You must make the choice during Web development: static or dynamic website? Your site visitors won’t notice the difference but your selection matters. Depending on which you choose, one is a pain in the rear but has value in its simplicity. The other offers great scalability at a growing cost. Which is the better option? We’ll explain the differences in the site types in this post. Plus, we’ll cover the pros & cons and end it by helping you pick what’s best moving forward.
What are Static Websites?
Static websites are a 1-for-1 representation of the HTML file. You’ll find similar features like headers, sidebars, and footers, but different body content. So, if you were to need site changes you would update each section per page. The website rarely changes unless you’re manually updating.
What are Dynamic Websites?
Dynamic websites generate pages through Web technologies. Common tech includes, but not limited to, MySQL and PHP. These languages let servers deliver page content and is often paired with templates. You will generally update the backend when you need to make changes. These changes reflect across the website where the dynamic code is found.
Static vs. Dynamic Website: Pros and Cons
Already, you can likely tell the benefits of one over the other. Let’s get into the finer details to help you decide which is best for your Web project.
What You Get with Static Sites
Static websites include positives like:
- Price. Simpler development means lower development costs.
- Security. The site relies on fewer, exploitable Web technologies.
- Consistency. What you see is what you get.
- Speed. Fewer files and reliant tech creates offer quick load times.
- Simplicity. With it comes lower hosting costs (or even free options)!
Of course, there are issues with a static site:
- Cumbersome. Updating sites are tedious as each page needs tweaking.
- Costs. Needing frequent updates may incur on-going dev costs.
- Limits. Features like eCommerce may not integrate (well) with the site.
A static website is a great choice if you need a simple Web presence. But, at that point, you might as well consider social media to reach your audience.
What You Get with Dynamic Sites
Your benefits of using dynamic sites could include:
- Dynamic. As named, the content morphs to your updates and changes.
- Scalability. Site code adapts as you add new technologies and features.
- Control. Non-tech savvy owners can make changes without much trouble.
- Standardization. Built for flexibility, letting you hire new devs as needed.
Dynamic isn’t perfect, though:
- Costs. Extra features come at a price through site development.
- Complexity. New updates can create a mess of “spaghetti code“.
- Weight. Every update adds more page weight, hindering site speed.
A dynamic site is ideal for businesses invested in their online presence.
The Winner Is…
The dynamic website. Why? Because the Web evolves at the will of its users. What’s functional today may need a major overhaul in under a year. Having to reinvest time and resources updating static sites limits your growth potential. Don’t limit your online success. Inquire about our services and get an amazing website, today.
