Static vs. Dynamic WordPress Website
What is static and dynamic website architecture? What defines dynamic content? Let’s dive in.
Static websites are coded in HTML and CSS, and every visitor’s content remains the same. They are ideal for displaying single content pages, such as a business’s contact information or a blog post.
On the other hand, dynamic websites are powered by a server-side language such as PHP. They contain dynamic content, which can be changed depending on the user’s input or other factors.
Dynamic websites are often used to create interactive experiences, such as ecommerce stores, web applications, and social networking sites.
Table of Contents
Difference Between Static and Dynamic Website Design
How websites work: look under the hood
Static vs. Dynamic Websites. Which One to Choose?
Dynamic websites: use cases and technologies
Dynamic Content and Dynamic Web Pages
What Is Dynamic WordPress Website?
Conclusion
Difference Between Static and Dynamic Website Design
Static websites can be likened to books in that their content does not change much, except for the incorporation of images, videos, and animations. The most interactive feature of a static website is usually a form, however, it is often more effective to use third-party services rather than relying solely on static forms.
Exploring the Mechanics of Websites: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
A website is an interactive exchange between two parties: the client and the server.
The client, who can be either a person on a computer or a smartphone, is the one that requests the website.
The server, which is a remote machine connected to the Internet, holds the information that forms the website pages.
HTTP and HTML are the two languages used by the browser to interact with the server. Hypertext, which is text with multiple links, is part of the HTTP and HTML languages.
These links are to CSS, JavaScript, and other media files that make up the website structure. When the browser reads them, it requests their delivery to make the DOM (Document Object Model). The difference between static and dynamic websites occurs on the server side.
And now, we can have two scenarios:
Static website
A static website is composed of files that are ready to view by a browser, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and media files, with no need for a database. This is the same as the internet from 20 years ago; it is easy to understand and navigate.
Usually, these sites contain only a few pages, with basic designs and little to no interactivity. The most interactive element is likely a button. Since there is no tracking of user visits, cookies, or roles, all users see the same content.
Any changes made to a page are only reflected on that page, even if a header or footer is edited, as there are no such components in a static HTML page. The overall look and feel of a static website is comparable to Google Docs.
Dynamic website
On the server, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP (when using WordPress Hosting) files are stored. This setup is what creates the key distinction, as it allows for a database to be used. The database stores information in rows and columns, making it much more efficient to access a large amount of data.
The PHP files, on the other hand, are used to create a frame for the content and to help the server understand the data. This setup has a great benefit, as it allows for different types of pages to be generated depending on user behavior or requests, with the content changing depending on the situation.
Rather than needing to create thousands of pages for each scenario, the database makes it easier to access the information in the way needed.
Pro Tip: 10 Proven Strategies to Improve WordPress Site Performance and Speed
Which type of website should you select: a static or a dynamic one?
Generally, it is crystal evident which form of the website to utilize once you are aware of your objectives. In their respective fields, they both have benefits.
Static websites: use cases and technologies
Static websites are websites that are served to viewers without any server-side processing. They are typically used for informational sites, such as portfolios, blogs, and other sites that don’t require any dynamic content.
Use Cases:
Landing pages: Landing pages are designed to get visitors to take a single action. They are often used as part of a lead generation or promotional campaign. Because they don’t require any dynamic content, static websites are ideal for creating landing pages.
Portfolios: Showcasing a portfolio of work is a great way to introduce potential customers to your skills and abilities. A static website is a perfect platform for a portfolio.
Blogs: Blogging is a great way to provide engaging content to your readers. A static website is a great platform for hosting a blog, as it requires less maintenance and updates.
Documentation: Documentation sites are often used to provide information and instructions on how to use a product or service. As they don’t require any dynamic content, static websites are ideal for hosting documentation sites.
Technologies:
HTML/CSS: HTML and CSS are the two main technologies used to create static websites. HTML is used to structure the content of the page, while CSS is used to style it.
JavaScript: JavaScript is used to add interactivity and dynamic elements to a static website. It can be used to create dynamic menus, sliders, and other interactive elements.
CMS: Content management systems (CMS) can be used to manage static websites. Popular CMSs include WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
Static Site Generators: Static site generators are tools that can be used to generate static sites from templates. Popular static site generators include Jekyll, Hugo, and Gatsby.
Dynamic websites: use cases and technologies
Dynamic websites are websites that are capable of responding in real time to user input and/or requests. They are more interactive than static websites and can be used for a variety of purposes such as e-commerce, content management systems, and social networking sites.
Use cases for Dynamic Websites
E-commerce: Dynamic websites can be used to create an online store where customers can browse a variety of products and make purchases. These websites often feature payment processing, product search, and order tracking capabilities.
Content management systems: Dynamic websites are often used to create and manage content such as blog posts, articles, and images. They allow for easy editing and updating of content, as well as the addition of new content.
Social networking: Dynamic websites are often used to create social networks where users can connect with friends, share content, and follow each other.
Technologies Used for Dynamic Websites
Server-side scripting languages: Commonly used server-side scripting languages for dynamic websites include PHP, ASP.NET, and Ruby on Rails. These languages are used to create the logic behind the website and to generate web pages in response to requests.
Databases: Dynamic websites often use databases to store data such as user information, product details, and blog posts. Popular databases used for dynamic websites include MySQL, MongoDB, and PostgreSQL.
JavaScript: JavaScript is used to create interactive experiences on dynamic websites. It is often used to validate user input, perform calculations, and display dynamic data.
AJAX: AJAX is a technology that can be used to make a web page more dynamic. It allows for requests to be sent to the server without reloading the page, enabling a smoother user experience.
Dynamic Content and Dynamic Web Pages
Dynamic content is content that is generated in real-time and changes based on user input or other variables.
Dynamic web pages are web pages that are generated in real-time and change according to user input or other variables.
These pages are interactive, allowing users to interact with the page and even change its content. Examples of dynamic content and web pages include online stores, search engines, forums, and user dashboards.
What Is Dynamic WordPress Website?
Dynamic WordPress websites are websites that are built using a content management system such as WordPress. This type of website allows users to easily customize the content of their website, add new pages and make changes to existing pages.
Dynamic WordPress websites are often used by businesses and individuals to create professional and engaging websites that are easy to manage and maintain.
Conclusion
Switching to a dynamic website rather than a static one will provide you with an advantage in your field. By utilizing robust tools and plugins, you can quickly and easily display your content and data dynamically on your website.
