you to create your own dynamic websites without incurring additional development costs if you're searching for a more cost-effective choice that offers all the functionality you require.
Final thoughts
With the VNEXT Global website developer, you can create both static and dynamic websites by dragging and dropping the desired pieces into the builder, allowing you to create a website with a professional appearance that you can edit at any time. Examine our Website Builder bundles to choose how to get started.
If you want to learn more about dynamic websites in particular and how to optimize your website's hosting, you can visit our V-blog, where we regularly provide tips, tricks, and tutorials designed to broaden your online knowledge.
If you are looking for a trusted IT partner, VNEXT Global is the ideal choice. With 14+ years of experience, we surely can help you to optimize your business digitalization within a small budget and short time. Currently, we have 400+ IT consultants and developers in Mobile App, Web App, System, Blockchain Development and Testing Services. We have provided solutions to 600+ projects in several industries for clients worldwide. We are willing to become a companion on your way to success. Please tell us when is convenient for you to have an online meeting to discuss this further. Have a nice day!
