Static or dynamic websites ?
What are their advantages and disadvantages?
Things to consider:
The creation of a website is a decision that cannot be taken at random, since it is the showcase of a company for its products or services. The way of writing, the images used, the animations or the colors themselves, are decisive for a brand to be able to communicate its message to their audience.
We know that there are many elements that require special attention within a website, but without a doubt one of them is the type of content that is implemented in it. Therefore, we distinguish between static and dynamic websites:
Static websites
This type of websites refers to the fact that the different pages that make it up are fixed, that is, they are a series of individual HTML code files that are delivered from a web server to the user when they send the request, but this delivery always occurs in the same way. Among the elements that make it up we find the commonly known titles, HTML texts, labels, images or meta descriptions, among others.
The only way for the user to see the website pages differently is when the web designer apply changes manually, otherwise the page will always have the same elements consistently.
Advantages:
– Usually the cost is cheaper.
– Easy to edit and design.
– Faster loading speed because it has a lower weight than a dynamic website.
– Less technical knowledge required to create it.
Disadvantages
– There may be greater difficulties at a technical level to make changes in the HTML code or the CSS.
– You may need the help of technicians specialized in web development, which would increase costs.
– Adding new pages or elements to the website can be more difficult and time-consuming.
Dynamic web pages
This means websites whose elements interact constantly without being static or purely informative. The users can not only see the web content, but also receive responses to the requests they make. The users can interact with the website
The way this type of page is displayed by the user is similar to static web pages, since the visitor launches a web request through his browser through Javascript code and the web server, written in PHP, Python or similar languages, the return of the request shows a page written in HTML.
Advantages
– It allows showing personalized content to the user based on their interests, and they can request information in a simple and fast way.
– The content of the website can be edited by a CMS (Content Management System) such as Wix or WordPress.
– Using a CMS allows any user with permissions to upload or modify a website.
– Adding animations, videos or any other creative material can be done more easily than on a static website.
Disadvantages
– The integration of its elements makes it difficult to create a greater number of templates, designs or personalized pages, since the structure of the web affects all the sites that are integrated afterwards.
– Development costs are usually higher due to the extra features, such as databases, forms, payment gateways or chats to interact with the audience.
– By having dynamic elements, it is more likely that there will be greater difficulties in responsiveness.
In short, depending on the niche and the type of product or service that you want to offer, a static or dynamic web page is more recommended. The dynamics websites can be built with platforms such as Squarespace, WordPress, or others such as Joomla, Drupal, etc. They have an integrated CMS that allows the user without knowledge to carry out any web or ecommerce. Although if you are looking for a purely informative website that does not require significant changes, a static one may be the best option. Arcopix web design expert in Hong Kong.