Difference Between Static And Dynamic Website Explained!

When it comes to website creation a lot of people can't seem to figure out the difference between static and dynamic websites. Are you too confused between the two? And don't know which of these two options best suits your or the business's needs? Well, don't worry. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about websites, how they work, what are static and dynamic websites, and also what is the difference between static and dynamic websites. So read on!

What is a Website & Web Page?

A website is a collection of web pages that are linked together and accessed through a web browser. It's a digital space typically hosted on a web server and can contain various types of content such as text, images, videos, and interactive elements. Websites serve different purposes, ranging from providing information, selling products or services, to facilitating communication or entertainment.

On the other hand, a web page is a single document or file within a website. It's what you see displayed in your web browser when you visit a specific URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or click on a link. Web pages are usually written in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), which allows them to be structured and formatted for display on the web. They can also include other technologies like CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) for styling and JavaScript for interactivity.

How Does a Website Work?

Every one of us is unique in our own way and this uniqueness at the core level is defined by our DNA. In some sense, we can say that our DNA is our genetic code. Similarly, a website is also made up of code that defines its features, components, how it operates, etc.

Developers use server-side scripting languages (like HTML hypertext markup language) to write the source code. Then when a user visits a website, the browser converts this code into client-side language and executes it, which results in the display content you see on a webpage. In other words, web pages on the server side are managed and implemented by the servers which process the server-side code. And web pages on the client side are processed by browsers which determine the loading time of the site. Server-side scripting is for the programmers and developers while client-side scripting is done for the users.

Now let's move on to differentiate between static and dynamic websites.

What is a Static Website?

A static website is one that consists of a fixed number of web pages/ files that are stored on the web server. These files contain fixed content/ code in HTML which is the core programming language (it consists of the text on the website), CSS (it s used to design the layout of the webpage), and JavaScript (it defines the behaviour of the page). A static website doesn't change a lot and has a fixed number of pages with fixed content, hence the name static i.e. fixed.

When a user visits a page, it shoots out an HTTP request to the server which recognizes the page with the URL. In that, the server transfers the respective HTML file (along with corresponding CSS and JS files) to the user's browser for display without making any changes, or without any client-side processing. These websites/ pages are also referred to as stationary page because it is displayed in a web browser exactly as it is stored. Some common examples are portfolio websites, brochure websites, one-off landing page sites, resume websites, etc.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Static Website

Here are some of the most common advantages and disadvantages of static sites:

Advantages of Static Sites	Disadvantages of Static Sites
Easy to develop as it doesn't require knowledge of database design & web programming. Cheaper to develop and maintain Easier to host on any server Can be easily transferred in case of a slower internet connection High refresh rate	It may not be suitable in the longer run Limited functionality Updating content on the site is time-consuming since you will have to update each individual HTML file. In the meantime, the users will have to wait for maintenance to be done before they can access the website again.

What is a Dynamic Website?

Dynamic websites are ones that display different content/ dynamic elements for different users, in different formats. This display changes depending on a number of factors such as on basis of user input, viewer demographics, user behaviour, time of day, location, language settings, and so on. This makes for a more enriched and better user experience. The information displayed is stored in a database or content management system (CMS). This means, whenever the information is changed/ updated in the database, it also changes on the site. The source code file for any webpage may remain the same, but the dynamic content needs to be updated for the proper functionality of the dynamic site.

These sites use a combination of client-side scripting and server-side languages to generate dynamic content. Given the functionality of these types of websites, dynamic website development and maintenance is a much more complex process in comparison. There are numerous web hosting service providers like NameHero or the website builder from LOGO to handle a dynamic website. Some dynamic site examples include E-commerce websites, social media sites, database-driven sites, dynamic news websites, or any other websites that call for frequent updates of data or content in real-time, like stock prices, etc.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Dynamic Website

The table below highlights some of the major disadvantages and advantages of dynamic sites.

Advantages of Dynamic Sites	Disadvantages of Dynamic Sites
Updating content and restructuring the site need less time, which increases the chances of longevity of the site. Content on the site can be managed & updated from anywhere in the world, on any PC/Desktop which has an internet connection. Multi-user access for writing the content. Dynamic interface attracts the user. Older material can be archived on the site.	Can be an unnecessary expense for any small business/firm. Takes considerable time to develop. Slower load time since these are content-heavy sites.

Difference Between Static and Dynamic Websites

Now that we have a clear idea of what static websites and dynamic websites entail, let's look at the major differences between the two and get an even better idea of which of these is more suitable for what purpose. Here's a table with a quick overview of the key differences between static and dynamic websites in terms of content, interactivity, data collection, customization, updates, and examples.

Feature	Static Website	Dynamic Website
Content	Fixed content that remains the same for all users	Content can change dynamically based on user interactions
Interactivity	Limited or no interactivity, typically one-way communication	Offers interactivity, allowing users to interact with content
Data Collection	Doesn't collect user data	Can collect and utilize user data for customization
Customization	Offers little to no customization for individual users	Can provide personalized experiences for each user
Updates	Manual updates required to change content	Content can be updated automatically or through CMS
Examples	Brochure websites, simple informational sites	Social media platforms, e-commerce stores, web applications

How Have Websites Evolved Overtime?

As websites have progressed over time, they have undergone significant evolution. Initially, websites were static, offering limited functionality by merely displaying content. These early sites lacked interactivity and couldn't gather user data, limiting their ability to tailor experiences.

However, as internet usage surged, users demanded more from their online experiences, prompting developers and designers to innovate. This led to the development of dynamic websites, which offered enhanced interactivity and personalized experiences. Dynamic websites encompassed various forms, including entertainment portals, social media platforms, e-commerce stores, and functional sites.

Today, the majority of websites combine elements of both static and dynamic pages, creating what's known as hybrid websites. This hybrid approach allows for flexibility based on the nature of the site and the needs of its visitors, reflecting the ongoing evolution of web development and design.

When to Choose Between Static or Dynamic Website?

The answer to this question is quite simple when you consider the purpose for which you are developing the website. For example, if you are a business and only want to develop a website that would give out information about your products, then a static website with a few pages will work for you. But if you are a business that wants to allow users/ visitors to shop online on your website, where the prices are drawn from real-time data and want features like a shopping cart where the user information and purchase information must be updated frequently, then you must go with a dynamic website. You can also opt for the hybrid approach i.e. a combination of the two webpage types, as mentioned above. The basis for any decision regarding this will depend on the kind of experience you want to offer to your visitors.

This brings us to the end of our discussion on the difference between static and dynamic websites. We are sure that you won't get confused between the two anymore. Also check out the articles listed below, for more information on web development topics.

Suggested Reads:

Shivani Goyal

Manager, Content

I am an economics graduate using my qualifications and life skills to observe & absorb what life has to offer. A strong believer in 'Don't die before you are dead' philosophy, at Unstop I am producing content that resonates and enables you to be #Unstoppable. When I don't have to be presentable for the job, I'd be elbow deep in paint/ pencil residue, immersed in a good read or socializing in the flesh.