Lesson:

What is a Static and

Dynamic Website?
Static Website
A static website is a collection of web pages that are coded and created using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Each
page of a static website is a separate HTML file that exists on the web server. The content of each page is pre-
written and does not change unless the developer manually updates it. Static sites are the most basic type of
website and are suitable for smaller websites that do not require frequent updates or advanced features.

Advantages of Static Websites

Speed: Static websites are fast and lightweight because they consist of simple HTML and CSS files. This
makes them quick to load and easy to navigate
Security: Because there is no server-side processing, static websites are less vulnerable to hacking attacks
than dynamic sites
Cost-effective: Static websites are easy to develop and maintain, which makes them a cost-effective
option for small businesses or personal websites
Simple Hosting: Static websites can be hosted on any web server, making them easy to deploy and
maintain.

Disadvantages of Static Websites

Limited Functionality: Static websites cannot perform complex functions like e-commerce, user login, or
database integration
Time-consuming updates: Every time a change is made to a static website, it has to be done manually,
which can be time-consuming and tedious. Let's take an example of a portfolio website in which the user
wants to add his new projects then he had to update the code to do so
Lack of Interactivity: Static websites do not allow users to interact with the content on the site in real time.

Examples of Static Websites

Brochure Websites: These are simple websites that provide information about a business or organization,
such as their products, services, and contact information
Personal Websites: Personal websites are usually created by individuals to showcase their work, hobbies, or
interests
Portfolio Websites: These websites are created by artists, photographers, and designers to showcase their
work to potential clients.

Full Stack Web Development

Dynamic Websites (Web Applications):
A dynamic website is a collection of web pages that are created using server-side scripting languages like
NodeJS, PHP, ASP, or Ruby. The content of a dynamic website is generated on the server side and can change
depending on user input or other factors. Dynamic websites can perform complex functions like e-commerce,
user login, and database integration.

Advantages of Dynamic Websites

Interactivity: Dynamic websites allow users to interact with the content on the site in real time, making them
more engaging and user-friendly
Rich Features: Dynamic websites can have a wide range of features such as shopping carts, search
functionality, and user accounts
Scalability: Dynamic websites can handle large amounts of data and are easily scalable to meet the needs
of a growing business
Customizability: Dynamic websites are highly customizable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs
of a business or organization.

Disadvantages of Dynamic Websites

Slower Speed: Dynamic websites are slower than static websites because they rely on server-side
processing
Complexity: Dynamic websites are more complex to develop and maintain, which can make them more
expensive than static sites
Security Vulnerabilities: Dynamic websites are more vulnerable to hacking attacks than static sites
because they rely on server-side processing.

Examples of Dynamic Websites

E-commerce Websites: These websites are designed to sell products and services online, using shopping
carts and payment processing systems
Social Networking Websites: These websites allow users to connect and interact with each other in real
time
Online Applications: These are web-based applications that perform a specific function, such as online
banking or project management software.

Full Stack Web Development

Static vs. Dynamic Websites: Which One to Choose?
Choosing between a static and dynamic website depends on your specific needs and goals. Here are some
things to consider when making your decision
Purpose: If your website is simply a brochure or portfolio site, a static website may be the best choice.
However, if you need advanced functionality like e-commerce, user accounts, or search functionality, a
dynamic website may be necessary
Budget: Static websites are generally cheaper and easier to create and maintain, making them a good
option for businesses or individuals with limited budgets. However, if you have the resources to invest in a
dynamic website, it can provide a higher level of interactivity and customization
Maintenance: If you have a small website that doesn't require frequent updates, a static website may be the
better choice. However, if you need to update your site frequently or have a large amount of content, a
dynamic website may be more practical
Scalability: If you anticipate your website will grow over time, a dynamic website may be a better choice as
it can handle larger amounts of data and traffic.

Full Stack Web Development