Static and Dynamic Websites - Advantages and Disadvantages

What is a Static Website?

A Static website can be defined as follows:

This generally refers to elements of the Internet or computer programming that are fixed and not capable of action or change. A Website that is static can only supply information that is written into the html and this information will not change unless the change is written into the source code. When a Web browser requests the specific static Web page, a server returns the page to the browser and the user only gets whatever information is contained in the HTML code. In practice, this results in the delivery of the interface, images and text as one item. In contrast, a dynamic Web page contains content that a user can interact with, such as information that is tied to a database, therefore the interface and structure of the site can be manipulated independently of the content.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a static website?

Advantages

• Generally cheaper to implement on a smaller scale if fewer pages are required

• Good for smaller companies as there is no need for any management system; it is the responsibility of one person

• More flexibility is available, as you are not restricted to any template layout (although this can affect the usability of your website)

• No change is required to your web hosting

Disadvantages

• More expensive to maintain in the long term if updates are more frequent. This is because any changes have to be made to pages individually. For example, if you had a menu item that appeared on every page that required amending, each individual page throughout the site would have to be updated.

• Not updatable by the Client, thus relying on the Web designer to edit.

• Increased risk to business, as the person with web skills could fall ill or leave, meaning that the website can no longer be maintained without complications.

• Management is restricted to one machine. If changes need to be made then this is only possible where the editing tool is installed.

• Website editors need significant training and skills to develop the website to modern day standards and practices. This is time consuming, expensive and ongoing.

What is a Dynamic Website?

A Dynamic Website has an interface which is entirely separate from the content which is presented within it. This has the effect of making the structure of the website and also the appearance extremely adaptable. In the case of a static website, when you click a link you are presented with the interface and text in one. In the case of a dynamic website, the interface design is constant and the text is pulled from a database on demand i.e. when you click a button or link.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a Dynamic website?

Advantages

• Restructuring of dynamic websites is easier, thus ensuring its longevity

• Can be developed/amended/added to as and when required

• Access to be able to content manage the website from any computer, anywhere in the world (that has Internet connection)

• Website content contributors/editors only need basic content editing skills

• Multiple user access for updating/content managing – Users or employees who are ‘experts’ in their subject area can add information to their relevant section of the website. The amount of access can also be setup.

• A Dynamic Website allows you to archive past material on a certain date or allows an item to be published or removed at a certain date automatically.

• As the content is held within a database it allows the user to search the database for content, also a site map is automatically generated as content is added.

Additional features available by implementing a dynamic website:

By constructing the website with dynamic capabilities it opens up a wide range of possibilities such as:

• Online booking

• E-Newsletter (subscription and distribution)

• On-line photo galleries

• E-commerce

• Voting/Polls

• Forums/Message Boards

Disadvantages

• For smaller companies a Dynamic website might be too expensive or seen as unnecessary so the investment might not be justified

• Slightly longer initial development time

• Cost of implementing training of Content management system to Client/Staff

Please see our Glossary for more information

Author: Andrew Jacobs 27/05/08 

3 years ago