Static Vs. Dynamic Websites
January 5, 2018
I am often asked during initial communication with customers, which type of website should I have built? Should we use WordPress to build our site or what options do we have? Today I’m going to break down a few of the pros of both Static and Dynamic websites.
What is a Static Website?
Let’s start out with static websites. A static website utilizes individual files that have all the content written into each page that is displayed on a browser and are usually just .HTML files. For example most websites have general pieces like a header area, footer area, content area and menu. As a static website is built, you add these prices to each page to make up that page.
A Few Benefits of a static website.
- Faster load times – This is achieved because the code is already compiled and there is no need to connect to a database or other files to display content.
- Usually cost less – I say this because a static site should only be used for a project that has 5 or less pages and ideally doesn’t require much if any updating.
- More secure – Because the files are static, they sit on the server and there aren’t as many vulnerabilities because there aren’t as many working parts.
What is a Dynamic Website?
On the other hand a dynamic website is built using any combination of scripting languages such as PHP and often accompanied by a database to store pieces of data to include or content to be used at will thought a site. A dynamic site can often be built using a Content Management System such as WordPress, Joomla or Durpal which allow users to input content that can be shown on multiple pages with just one piece of content being written.
A few Benefits of a dynamic website.
- Easier to update – Especially for sites over 5 pages and with a lot of navigation and content. A dynamic site will usually include multiple files such as a header, footer and content pages that are all managed separately so changes made to the header for instance will automatically populate thoughout the site.
- Can easily be used for a lot of content – Because content can be saved in separate files and called at will, data can be used easily on multiple pages and anywhere on the site.
- Can include advanced functions – Such as shopping carts, calendars or blog feeds.
- Content Management Systems – Can have some sort of content management or CMS added to the backend so that a user can access the site to generate or update content.
- Easy upgrades to design – Because the design files are created once and used throughout the site, making site wide design changes can be easy to make.
A few things to mention.
Dynamic sites are used primarily as they offer more flexibility but they can also have more openings for potential unwanted access. Take WordPress for example, because it is a system that has been designed with multiple lines of code and files and because new features are always being added, they can sometimes come with more vulnerabilities and requirements to keep things updated. There are also plugins designed by any number of developers that must be maintained and updated frequently to keep up with WordPress version updates. All of this progress is great but it is necessary to keep things managed and updated to ensure ongoing site functionality which does come at additional costs and work. Remember to factor this in as you decide on your next project.
To Sum It Up.
There really isn’t a best solution but rather a best solution for your project or business. Think about what you want to accomplish with your website short term or long term. Feel free to connect for a free strategy session for assistance in choosing your next website solution or updating your current one.
