Difference between static (basic) and dynamic (comprehensive) website?
The terms static and dynamic are often used by web designers to determine the best possible design for a
website .In earlier times ,most of the websites produced, used to be static i.e. they only used to present a
set amount of information to the end users. They were the brochure websites i.e. fold one presents one part
of the information, fold two the other and the third one has the text containing contact information. But now
with web 2.0,business people realized that the web can be used more dramatically than simply providing static
information. So their interest shifted to dynamic websites that allow their users to interact with a website
and modify the information in response to the query made by them. This article would make you familiar with
the basic difference between static and dynamic website and would help you to decide which one you want for
yourself ;static or dynamic.
Static websites: A static website comprises of inter-linked pages, each page is crafted as a
file and every time, when there is a change to be made; html file is opened, edited and finally saved.
These websites mostly have 3 to 5 pages and are designed using graphics program and can be recreated only by
using HTML. These are quick and cheap to develop and host. Each and every web page is a distinct entity or
document. Such websites do not consist of any databases or external files to draw upon. So a static website is
one with :
- 3 to 5 static pages
- No back end applications and databases
- Average graphics
- Static pictures
- Uses web 1.0
- Requires the expertise of web developer of updating
- Content gets dull, passive and stagnant
Dynamic websites: Dynamic websites are more functional and flexible than the static ones.
Though its preliminary organization is complex, as it makes use of complicated coding viz. ASP or PHP. But
once structured, it not only facilitates the free flow of data but also allows the user to use the data to
manage the content actively. The Content Management System in dynamic websites makes it easier and possible
to update and create the content without having the knowledge of HTML. Information stored in database or in
external file is used to create the each page of a dynamic website e.g. With a simple browser interface, events
and news can be posted to a site. Various new dynamic features have enriched the sites such as e-commerce,
intranet and extranet, enabling users to upload information and to create content whenever they need and also
to supplement new pages, landing pages and campaign pages. One can script and place relevant calls to action.
Dynamic websites have not only empowered the end users but have also enabled the site owners to monitor how
their users are steering through their sites i.e. what kind of content they are seeking, which is their
geographical area and who is driving them towards the site and most importantly the key words they are using
for search results. So we can say that a dynamic website is the one with :
- Unlimited and dynamic pages created in ASP. net
- Database driven applications
- Using SQL Server 2008
- Professional Graphics
- Flashing Picture Banners
- Web 2.0 or 3.0 i.e. uses smart web, having query apps
- Regular Updating
Before opting a website platform, dig down and explore; what type of information you want to provide, bring a
balance between doable and affordable and recognize the requirements of your users. So considering these
points would definitely help you to choose the accurate website design.