Static or dynamic website?
There are many examples of both static and dynamic websites used by both large and small companies. This website is static. Google is dynamic. So what’s the difference? And what does it mean in practice?
Simply put, a static website is like a brochure, while a dynamic website is more like a calculator. A static website always shows something that already exists, while a dynamic website can generate or display content based on data. A dynamic website can do just about anything you could want, but maybe a brochure is exactly what you need?
A static website is typically:
- Fast
- More secure (fewer moving parts)
- More affordable
- Easy to move
A dynamic website, on the other hand:
- Can handle complex functionality
- Is well suited for online stores, booking, and anything with user accounts
- Can often be administered through an admin page
Static website with dynamic elements?
But what if what you need is a brochure that also has a form for potential customers to contact you? Or a comment section? There are solutions for this.
The website can, for example, simply a very lightweight dynamic website, with just the things you need - this can also be very secure, and more than fast enough, but it depends on the developer and the technology that’s used.
It’s also possible to actually have a static website, but with features that rely on external services for these dynamic elements. This can be done seamlessly using a bit of javascript.
What should I choose?
The right choice depends on your needs. Many don’t have any need for a complex system, and can do perfectly well with a simpler solution that is fast, secure and stable.