What is the difference between Static Website and Dynamic Website?
There are basically two main types of website - static and dynamic.
A static site is one that is usually written in plain HTML and what is in the code of the page is what is displayed to the user.
A dynamic website has a backend written in a language like PHP, Python, Ruby, Node.js, etc. These sites can take user input and change their content based on databases, external APIs, etc.
A good analogy for comparing static vs. dynamic websites is whether the website could be printed out and still function properly.
There are many static websites on the Internet, you may not be able to tell immediately if it is a static or dynamic website, but the chances are, if the site looks basic and is for a smaller company, and simply delivers information without any bells and whistles, it could be a static website. Static websites can only really be updated by someone with a knowledge of website development. Static websites are the cheapest to develop and host, and many smaller companies still use these to get a web presence. Here at EDinteractive web development, we can advise or help to develop both static and dynamic websites.
Advantages of static websites
Quick to develop
Cheap to develop
Cheap to host
Disadvantages of static websites
Requires web development expertise to update site
Site not as useful for the user
Content can get stagnant
The design of a dynamic site is more fixed than a static one because many of the pages are essentially a template into which data and content is poured to create multiple pages of a similar type. So for instance all your product pages will be essentially the same page layout with different data being displayed. While some customisation cabability can be built in it is usually quite limited, such a selecting from a set of pre-defined options. Individual layout changes to particular pages are not usually possible.
Advantages of dynamic websites
Much more functional website
Much easier to update
New content brings people back to the site and helps in the search engines
Can work as a system to allow staff or users to collaborate
Disadvantages of dynamic websites
Slower / more expensive to develop
Hosting costs a little more
Many sites from the last decade are static, but more and more people are realising the advantages of having a dynamic website.