Static vs Dynamic Websites

Question: What is the difference between a static website and a dynamic website?

Answer: A static website relies on traditional HTML pages to display content. Typically, a person will create the pages in an offline editor, such as Dreamweaver or even a plain text editor like Notepad, and then upload them to the server via FTP. The downside of static pages is that anytime you want to make changes to the site, you have to edit the pages and upload them again. It can be time consuming and costly, if you hire someone to make a site for you.

A dynamic website relies on a scripting language, such as PHP, Perl, ASP, JSP, or CFML. All of these languages employ server-side scripting. With Javascript and other client-side scripting, the browser is responsible for executing the script. That is why you can disable Javascript in your web browser. With server-side scripting, the scripts are executed on the server, so when you visit the site, the page is displayed as normal HTML.

The big advantage of a dynamic site is that data is stored in a separate database or series of text files. When you want to make changes to the site, you can use a content management system (CMS), such as Joomla or Druapl, and simply login to the site backend. Pages are created on the fly, and there is virtually no limit to the number of pages you can create. If you are interested in having a dynamic website, you need to make sure the web hosting company you choose supports the type of scripting your CMS will require.

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The Database Dilemma

One feature some consumers forget to look over before signing up for a hosting package is the number of MySQL databases offered. The most common type of database, MySQL is required to use any of the most popular blogging or CMS platforms.

One clever trick hosts use to keep usage down is limit the number of MySQL databases a customer can use. It’s not uncommon for entry-level hosting plans to have only one or possibly no databases. Because each CMS or blog installation requires a separate database, a limit on MySQL limits the number of sites you can run. Hosts may also achieve the same effect by restricting the number of domain names that can be added to an account.

Before signing up for a hosting package, make sure you have enough databases. Higher-end plans will give you at least 10. Of course, you can always use static HTML instead to get around a MySQL limit, but most hosters these days prefer the ease of use offered by a CMS.

Top Free Content Management Systems

Content management systems (CMSs) are great for websites of all shapes and sizes. They not only drastically reduce the amount of hardcode HTML editing needed to keep a website up-to-date, but are also easy to modify with add-ons and themes. Do a quick web search, though, and you’ll find there are literally thousands of CMSs to choose from.

Each CMS is built differently and may or may not be the best option for your site. Some content management systems are designed only for hardcore geeks, but have streamlined backends that make them great for large sites. Some might be easy to use, but offer poor performance, while others may offer a healthy mix between good performance and usability.

Here are my choices for the best content management systems. All are widely supported and respected in the web industry, but because requirements vary so greatly from person to person, the CMSs are ranked in no particular order.
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Benefits of using a content management system (CMS)

There was a time when having a web site meant having a single HTML page with text, links, and maybe a few low resolution pictures. Even professional organizations did not put much thought into design.

Any time a site needed updating, it was up to a webmaster to edit HTML code on his computer and then upload it to the server. As time progressed, certain companies created web authoring tools, such as Microsoft Frontpage and Macromedia Dreamweaver (now Adobe Dreamweaver).

Since then the web has changed dramatically. Users expect frequent small portions of content delivered to them in a timely fashion. Content management systems (CMS) have been around for over a decade, but their popularity has increased tremendously, especially with the advent of blogs.

There are several benefits to using a content management system:

1. Once the site template has been designed, there is no need to edit HTML code offline and then upload it to a server.

2. Often times, you can add pictures and videos within the CMS backend.

3. Many CMS’s offer plugins and extensions that allow webmasters to quickly and easily ad functionality.

4. If a site or company changes webmasters, all of the content is on the server, so there is no need to track down the old webmaster.

Many web hosting companies now offer script installers that will automatically install a content management system for their customers. There are hundreds of free and open source CMS’s available. There should be one out there that is right for just about anyone.

Photo Source: Flickr