Summary
- What Is a Static Website?
- What Is a Dynamic Website?
- Difference Between Static Website and Dynamic Website
- Advantages and Disadvantages of A Static Website
- Advantages and Disadvantages of A Dynamic Website
- Static Website vs Dynamic Website Which One Should You Choose?
A website is a collection of web pages that could contain text, images, videos, and links. There are two styles of websites, that is, Static websites and Dynamic websites. Let’s take a look at each one of the types of websites and then make a comparative study of the two.
Static Website
A static website, as the name suggests is static or stationary. Meaning to say, the content on the website does not change unless the person who has access to the website intentionally changes or modifies the web pages. As no change takes place, static websites take less time to upload.
Dynamic Website
On the other hand, a dynamic website is one in which the data or content on the website changes for each viewer. Unlike static websites, dynamic websites take longer to upload.
Now that we have both definitions clear, we can delve deeper into the two types of websites for more information.
Let’s Take a Look at The Main Differences Between the Two
1. Interaction with Databases
Databases are rarely or not used in static websites. There is no interaction with databases on a static website. Whereas databases are used in dynamic websites. In fact, databases are the core of dynamic websites.
2. Level of Complexity
Static websites are less complicated than dynamic websites. They are easy to create and have no major complications.
Static websites look less sophisticated than dynamic websites. Static websites use simple languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Dynamic websites are more complex in nature and use languages like PHP Node.js and ASP.NET
3. Changes
Dynamic websites change according to each viewer. Whereas static websites remain constant unless intentionally changed by the administrator of the website or by a person having access to the website.
4. Cost of Creation
Static websites cost less to create than Dynamic websites. The level of complexity involved in creating dynamic websites could be the reason for the rise in the cost of creation. It also takes less time to build a static website than a dynamic website.
5. Time
Dynamic pages take a longer time to load when compared to static web pages.
So based on these differences, we now have an idea about Static websites Vs Dynamic websites.
We can say that a static website is a pre-built website and no processing takes place on the server. Whereas in a dynamic website, they are built during running time. A lot of action takes place on the server during processing time.
However, it is pertinent to note that it does not mean that there is no response at all to viewers actions on a static website. It just means that they cannot be changed during processing time.
Dynamic website is used where changes in web pages are required frequently. Here, one change will reflect in all changes in the website. Unlike a static website which requires manual interference to alter or make changes in a website.
So Static Website vs Dynamic Website- Which Type of Website Will Work for Your Business?
As mentioned above, static websites do not change. Each viewer sees the same web pages. Whereas in a dynamic website, the web content changes for each viewer.
We can understand better with static website Vs Dynamic website examples. So a static website is ideally used for websites that have fewer pages and do not require frequent alterations. For example, a personal website is a good example of a static website.
Advantages of Static Website
- Static websites are easier to create and less complicated. The loading time of a static website is less when compared to a dynamic website. The fast loading time is a big advantage when it comes to websites because statistics have shown that users do not wait for more than 3 seconds for a website to load. So, to keep users on your website, having a fast loading time is necessary. The level of complexity in the creation of a static website is low.
- Another important advantage of static websites is that they are less prone to external attacks and hacks as compared to dynamic websites. This is because static websites are not connected to databases or plugins which gives them a less area to be attacked from.
Disadvantage of Static Website
- While static websites are advantageous, there are certain disadvantages too. For one, in a static website, each page has to be created separately which is long and time-consuming. Also editing a static website is a long procedure.
- When it comes to static website Vs Dynamic website development, it can be said that static websites are easier to create than dynamic websites.
- In a dynamic website, web pages are created on the go. This means that each web page may appear differently for different users. The web pages are created according to the information available on a database. You can customize your website according to each visitor to your website. You can change or alter the contents of the web pages.
Let’s look at dynamic websites with the help of an example:
A dynamic website allows you to alter the information displayed on your website according to the geographical location of the viewer.
A viewer sitting in Chennai will be able to view store outlets and information about the store in Chennai. This database information available on the geographical location of the viewer, helped the viewer receive the right information.
An online directory of local schools is an example where one may use a dynamic website to create the listing. Here, using filtered searches, one viewer’s screen may differ from another viewer’s screen depending on the geographical location of the viewer or other database information.
Advantages of Dynamic Websites
- Dynamic websites can show real-time information which will be more informative to the viewer. Also, a dynamic website can be easily modified and changed. A modification on one page of the website can reflect on all pages, unlike a static website where changes have to be carried out on each page separately. A dynamic website gives better-personalized information to a viewer rather than generalized information like in a static website.
- Unlike static websites where the information displayed is the same for everyone, in a dynamic website, the information is unique to the user. It shows more personal information based on geographical location, preferences, viewed pages, and product suggestions. This kind of information available on dynamic websites allows the user to experience information that is more personal in nature. It leads to a better customer experience.
A dynamic website example can be the OTT platform NETFLIX or Amazon Prime where the website is able to show different recommendations based on last watched movies, geographical locations or other database information.
Disadvantages of Dynamic Website
- One of the main disadvantages of dynamic websites is the complexity in their creation and the number of resources and money needed to create the website.
Static Website vs Dynamic Website Which One Should You Opt For?
While this question can only be answered depending on the needs of your business, it is best to opt for a static website if you need a simple landing page for your business or wish to divulge certain information about your business.
On the other hand, if you need to sell many products and services from your website, you might want to go in for a dynamic website like an eCommerce platform. Here you can showcase customer preferences based on their last purchase.
While opting for a static or dynamic website, it is advisable to contact OneCity, the top web designing company in Mangalore.
The company will offer the best advice to clients based on the client’s business and requirements. OneCity is regarded as one of the best web designing companies in Mangalore.
Conclusion
Static website Vs dynamic website must be chosen based on several factors including the type of business. Now that we have made out the difference between the two, it may be easier for you to select the type of website you require.
However, believe it or not, there is a third type of website. This is a combination of static and dynamic websites, to create a hybrid form of websites.
