Before knowing the difference between static and dynamic web pages, we must know what web page and the working of the internet. The web page is simply a document that is available on the WWW (World Wide Web) and is easily accessible as a web resource.
Web browsers and web servers play a major role in any internet-based communication. To access web pages, simply put, the web browser transmits an HTTP request to the server through http protocol, and the server then replies with an HTTP response along with the requested webpage in HTML. The HTTP (Hypertext transfer protocol) is mainly used for the transaction between the web browser and the web server.
In Static Web pages, the browser sends an HTTP request to the server, and then the server sends an HTTP response to the browser with an HTML page and the communication between them ends. On the other hand, in dynamic web pages, the web server cannot send HTML directly with the response. It calls a program that is placed on its hard disk to access the database and transaction processing easily. Static websites are easier to create, in spite of Dynamic Web pages. Dynamic websites require more work.
In this article, we will show you a detailed comparison of Static Web Pages and Dynamic Web Pages. Learn everything thoroughly about Static and Dynamic Web pages and decide which type is right for you.
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What are Static web pages?
Static Web pages are very simple and are usually created with HTML, JavaScript, and CSS in simple text editors like Notepad. The content of static web pages remains the same every time until the programmer changes it manually. A static web page comes with a fixed number of layouts. Each page on a static site has a separate HTML file. When you visit a particular web page, you are viewing the actual file of that particular page.
Knowledge of web programming and database design is not required to create a static website. Static websites are very easy to code and assemble. Its web pages are coded in HTML. The codes are fixed for each page so the information contained in the page does not change and remains constant. Designing a static website does not require more time or effort. You can use various multimedia elements and videos.
Importance of Static Web Pages
- Static websites can be developed in a short time duration.
- Static web pages facilitate version control which helps to store the work and can recall whenever needed.
- It is very easy to use.
- Static websites are the best solution for business that runs out of money.
- High-speed performance
- Dedicated servers are also available for hosting at reasonable prices.
- Static websites are simple in structure
- It helps to transfer data in a short amount of time from server to client
What are Dynamic Web Pages?
As the name indicates, a dynamic web page keeps on changing and does not remain the same on every request. The Content of web pages appears differently for different visitors. Content varies depending on various parameters like user performing actions, time, and the type of request. It takes more loading time than a static web page.
Dynamic websites use client-side server scripting to prepare dynamic design and server-side code which help to handle events, manage sessions and cookies, and store and retrieve data from the database. Dynamic Web Pages are written in languages including CGI, AJAX, ASP, and ASP.NET. They are also used where the information is changed frequently.
In dynamic web pages, when the web browser (as a client) sends a request to the web server, then the web server calls the certain program written by the programmer, which can perform actions like performing some actions in the database, transaction procedures, calling other web servers, calling APIs, etc.
Importance of Dynamic Web Pages
- Dynamic Web page involves high-end programming that enables making changes easily.
- A dynamic website uses client-side scripting and server-side scripting for generating dynamic content.
- It has neat and well-organized coding.
- Easily access content from a database or Content Management System (CMS).
- Provide an attractive look and is easy to maintain.
- Dynamic Website is capable of producing different content for different visitors using the same source code file.
- Dynamic websites come with attractive presentations of content, designs, and tabs that give a much more sophisticated and professional look to a website.
- Dynamic Web Page uses server-side programming like PHP, Asp. NET. And JSP etc., to modify page contents on run time.
Comparison between Static Web Page and Dynamic Web Page in various aspects
1. Easy to design-
Static web pages are very easy and simple to create as they can be easily created by newbies in development.
Whereas, Dynamic Web Pages requires strong server-side scripting knowledge and database knowledge to create web pages.
2. Content-
Content of Static Web Pages remains the same and does not change on any specific factor until the programmer changes it manually.
Whereas, in Dynamic Web Pages the content keeps on changing depending on various factors. The content of pages will be different for different visitors.
3. Design Complexity-
Static Web Pages are simple to design as no advanced knowledge of programming languages is required.
But Dynamic Web Pages are complicated to design. Good programming knowledge is needed to create the logic of dynamic web pages.
4. Page loading time-
Static Web Page loading time is very less than Dynamic Web Page until very heavy images or videos are attached to the page.
In Dynamic Web Page, the page loading time is comparatively higher than in static web pages as every time the processing written in the program is performed before displaying on the web page.
5. Programming Language used
To create a static website, there is no need to use complex software programs. Having knowledge in HTML and CSS along with Notepad should be enough for beginners to build a simple static website. Users will see the same design and content each time they visit the website unless the source code is manually by the developer.
Whereas, a dynamic website generates the content and displays it based on what actions the users make on the page. It uses web programming languages like AJAX, CGI, ASP.net, Python, etc. An expert Python development company with more than ten years of experience, Sloboda Studio provides robust Python software development services for companies around the world.
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6. Use of Database-
Static Web Pages do not require databases, but in dynamic web, a page database is used.
7. File extension-
If the file extension of a URL is in .htm or .html format, then it is a static web page. While, if the file extension is in .php, .asp and .jsp then it is dynamic web pages.
8. Information change
In static web pages, Information is changed rarely. But in dynamic web pages, Information is changed frequently.
9. Building Costs-
Static Web Pages require less work and cost than designing simple websites. It costs only the starting.
But dynamic web pages cost much higher than static web pages as it involves the cost of functionality, database, and platform for writing the code.
Which one should you choose?
Choose Dynamic Web Pages because they have a lot of benefits. It reduces ongoing maintenance, easier to maintain in the long run, encourages efficient data management, and enables the addition of any future add-ons such as data feeds or a comprehensive site search.
It can be expanded for extra functionality in the future. It is impossible to destroy the layout, as might happen if you edit it from a web page editor. You can use CMS platforms such as WordPress that will allow you to launch your own dynamic website without much of a hassle.
Final Thoughts
Summing up, the decision you make should be based on what you want from your website. Dynamic websites offer more possibilities, while static websites offer more limited but simple to create. Make your choice wisely and choose according to what you expect from the site.
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