The difference between static and dynamic websites

Websites can be categorised according to various criteria, for example, there are monolingual and multilingual sites, there are webshops and websites, there are websites that provide information and websites that want to sell, and so on. This also includes the distinction between static and dynamic websites.

The difference between a static and a dynamic website is usually not discussed much. The reason is that it is not a matter of deciding whether I want the website to be multilingual, but the website itself determines whether it is static or dynamic. What does this mean exactly?

What is a static website?

A static website does not change, which means it looks the same to all users. The elements that make it up do not move, they are fixed, which means that they do not change based on the user's navigation or preferences.

Most websites fall into this category. There is a main page, to which (and to each other) are linked x number of subpages, the content of which does not change, the same for everyone, until the owner of the page makes changes. Of the two types, this one is more suitable for conveying information, presenting the company and its products.

It has the advantage of being cheaper and quicker to build than a dynamic website, thanks to its simpler structure.

What is a dynamic website?

A dynamic website is much more complex than a static one, and the main difference is that it can change in response to user activity. They go beyond providing information and advice, they are a way for the website visitor and the brand to engage with each other.

These websites are also called database-driven websites, as the information they display changes according to where the user in the database comes from or what activities they are engaged in. As a result, the content of the pages is compiled in real time, depending on who is visiting.

The aforementioned database contains the user's behaviour, purchases, interests and interactions, and the system uses this information to calculate what the visitor might prefer. Dynamic websites use both server-side and client-side scripts, and the appropriate content is either pulled from a database or from a content management system.

Typical examples are infinite scrolling web pages, social networking sites, web shops, where the user can be present and navigate with his own profile, which facilitates profile creation and data collection.

The main difference between the two types

Basically, the biggest difference is that a dynamic site can change its content based on the visitor's preferences and interactions, while a static site cannot. This also means that HTML, CSS and JS are sufficient to create the latter, while for the dynamic one, languages such as PHP and JSP are needed. It is important to point out that search engine optimisation is much easier with static pages, if only because the dynamic page is generated in real time, and page speed and load time are more reliable and better with static pages.

In addition to all this, the cost of the site should also be mentioned. As static sites are simpler, they are less expensive to develop and maintain than dynamic sites.

Which is the right solution?

The answer depends on the purpose and type of website. So it depends on what exactly you need. For example, if you want a webshop, you will probably need a dynamic website, but if you want a website presenting products and services, a static website is the best choice.

Website development with Meraki

Our goal is to create sales-supporting websites that serve our clients' interests to the maximum. Whether it's a simple website, such as a static presentation site, or a complex dynamic interface, an ERP system, a booking system or various automations, Meraki has the expertise to develop it in the most efficient way.

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