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Unlike dynamic websites that generate content in real time by pulling information from a database, static websites are prebuilt and delivered to the user exactly as stored.
We’ve already talked about what is a static site anyway? A static website generally consists of fixed content presented to every visitor in the same manner. Each page is coded in HTML and displays the same information to every visitor. But at the same time, it is so much more. We suggest you read the linked blog post for more details. Here we’ll quickly cover the advantages and disadvantages of static websites.
Advantages of Static Websites
Speed and Performance. Static websites are faster and more responsive than dynamic websites because they don't require server-side processing or database queries to render the web pages. The server delivers the pages directly to the client's browser, which results in quicker load times.
Reliability. Since there are fewer moving parts, static websites are more stable and less prone to runtime errors that can occur due to server-side scripting or database issues.
Security. Static websites offer a high level of security because they don't rely on a database, where security vulnerabilities can often be exploited. Also, the lack of processing scripts reduces the surface area for attacks.
Hosting and Scalability. Static websites have straightforward hosting requirements and can be easily deployed on any web server. They also scale well under heavy load because serving static content requires fewer server resources.
Maintenance. With no databases or server-side scripts, maintenance is simplified. Changes often require just editing HTML files and re-uploading them to the server.
Cost-Effective. Static websites are generally less expensive to develop and host because they require fewer resources.
Disadvantages of Static Websites
Limited Functionality. Static websites are not suitable for websites requiring real-time, interactive, or personalized content. They don't support user input or content changes without manual updates to the HTML code.
Content Management. Static websites can be challenging to manage for large websites or websites that frequently update content. Each page must be individually edited, and layout or design changes must be made manually to each page.
No User Interaction. User interactions such as form submissions, comments, or other types of user-generated content are not natively supported and often require third-party services.
Non-Dynamic Content. Content is the same for all users. Unlike dynamic websites, static sites cannot display different content based on user preferences, location, or other factors.
When deciding between a static and dynamic website, consider the site's purpose, the required functionality, the resources available for development and maintenance, and the expected amount of traffic. Static websites can be an excellent choice for small sites, portfolios, landing pages, and informational websites that don't require user interaction or frequently updated content.
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